Posted on: Tuesday, July 15, 2003

EDITORIAL
Principal shortage: Opportunity for change

A looming shortage of principals in our public schools looks like a nearly insurmountable problem, but it may turn out to be a golden opportunity.

As detailed by education writer Jennifer Hiller, the Department of Education has some 33 principal vacancies to fill, as well as an additional 128 vice principal positions. And vacancies will crop up about as fast as the DOE can fill them as the aging ranks of school administrators reach retirement.

The DOE is struggling to fill the vacancies. Pay for principals is not much higher than that earned by senior teachers, and the burden of paperwork, discipline and other job demands is daunting.

In sum, this may present an opportunity for the DOE, working with the Legislature, the unions and the administration, to take a fresh look at what it expects from its school administrators and what it offers them.

Traditionally, principals have been drawn from the ranks of senior teachers, and that is likely to continue. But there is no reason why the state should automatically assume that its best and most senior teachers must be converted into administrators.

The two jobs are substantially different. A principal is, in most ways, the chief executive officer of a complex organization.

So why not use this major turnover in school administrators as an opportunity to seriously consider a fundamental restructuring of the job description?

Take principals out of the union, beef up their pay and put them on a performance contract. Look within the teaching ranks for high-quality administrators, but do not be afraid to look outside for skilled and committed administrators.

As it stands today, the Department of Education will be playing a game of catch-up for years to come as principals and vice principals retire. Rather than continuing to run in place, the system should consider a new way of doing things.