He must have the freedom to prioritize his needs and his budget to place the greatest number of dollars in the classrooms. He must be able to select and purchase the additional textbooks, technology, or maps, for example, without having someone else prioritize those dollars. The strong principal should be able to explain and defend his program to parents and others interested in his school. He should have the freedom to share his vision without fear of retribution from the district or the teacher's association. As long as students in his building are performing well by objective standards, and parents are interested in sending their children to his school, he should be given autonomy.
Outstanding principals are noteworthy.
We applaud Dr. Moskowitz' efforts to improve his schools by hiring principals of principle. It is within each school building that cultures of excellence flourish or wither, and that student performance rises or falls. Carolyn DeRaad is director of the Parent Information Center at the Independence Institute. This article, from the Independence Institute staff, fellows and research network, is offered for your use at no charge. Independence Feature Syndicate articles are published for educational purposes only, and the authors speak for themselves.