Unlike traditional public school principals, however, they face the reality that their schools can be shut down if they do not fulfill their missions, which may range from creating a Montessori school in Arizona to establishing an automotive academy in Michigan. Regardless of their specific missions, this new breed of charter school leader faces many of the same technical and interpersonal frustrations as traditional public school principals. They are responsible for the same paperwork and red tape, as well as the same health, safety, and civil rights laws. They also must deal with similar teacher, parent, and student issues. In addition, they are accountable to the organizations that granted their charters, and they must juggle obligations to their governing boards and their local school districts.
Problems often arise when a non-traditional school leader takes the principal's chair.
Leaders of charter schools may receive assistance from a variety of sources. The Center for Educational Reform, which promotes choice and charter schools, has a website which offers a comprehensive database on reform issues. The Center also provides advice, consultation, and hands-on help for individuals working for education reform. Other highly visible advocacy groups include Boston's Pioneer Institute, Arizona's Goldwater Institute, and Michigan's Association of Public School Academies. In some cases, the sponsoring agency oversees the charter for a fee.