Public engagement is critical to successful leadership. There needs to be public awareness, at both the community and national level, of the changes necessary to strengthen school leadership. Sharp disparities between how a community views leadership, and how it is regarded in the school or the district or state, can result in contradictory expectations for school leaders. The issue of governance is crucial. School boards are critical to creating both supports and barriers to the effectiveness of superintendents and principals.
Shortages relate directly to the poor climate for leadership.
Currently, many would-be leaders among teachers are deterred from becoming school leaders by the personal sacrifices and small salary differentials. What is needed are conditions in schools and districts so that quality people want to enter and stay in the profession.