Why Principals Leave: Exploring Factors Influence Principal Turnover in One Highly Diverse Charter School

• In Event: Examining the Dynamics of Principal Turnover and Burnout

Abstract

Principal turnover challenges many of our nation’s schools. Given this pervasive problem, this instrumental case study examines an independent elementary charter school that has had seven school leaders in the past six years. The research question asks what factors contributed to the rapid turnover of school leaders at one urban elementary charter school? Data includes interviews with the principals, administrative team members, teachers and school board members as well as relevant documents such as the school board’s exit interviews with the principals. Findings indicated a confluence of factors shape leaders’ decisions to leave including the principal’s preparation, communication, and organizational climate and culture. The discussion will consider the implications of these findings.

Author

• Kristina Brezicha, Georgia State University