15 Must-Do Items for School Principals

15 Must-Do Items for School Principals - Excerpted from The Principal's Leadership Sourcebook by Evan Robb.

"Whether you're an aspiring, new, or veteran principal, leadership is a word you will continually hear from the central office, other administrators, teachers, and parents.

"The principal's job will challenge you, both physically and mentally. It's a job that starts on July 1 (unless you're in a year-round school) and requires communication and decision-making skills that you'll acquire from on-the-job experience. No graduate class can replace experience. Your primary goal each year should be to make decisions that are in the best interest of your students. Such decision-making starts in the summer, before students and staff enter the building, and continues throughout the year. Taking the time to build positive relationships with all the members of your school and the surrounding community before school opens becomes the firm foundation that enables you to lead effectively.

"I keep a Must-Do list and revisit it twice a month. This allows me to make sure that I'm following up, getting feedback, monitoring project progress before checking the item off."