The Dilemmas of Principalship

I was just reading an article about a school system that is in debt for $40,000.  That debt is for unpaid

lunches.  The article gave different solutions to fix recoup the money and fix the problem. The solution I

preferred was to continuously encourage these parents to apply for free or reduced lunch.  A principal in the

article stated that he sent home applications to these parents to fill out for free or reduced lunch.  But, they

did not because of their pride or they were living out of zone.  I feel the educational leader should present

more information to the parents about the program.  Inform the parents they don’t have to live in the zone to

get approved.  Also, the educational leader should have meetings at the school and homes explaining the

application to those who don’t understand it.  Flyers, emails, and calls should be given to these parents giving

them information about the application.

The article is important to future educational leaders because it shows how it is an ever changing position.  For example, the principals in this school may receive a lower budget for next year, resulting from the lunch debt.  Another example of change would be the Natick School Districts lunch debt.  The school financial advisers may set the budget for next before the school year ends.  They may set the budget based on the unpaid debts. But if the debt is paid, the budget may increase over the summer. 

Constant changes like this is a dilemma that all principals encounter.  Everyday its a new situation that needs to be worked out.  Future principals must be ready to adapt to different situations constantly.