Know Your District Office

You're the new principal. Part of your job is to make sure that things happen for your school. You need to get sufficient resources, ensure that the campus is clean and in good repair and that the grounds are well kept, acquire adequate staff, have busses that run when they are needed, etc. The major support systems for your school reside at the district central office. District-based staff have much information about budget, maintenance, food services, bussing, field trips, negotiations, collective bargaining agreements, enrollment projections, construction of housing in the community and so many more things.

To make things happen for your school, you need the support of central office staff. Know who they are; cultivate good relations; take the time to meet them personally. Here's the best thing: drop in to meet the staff who support your school. Introduce yourself. Ask if they prefer to communicate by email or telephone. Find out the best number to use to reach them. Above all, thank them for all of the good work they do for the schools. This is the beginning of your establishing a network of relationships to get things done for your school.

As a new principal, you are just beginning to step back and acquire a broader view of your school and your role as a leader. Once you are able to view your school from a broad perspective, you need to step back further still and see your school as part of a school district. Ask yourself where your school fits within the district. How do people at the central office view the school? And why do they view it that way?

In addition the district has probably committed all schools to a strategic plan and both long-term and annual goals. They will have certain curriculum emphases and planned professional development activities and opportunities for all staff. Plan to work with the District, to coordinate your activities with District activities, to maximize the benefits which the District can provide.