HOW SCHOOL DISTRICTS HIRE PRINCIPALS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS

This qualitative research study examined the hiring process of principals in four California school districts. Research was conducted via interviews with recently hired principals, district leadership, and members of the interview hiring panels. The study determined that the four school districts did follow an intentional process to hire principals. Major conclusions included superintendents must approach hiring principals with intentionality, and strategic processes based on research must not only be in place but also be followed to hire principals. This study was significant and will contribute to educational leadership because the hiring process is what places competent leadership at a school site.