Principals Matter, Let’s Invest in Them
We couldn’t agree more with the message Derek Sarkley, Walla Walla School Board Member and current candidate for the state Legislature, laid out in his Principals Matter, Let’s Invest in Them blog post. Effective principal leadership is one of the most important levers for improving school outcomes — for students, teachers, and entire communities. The research and evidence behind this claim have been growing for years, but it’s refreshing to hear it from those in a position to enact policies and legislation.
“I’ve seen the difference a great principal can make. I’ve also seen the downsides that come from frequent building leadership turnover.”
Investing in principals — through preparation, development, and retention — is not just good policy, it’s essential to realizing the full impact of state and district initiatives. As Sarley writes:
“Education policymaking at the state level in Washington has been extremely well-intentioned … I am convinced that investing deeply in principal preparation, development, and retention is one of those powerful levers the legislature can pull.”
This perspective reflects what school system leaders know from experience: without strong principals, even the most well-designed policies and programs struggle to get implemented with fidelity.
“Once [students] arrive, I really believe the most important predictor of their success is the quality of the teacher… But the most important factor in the success of that teacher just may be the principal in their buildings.”
We appreciate the vision and platform shared here — especially the emphasis on elevating principals’ roles and empowering them to lead their buildings with clarity and consistency. Investing in principal leadership is a direct investment in students and teachers alike, and it’s heartening to see a focus on this from voices across the educational landscape. As The Wallace Foundation says, “Yes, principals are that important.“
