Principal (school)
From Free net encyclopedia
A principal is the chief administrator in an elementary school, secondary school, or high school.
In many American, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand schools, a principal is the head of a school who has been appointed to his position by the school board, superintendent, or other body. The principal makes the executive decisions that govern the school, as well as having the authority over the employment of the teachers. The principal is usually also the chief disciplinarian of the students.
In larger schools the principal is assisted by one or more vice principals or assistant principals. They are second in position behind the principal in running the school. Assistant or vice principals typically handle specific responsibilities, such as student discipline or curriculum, whereas the principal has responsibility for all school functions.
Books and documents relating to the early days of public education show that the title was originally Principal Teacher, which was somewhat more in keeping with the Head Teacher title sometimes used in England.