The Right Fit? How Districts Consider Merit and Fit in Principal Hiring
Abstract
This study examined how two suburban schools determine the merit and fit of applicants for principalship positions. Data collection for this multiple-case qualitative study included interviews with district officials and other educators involved in the hiring process, and a review of district policies and publicly available content (e.g., hiring processes and procedures for principals). Key findings highlight the school districts’ (a) focus on equity and inclusion, (b) relational skills and connectivity, and (c) varying leadership styles. This study addresses gaps in research on principal selection practices in K-12 education.
Fields of Study & Subjects
School Choice and Performance
Teacher Education and Leadership Studies
Educational Theory and Curriculum Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Leadership and Policy in Schools
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Pages
- 1–18
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN