Principals are an important part of any rural community. They do everything from determining the direction of their schools to changing light bulbs in campus hallways. When rural principals are well supported, they can more easily provide opportunities for students to learn the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to their own communities effectively.

This brief shares insights, experiences, and recommendations from the Rural Educators’ Community of Practice (CoP) about retaining rural principals. Organized by the Region 15 Comprehensive Center at WestEd, the CoP supports rural education leaders at the state and local levels in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.