Stories about successful schools often stress the roles played by principals. Principals set the tone. They encourage students, stick up for teachers and maintain discipline. They perform a necessary yet difficult job. Excellent principals are not paid enough.
Last Sunday's Times-Dispatch reported on the pay earned by Central Virginia's principals. The story found a disparity between compensation for principals at schools in wealthy districts and at schools in districts with lower incomes. Pay reflects, to a considerable degree, seniority. Principals are more likely to stay at schools with fewer social and economic challenges. Turnover at at-risk schools remains a dilemma.
Yet schools with those challenges are the ones that most need principals — and teachers — with seniority. Localities ought to consider whether educators willing to take on difficulties deserve bonuses that reward their commitments.
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