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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Data show that turnover among Oklahoma City school district principals is costing the system $1.2 million a year, according to a new report by an education advocacy group.
The Stand for Children Oklahoma report released Wednesday finds that more than 20 percent of schools in the Oklahoma City district change principals each year. Principals are key to teacher retention and also impact student achievement, the report stated.
"While teacher quality, recruitment and retention challenges in Oklahoma have been well-documented in recent years, less has been written on principal effectiveness and the challenge of principal support and development in urban districts," said Matt Latham, the group's Oklahoma City director.
The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/1XQ32Vk ) reports that superintendent Rob Neu said the district is working to attract, develop and retain a qualified and diverse workforce to serve and lead students. He said district leaders have taken proactive steps to "end the revolving door by supporting and empowering principals and recognizing potential building leaders" as part of a five-year strategic plan approved in June.
"It is wonderful to have Stand for Children as a partner in this effort," Neu said in a statement. "Principal turnover is an issue affecting not only Oklahoma City Public Schools but districts across the country."
Latham said the district's efforts to better support principals should be recognized as a positive step forward.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com
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