March 4

Is knotty job undoing principals in Maine?

Recent studies say the position is more demanding than ever and longtime local administrators agree.

By Leslie Bridgers lbridgers@pressherald.com
Staff Writer

(Continued from page 1)

click image to enlarge

Massabesic High School Principal Christian Elkington visits with students waiting for a bus at the end of the school day in Waterboro on Friday. “We’re being told, even if we’re making gains, they’re not good enough,” Elkington said.

Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

Related Documents

PDF: MetLife Survey of the American Teacher

"The time commitment is unbelievable," he said. "And there's more and more time every year because there are more programs, and people expect the principal to be involved, and a good principal will be involved."

Almost 40 percent of Maine principals surveyed by the University of Maine reported that they "often wonder if the long hours are worth it." One principal wrote, "Too much work for the reward," the study said.

Principals' salaries vary throughout the state, depending on the size of the school and the community in which it's located. The Bonny Eagle principal whose contract was not renewed was making $94,000, considered a typical salary for a large school district. South Portland is offering a salary of $95,000 to $103,000 to candidates who want to apply for its principal opening.

The study found principals in general "continue to judge their salaries and benefits as low" in relation to the time commitment and stress.

But, Lowell said, he would "do it all over again without a second thought."

Although the majority of Maine principals report that their job is stressful and that they struggle to balance it with their personal lives, more than 80 percent say they find the work "rewarding, energizing and enjoyable," according to the Maine Principal Study. Lowell agreed.

"I would say, all in all, the job is a great job," he said. "It's really a very rewarding career, but it isn't an easy one and it's getting more and more frustrating."

Leslie Bridgers can be contacted at 791-6364 or at:

lbridgers@pressherald.com

 

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…