The document outlines a 15-step "First Year Plan for Principal Entry" to help a new principal systematically and smoothly transition into their new role. The plan includes tasks like reviewing personnel records and safety procedures, conducting building inspections, meeting with staff, parents, and community leaders, and familiarizing themselves with schedules, policies, and emergency procedures. Completing these organizational and introductory tasks in a methodical manner will help expedite the principal's learning, minimize quick decisions without knowledge, and make the change in leadership as smooth as possible.

1. Taking on the responsibility as a principal of a school building is exciting and scary. In order to
approach the first days on the job in a systematic manner and to help expedite my learning,
make the change of leadership as smooth as possible for all parties, and minimize the chances of
being placed in a position of having to make a quick decision without the necessary background
knowledge I will adhere to a “First Year Plan for Principal Entry”.
The following is a checklist of tasks that will be utilized to approach my entry into the new
position in a systematic way. Of course the size of the building, support staff available, and the
exact responsibilities I will be assuming will all enter into the tasks that I need to do and in
which order they need to be executed.
I will use the following list as an organizer and check off and date tasks as they are completed.
This will serve as documentation that I approached the new responsibilities in a reasonable and
prudent manner.
1. Review all personnel records. If outgoing principal is available, review the personnel
records with him / her. Be sure to ask if there are any entries in the “mind jogger file” of
which I should be made aware of.
Date Competed: _____________________
2. Conduct a safety inspection of the building. It is a good idea to conduct this inspection
with another person. The second person should also be someone who is not familiar with
the building. Fresh eyes often see things that are often overlooked by someone who is in
the building every day.
Date Competed: _____________________
3. Review all safety drill procedures, i.e., fire, severe weather, bomb threat, weapons
(lockdown)
Date Competed: _____________________
4. Meet with your Crisis Response Team and review procedures in your Crisis
Management Plan.
Date Competed: _____________________
5. Contact leaders of parent and booster groups to introduce yourself and to
schedule a future meeting for general discussion purposes.
Date Competed: _____________________
Principal Entry Plan ~ First Year

2. 6. Review student and teacher handbooks. Special attention should be given to
grouping, grading, and discipline policies, since these will likely be some of the
first issues you confront.
Date Competed: _____________________
7. Review with the secretary the procedures for dealing with petty cash, student
funds, etc.
Date Competed: _____________________
8. Draft and send a letter of introduction to all parents of the students attending
your school. A similar letter of introduction should be sent to community leaders.
Date Competed: _____________________
9. Schedule a series of informal meetings with your custodial, secretarial, cafeteria,
maintenance, and transportation staffs. These should be individual meetings in
order to give each group time to meet with you and mention issues that may be a
unique concern to them. These meetings are primarily designed for them to get
to know you and you them, however, listen to any concerns that surface and be
sure to keep notes. If possible have your secretary with you to take notes, if
necessary.
Date Competed: _____________________
10. Conduct a meeting with student leaders, i.e., student council officers, officers of
clubs, etc.
Date Competed: _____________________
11. Make contact with the Teachers’ Union representatives. This can be done through
a letter of introduction or through an informal meeting.
Date Competed: _____________________
12. Review the class schedule and be sure you understand how it works. If you enter
the job in the summer and need to develop a class schedule, be sure to review the
prior year’s schedule with someone familiar with it. In most cases, there isn’t a
major alteration of schedules from year to year in terms of overall structure.
Date Competed: _____________________

3. 13. Develop an Emergency Phone Chain for the building staff. You should consider
having this phone chain interface with a chain that includes parents.
Date Competed: _____________________
14. Review employee contracts, i.e. teacher, custodial, secretarial, etc.
Date Competed: _____________________
15. Review School Board Policy Manual
Date Competed: _____________________