Principal (school)
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A principal is generally the chief administrator in an elementary school, middle school, or high school.
In many New Zealand schools, a principal is the head administrator of a school who has been appointed to his position by the school board, superintendent, or other body. The principal, often in conjunction with the school board, makes the executive decisions that govern the school, as well as having the authority over the employment (and firing in some cases) of the teachers. The principal is usually also the chief disciplinarian of the students.
In larger schools the principal is assisted by one or more vice, assistant or deputy principals. They are second in position behind the principal in running the school. Assistant principals typically handle specific responsibilities, such as student discipline or curriculum, whereas the principal has overall responsibility for school functions.
Books and documents relating to the early days of public education show that the title was originally Principal Teacher, which was somewhat more in keeping with the Head Teacher title sometimes used in England.
