The purpose of this study was to examine the rate and
reasons for turnover among Virginia elementary school
principals over a five year period. Principals responded to
a mailed questionnaire examining categories of continuing and
departing principals and the factors that influenced their
decisions. Personal and professional demographics, extrinsic
and intrinsic factors found to be significant in previous
mobility studies were compared to those cited by Virginia
principals. The five year turnover rate was found to be
consistent with earlier predictions, even with the impact of
early retirement discounted. Factors contributing to turnover
were pressure and stress, financial factors, work demands and
factors beyond the principals' control. Although the same
factors operate on all principals, departing principals appear
to be more influenced by a combination of these factors than
continuing principals, who may remain because they feel that
they can continue to exert a positive influence.
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