Who takes ultimate responsibility for what happens in a public school?

In a public school setting, the principal plays a pivotal role in the overall management and administration of the school. The principal is responsible for setting the educational tone, leading teachers and staff, overseeing the curriculum, and ensuring that the school operates effectively and in accordance with district policies and state regulations. This leadership role includes making decisions that affect student learning, safety, and school culture.

While the board of education governs the district at a broader level and has ultimate authority over policies, the principal is directly accountable for the day-to-day operations of the school. This includes managing staff, handling discipline, and fulfilling the educational needs of the students. The teaching staff and school counselors support the principal in these objectives, but they do not hold the ultimate responsibility for the school's overall functioning. The principal acts as the key decision-maker and is the person stakeholders turn to for accountability within the school environment.