UMaine researchers tackle principal retention challenges

Two leaders in Maine’s public education system are conducting research at the University of Maine to explore how to better support and retain principals, especially in rural schools. Schools play a critical role in rural communities, providing essential services and shaping the future workforce. However, many rural schools in Maine are facing a concerning trend: high principal turnover. The 2011 Maine Principal Study revealed that the state has struggled with this issue since the 1990s.

Nicole Hatch and Ben Greenlaw, both graduate students in the UMaine Educational Leadership program, are investigating these challenges. Hatch, an assistant principal at Oceanside High School, is focused on how school leaders balance their professional and personal lives in small communities. Her research aims to identify ways to help principals feel more connected and supported. Greenlaw, the Superintendent of Schools for MSAD 1, is examining the relationships between principals and superintendents, emphasizing the importance of trust, support, and communication for job satisfaction and retention.

Both researchers are building on previous work by UMaine faculty, including Bill Tracy’s 2023 study, which highlighted the key factors for principal retention. Their research aims to provide insights that will help Maine’s rural schools retain strong leadership, benefiting both the education system and the broader community.

Read the full story written by Daniel Timmermann on the UMaine News website.