“I’m Not Gonna Be Able to Do This for Much Longer:” Perspectives of Parochial School Principals on Their Role in Operational Vitality and the Educational Marketplace

Catholic schools have confronted a complex array of challenges, including declining enrollments, shifting demographics, and financial strains affecting all stakeholders. Establishing effective leadership has been a persistent practical hurdle, particularly in parish-based schools operating within the local-executive model. This qualitative study delved into the experiences and perspectives of parochial school principals, focusing on their leadership role in operational vitality. Additionally, it examined how these principals navigate the evolving educational landscape and respond to emerging challenges. By gathering and analyzing narratives from principals, the study shed light on issues impacting operational vitality and institutional growth and calls for further exploration within the field. The findings underscored principals’ adeptness in addressing challenges within the educational marketplace and highlighted areas of necessary evolution, particularly regarding enrollment and funding, with implications for the sustainability of Catholic schooling.