Labor Dynamics of School Principals in Rural Contexts

Abstract

Numerous studies have explored the labor market of school principals, documenting high turnover rates and voicing concerns regarding labor supply. However, little is known about the staffing challenges in rural schools and what promotes applicants to apply for and be hired for principalship in these locales. In partnership with the Wisconsin Education Career Access Network, we examine the principal labor dynamics in rural schools using statewide job-openings and application information. Results indicate that all rural communities—rural fringe, rural distant, and rural remote—receive comparable numbers of applications, as compared with urban districts. Female candidates and candidates of color are significantly less likely to apply to rural districts, while experience working in the same district is a considerable advantage to being hired. Additionally, higher student poverty is associated with fewer principal applicants in rural schools. These results indicate the need for policies better attuned to subtle differences in rural contexts.

Homeward Bound? Rural Principal Hiring, Transfer, and Turnover Patterns in Texas

“…These factors are repeatedly brought up amidst concerns of rural principal shortages (Latterman & Steffes, 2017). However, comparatively little research has specifically addressed large-scale patterns rural recruitment (Yang et al, 2021). Some studies have shown that rural districts receive fewer principal applications, with one study in Arkansas reporting roughly half as many applicants as neighboring districts (Pijanowski et al, 2009).…”

“…Some studies have shown that rural districts receive fewer principal applications, with one study in Arkansas reporting roughly half as many applicants as neighboring districts (Pijanowski et al, 2009). However, another in Wisconsin noted comparatively similar numbers of applicants (Yang et al, 2021). Indeed, even if there are lower numbers of applicants, it may not necessarily signal a shortage if internal candidates are already identified (Browne-Ferrigno & Allen, 2006;Cruzeiro & Boone, 2009;Pendola & Fuller, 2021;Roza et al, 2003).…”

“…Alternatively, given the unique skill set and location-based preferences, rural principals may be more 'drawn' to stay in rural locales. Here we may expect to see more hiring of candidates with rural experience, and that principal movement will be more enclosed with higher rates of within-rural transfer (Yang et al, 2021).…”

“…Rural students make up nearly one-fifth of all students in the United States, with nearly 17% of those students living below the poverty line (Showalter et al, 2019). However, many studies have focused on principal markets from an urban-centric frame, potentially overlooking key distinctions and challenges for both rural recruitment and retention (Myung et al, 2011; Yang et al, 2021).…”

Introduction to Special Topic: Rural Education Finance and Policy

“…Looking at all states, Nguyen (2020) finds that the degree of rurality of a state overall affects staffing, and not just the location of the school or district. Goldhaber et al (2020) and Yang et al (2021) also find that remoteness (as opposed to simple rurality) exacerbates staffing challenges in both California and Wisconsin.…”