Case Study: Vermont Principals’ Association Improves Principal Retention with Center for Creative Leadership

Vermont Principals’ Association increases principal retention to 91% with Center for Creative Leadership

The Vermont Principals’ Association faced a chronic issue of principal turnover, which negatively impacts school stability and student outcomes while carrying significant financial costs. They partnered with the Center for Creative Leadership, utilizing the Leadership Development Program (LDP)® model, to address this challenge through a dedicated leadership development initiative funded by the Dr. Margaret Waddington endowment.

The Center for Creative Leadership implemented a year-long, cohort-based program for K-12 principals featuring classroom sessions, curated resources, and personalized executive coaching. The results were dramatic: over four years, 91% of participating principals remained principals in Vermont, compared to 56% of non-participants. This significantly higher retention rate translated to an estimated cost savings of $1.4 million for the state, and teachers reported notable positive changes in their principals' leadership abilities.

Vermont Principals’ Association