What should a new principal do in their first 100 days?
Gather information before taking action. The biggest mistake new leaders make is arriving with a plan to "fix" things before they understand what's actually happening. You don't yet have the relationships, context, or institutional knowledge to make good decisions — and early missteps are expensive because they set a narrative that's hard to change.
An intentional entry plan should prioritize three things: building relationships through individual meetings with every staff member, establishing your visibility by getting into classrooms from day one, and learning the school's systems, culture, and history before proposing changes. Save the big initiatives for after you have the information to back them up.
Your entry plan communicates your values whether you design it intentionally or not. Walking into every classroom on day one says something. Hiding in your office for the first month says something too.
More on New Leader Entry
How should I conduct one-on-one meetings with staff as a new leader?
Meet with every staff member individually, early in your tenure.
When should a new leader start making changes?
Later than you think.
How should I handle the transition from the previous leader?
Carefully, because you're inheriting a trust balance you didn't create.
How important is visibility on the first day of school?
It's the single most important thing you can do.
Answered by Justin Baeder, PhD, Director of The Principal Center and author of three books on instructional leadership.