Principal for a Day invites business and civic leaders into the public schools to learn about the challenges and responsibilities of an urban school principal.  For six hours, stride for stride with the principal, these leaders get a taste of the stark realities and difficult decisions that define the job, as well as the joys and rewards of making a difference in the lives of children every day. 

The community and business leaders who participate agree that seeing first-hand what goes on each day in school is an eye-opening experience.  Judith Swinney, Family Once More, a 2007 Principal for a Day said: “I came away inspired, humbled, awed, and a little upset, also, at the lack of resources. I will continue to look for ways to help.”

“Principal for a Day” invites corporate and community involvement in the day-to-day challenges of providing a first rate education to every child in public school.  Many “PFADers” have offered specific support and many have lasting relationships with schools.  Last year, Rebecca Brown and Theressa Davis of Comcast visited Hayhurst Elementary in southwest Portland.  Noting the lack of resources in the school library, they mounted a book drive, which resulted in several thousand books being donated, some to the Hayhurst library and the rest distributed to other schools.

To learn how to get involved in Principal for a Day, please contact Catherine Leedy at catherine@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 32.