A survey of 581 of the state's 2,000 school principals found nearly half are eligible to retire within five years and not enough is being done to attract replacements.

"This is a crisis Indiana cannot overlook," said Bobby Malone, educational leadership professor who co-authored the study with professors William Sharp, educational leadership, and Jay Thompson, educational studies.

"While the principal's job is challenging and demanding, the majority like their jobs," Malone said. "Principals tell us they were attracted to the position because they can make a difference in the lives of young people."

The survey examined perceptions about the position held by superintendents, principals and aspiring administrators.

The respondents listed several serious barriers discouraging applicants, including:

• Loss of tenure when moving to a new district as principal was listed as a major stumbling point by 30.9 percent of aspiring principals as compared to 14.6 percent of principals and 10.9 percent of superintendents.
  
• About 39.4 percent of potential candidates said the job was too stressful to be considered. However, 58.2 percent of principals and 39.4 percent of superintendents said high stress levels kept candidates from applying.
  
• Nearly 35 percent of aspiring administrators considered the position's duties too time consuming as compared to 54.8
  percent of superintendents and 52.8 percent of principals.
  
• Insufficient compensation kept many potential candidates from seriously considering advancement according to 46.2 percent of superintendents and 37.2 of current principals. Only 12.7 percent of potential principals, who would see significant salary increases with advancement, said low salaries were a negative factor.

"Another perceived problem is that many veteran teachers, who would make good principals, have little interest in moving into administration," Malone said. "They may have earned their certification and the salary increase that goes with it, but have no interest in the responsibilities."

Indiana's situation is similar to surrounding states due to the growth of its school-age population since the mid-1990s. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 10 to 20 percent increase in the need for school administrators through 2005.

Malone recommends school boards take steps to increase the candidate pool by identifying and nurturing potential administrators; developing policies that guarantee principals' authority are commensurate with responsibilities; and making the position more appealing by reducing the work week, providing more assistants, expanding support services and increasing the financial package.