Abstract
The role of a Catholic school leader is complex, dynamic, and changing, especially in states where parental choice legislation has been enacted. This study utilizes Bolman and Deal’s (2017) organizational framework to examine the political nature of the role of the Catholic school leader. Specifically, this study explores the ways the Catholic school leader navigates the politics of accessing and advocating for government funds. Drawing from interviews with eight Catholic school principals who have utilized the Ohio EdChoice voucher program, this study captures the experiences of these principals through the lens of the political frame. Findings reveal lessons learned on how principals deal with conflict management, assessing and engaging with sources of power, and what skills are needed for managing politics. Understanding how Catholic school principals engage with the EdChoice program and how they navigate the accompanying challenges also offers guidance for principal formation programs at institutions of higher education on how to better equip emerging leaders with the familiarity and confidence to navigate politics.
DOI
10.15365/joce.2702012024
First Page
1
Last Page
16
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Dufault, A.J., & Wyttenbach, M. (2024). The interplay of principals and politics in the context of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program. Journal of Catholic Education, 27(2), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.15365/joce.2702012024
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