Abstract
The predominant administrative structure in Lasallian Catholic high schools in the UnitedStates is the president and principal leadership model. The president is typically external
facing and handles the business operations of the school while the principal is responsible
for internal affairs including the academic and student life of the learning community.
This grounded theory study sought to examine partnership effectiveness between the
president and principal in Catholic high schools in the Lasallian Region of North
America. Through an analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine chief
administrators, a series of seven characteristics emerged that highlight partnership
effectiveness in order to achieve optimal operational vitality and mission attainment.
These seven characteristics form a framework for further theoretical development and
practical implementation.
Keywords: school leadership, chief administrators, principals, presidents, LasallianCatholic, partnership effectiveness