Decision Points: Principal Leadership Through a School Security Crisis

When faced with an unexpected threat to student safety, Principal Peterson (pseudonym) has minutes to implement emergency protocols affecting over 800 students and 60 staff members. This case narrative documents a principal’s response to a safety threat, progressing from initial lockdown through recovery following a shooting death. Furthermore, the teaching notes and activities facilitate the exploration of critical decision points and crisis leadership actions along with the factors influencing his leadership decisions. Discussion prompts and activities encourage educational leaders to analyze the dispositional, relational, and situational factors influencing critical decision points.