LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES OF SCHOOL HEADS IN MANAGING SCHOOL MAINTENANCE: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY

This study determined the leadership strategies of school heads and the effectiveness of managing school maintenance in public elementary schools in the Third Legislative District of Bataan, during School Year 2026–2027. It employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational design with a predictive component and used total enumeration of 56 school heads. Data were gathered through a researcher-developed questionnaire that underwent expert validation and pilot testing. Weighted mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression were used. Leadership strategies were consistently practiced (M = 3.63, SD = 0.34), with strategic planning receiving the highest dimension mean (M = 3.69). Maintenance management was highly effective (M = 3.53, SD = 0.42), with facility condition and safety highest (M = 3.67) and equipment functionality lowest (M = 3.46). Leadership strategies had a very strong positive relationship with maintenance effectiveness (r = .839, p < .001). The regression model explained 85.7% of variance (R² = .857, F = 69.16, p < .001). Decision-making and problem-solving and monitoring and supervision were significant positive predictors. A leadership intervention program focused on evidence-based decisions, systematic monitoring, timely corrective action, equipment management, and stakeholder accountability are proposed.