Vice-principal

In larger school systems, a principal is often assisted by someone known as a vice-principal or assistant principal. Unlike the principal, the vice-principal does not have quite the decision making authority that the principal carries. Although they still carry nearly the same among students, the vice principal does not have the same power on the board. In US schools, it is often his or her duty to handle matters such as student discipline, parent conference meetings, asset inventory and ordering, school improvement planning, bus and lunch supervision, and teacher observations.

Most importantly however, in the event that something happens to the principal, such as an extended leave of absense, the assistant principal would act as the interim principal. Because of this, many see this position as a stepping-stone to the larger role of principal and is often used as such. In most schools, the vice-principal forgoes all teaching duties in order to address broader educational issues.