Takac bill to protect principals’ rights, improve school leadership stability passes House
Rep. Paul Takac June 22, 2026 | 3:51 PM
HARRISBURG, June 22 – In a move to strengthen protections for school leaders and bolster efforts to recruit and retain experienced administrators, the Pennsylvania House passed H.B. 2544 today with strong bipartisan support, announced its prime sponsor, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre.
Takac said that H.B. 2544 would amend the state’s Public School Code to require clear, written compensation and benefits agreements for school principals, assistant principals and vice principals, and to formalize procedures for performance review, complaint mediation, and the right to representation during supervisory meetings.
“Principals are more than building managers; they are the daily architects of our students’ futures,” Takac said. “They lead instruction, shape school culture, mentor staff and model character for children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Great principals leave an indelible mark on students and communities. This legislation delivers the stability and due process that our school leaders need in order to focus on what matters most — student success.”
Takac noted that Act 93, the Administrator Compensation Plan, was signed into law 38 years ago and that its current provisions no longer reflect the responsibilities of modern school leadership. He said that Pennsylvania districts across urban, suburban and rural communities are struggling to recruit and retain principals, and that in the last two years roughly one in seven principals left their posts — many returning to the classroom for better pay, benefits and work-life balance.
“When principals leave, schools lose instructional leadership, continuity and the relationships that support student growth,” Takac said. “Turnover disrupts academic programs, strains remaining staff and undermines long-term improvement efforts. H.B. 2544 provides the protections and supports administrators are looking for and will help districts keep experienced leaders in place.”
The bill would require written agreements that clearly spell out salary schedules and benefits, establishes transparent performance review standards, creates a fair complaint mediation process, and guarantees the right for principals to have representation at meetings with supervisors. Takac emphasized that the measure works within a management-team philosophy and preserves local school board authority while promoting consistency and accountability so that administrators in every district have access to clear, enforceable protections.
“Strong leadership in our schools translates directly into better outcomes for students and stronger communities,” Takac said. “This legislation is a commonsense step to ensure that principals and other school leaders are supported, respected and treated fairly. By protecting the professionals who run our schools, we strengthen leadership across Pennsylvania.”
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.