The Texas A&M University System has been awarded a $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund the system’s Leadership: Education and Development (LEAD) initiative. The grant will fund the program for five years, awarding participating system universities a total of $2,684,958. The remainder of the funds is allocated for resource development costs, including computer purchases, and for evaluation fees and administrative expenses.

LEAD is designed to assist high-needs local educational agencies in the development, enhancement or expansion of innovative programs to recruit, train and retain principals and assistant principals throughout Texas. Studies show that a principal is the single most-important factor in a school’s success. In Texas, the turnover rate for principals is approximately 40 percent.

The participating A&M System universities will provide scholarships for LEAD participants as well as stipends to experienced principals who mentor new principals. The new principals also will have access to online mentoring provided by the A&M System.

“With receipt of this highly competitive grant, we will be able to help train and mentor exceptional principals, who in turn will have the tools and support they need to effectively lead their schools,” said Dr. Frank B. Ashley, vice chancellor for academic affairs for the A&M System.