Urban School Leadership and Community Violence: Principal Perspectives and Proactive Responses to Student Mental Health Needs

This article examines how urban principals can proactively respond to neighborhood violence through a community-oriented leadership framework. We analyzed principal interviews to understand the important and multifaceted roles of urban secondary school principals in creating safe and responsive schools that meet the diverse needs of grieving students and families. Findings suggest the importance of tapping into community assets, developing partnerships with community organizations, relying on pre-established routines, and modeling an ethic of care.