Elementary school is the fundamental entity of the educational system of any nation that serves approximately major portion of the total school population. Hence the chief responsibility for the efficient operation of elementary school rests on the shoulder of the principal School principals who are the decision-makers, implement school policies, curricula and monitor faculty performance.The major purpose of this paper is to study the profile of the elementary school principal and asses its

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... ct on the principal ship position. The sample comprises randomly selected 11 newly appointed and 8 out posted principals of elementary schools as well as 53 elementary school teachers in "Adama woreda.21 Items of questionnaire are framed in accordance with the basic notion and assumptions of the problems. Questionnaire is distributed to a total of 72 respondents of which 70 (59.8%) filled in and returned. Data obtained from the respondents using questionnaire are tabulated, interpreted and analyzed. This study revealed, Principals' position is very extensive and obliged to carry responsibilities for leading and directing of such a broad institution needs to pass through extensive training and should obtain the necessary academic qualification and leadership skills. It is observed that the effect of training, years of teaching experience, age and tenure on the leadership are significant in determining the leadership capability of the principal. It is also noted that the newly appointed principals vastly differ from their subordinates in their overall qualification aspects. Prior to resuming the principal ship position the importance of academic qualification, years of teaching experience and professional training is to be considered.