The primary role of the principal in a multiunit high school is as a curriculum leader. By allowing others to share in the decision-making process, encouraging the utilization of the program improvement council, striving for community involvement, and allowing others who are highly motivated the autonomy they need, the principal helps assure that the frustrations and obstacles that obstruct traditional programs do not develop. The principal also serves as a supporter and facilitator of the multiunit program, organizing the administrative staff, aides, and volunteers to best allow teachers the freedom to work closely with students. Teacher evaluations and budget administration are conducted with consensus, open communication, and shared decision-making in mind as well. Finally, the principal assumes the role of protector of the educational program, carefully balancing the influence of the different aspects of the multiunit program and guarding the pluralistic decision-making process even from his or her own tendency toward unilateral decisions. This manual covers the means by which principals cope with these roles, in such areas as relationships with district leaders, instructional supervision, scheduling, budgeting, personnel practices, teacher evaluation, the program improvement council, and community involvement. (Author/PGD)