The purpose of this study was to describe and conceptualize the view small-town secondary principals have of their role. The method used was indepth interviews, with researchers going to 30 small-town high schools in Michigan and spending some hours with each principal. The accumulated data consisted of 324 single-spaced pages of verbatim narrative in which the subjects reflected on their role. The authors conclude that there are two major norms that constitute the principal's role in those towns: the principal should embody the ethic of a totally responsible public servant, and the principal should monitor the diverse elements of the school to ensure community acceptability and organizational stability. (Author)