The Principal's Role in Increasing Community Attraction at SMPN 5 Kerinci

Abstract

This study aims to understand the principal's role in increasing the community's attraction to SMPN 5 Kerinci, especially amidst the challenges of declining numbers of students. The approach used was descriptive qualitative with observation, interview and documentation techniques. Informants in this study included the principal, teachers, students and the surrounding community. The results showed that the principal performed five important roles that emerged from the real dynamics in the field, namely as a motivator, facilitator, administrator, communicator, and innovator. The five roles were formulated based on the researcher's understanding of the informants' experiences and views. Each role contributes to building the quality of education services and strengthening the positive image of the school in the eyes of the community. Adaptive leadership that is open to collaboration has been proven to foster public trust and improve school competitiveness. These findings underline the importance of strengthening the capacity of school principals in facing the changes and challenges of education in the current era.