A 24-item questionnaire was mailed to 559 randomly selected secondary principals in Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma to determine the career status of secondary principals working in buildings with student populations of 400 or fewer. The greatest single factor influencing the decision to become a principal was need for increased salary. The largest group of respondents was in the 36-40 age bracket (22%), 27% had served 1-3 years as a secondary principal, and over 31% had taught 11 years or more. Salaries ranged from less than $18,000 to more than $33,000 depending on school size and principal's longevity. About 27% indicated a desire to stay in their present position for the duration of their career. About 39% reported no formal evaluation system was used to determine principals' employment status. Eighty-eight percent held one year contracts and vacation days differed widely. Based on the results, it is recommended that: salary and fringe benefits must be competitive with larger schools to get quality people; principals must be given greater autonomy within their buildings; multi-year contracts should be used unless prohibited by statute; and a formal evaluation system must be implemented for principals. (BRR)