Inspired by Franz Kafka's predatory leopard anecdote, this speech explores the plight of Canadian secondary school principals trying to meet students' educational needs within the constraints imposed by politics and finance. A cross-country survey of 60 principals disclosed some typical problems. Principals must be reponsive to public opinion without forming treacherous alliances. Despite having democratic beliefs, most principals are mistrusted by teacher unions and required to stand aloof from grievance procedures. Principals are kept from bettering the school work force by a seniority system giving first preference to transferring teachers. Most principals cannot do their own hiring except for appointing department heads. Principals are themselves subject to transfer without consultation after a fixed number of years. In western provinces, principals are responsible for fiscal administration of their schools without help from the central office. Most have little leeway in designing curricula to meet local student needs. Despite these bothersome constraints, all the principals surveyed appear to feel positive. All have assessed the job, perceived the limitations, and work within them while pushing for change. Sound administrative skills are the key, along with acquiring a solid data base and skills to interpret it. (MLH)