This case study examines the tensions of social justice and culturally relevant leadership. It also examines the challenges of school administration and building cohesive teams. This case engages readers in theorizing about social justice and culturally relevant school leadership as well as thinking about practical ways to make the endeavour of school leadership and administration more effective. We present the challenges faced by Arlene, a principal in her second year at a large diverse secondary school and some of her challenges building a cohesive team, dealing with the union, and within the construct of social justice leadership.