Due to an aging population of currently practicing superintendents, research predicts a large turnover in public school superintendent positions in this decade. Questions exist regarding whether there are sufficient numbers of potential superintendent candidates in training to fill these positions. Although principals have been recognized as a credible pool of prospective superintendent candidates, little research investigates principals' interest in the position or their feelings about the role. This five-state study explores this topic by gathering and analyzing principals' perceptions about the superintendency. Secondary research purposes include collecting information and participants' ideas regarding district-level practices that might support principals interested in pursuing the superintendency. Survey methodology was employed, with 91 public school principals from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio participating in the study. The results indicate that principals view the superintendency as highly stressful, yet rewarding, and many (66%) are interested in pursuing the position; however, the majority report a lack of district-level programs for supporting them towards the role. Furthermore, principals over age 50 and those in urban settings report diminished interest in the position. These findings suggest that public school districts, especially those in high need areas such as large urban communities, should consider implementing or increasing practices for supporting promising and interested principals towards the superintendency.