Eureka! Institutional Repository

The school climate and the management of educational units are important factors for school effectiveness and contribute to the identity of each school unit. The present paper examines the contribution and role of principals in shaping a positive school climate in the context of changing socio-economic conditions. Specifically, the principals' views on the school climate and its characteristics, factors and their influence on the shaping of the school climate were investigated and their views on the impact of the economic crisis on the school climate and on the daily functioning of the school were investigated. The empirical research was conducted on a sample of 12 directors of the High School of the Western Thessaloniki Public School and their opinions were collected through semi-structured interviews. The results have shown that principals agree on the centralized nature of the Greek education system and the small margins it leaves in pursuing internal education policy. and the climate in the school units is positive, with dominant factors in shaping themselves, the institutional functioning of the association, and their relationships with teachers. students and parents play a secondary role. Outside factors are the social impact of the crisis and financing. Their contribution to creating or maintaining a positive climate is based on their managerial skills, effective communication they develop, good interpersonal relationships, participatory decision-making, cooperation with all members, good relationships with parents in order to achieve effective operation of the school. The crisis and educational reforms have exacerbated the school climate to some extent, with a negative impact mainly on the attitude and behavior of students and their parents towards high school. teachers 'working conditions, and students' academic performance.