A principal walks into a teachers' lounge after school hours and discovers 2 teachers drinking alcohol. What should the principal do?

In this situation, the most appropriate action for the principal is to inform the teachers that the incident will be referred to the superintendent for further action. This response aligns with the principal's role in maintaining a professional and safe environment within the school.

By taking this step, the principal demonstrates accountability and upholds the standards of conduct expected from educators. Drinking alcohol on school property, even after hours, can lead to negative consequences that may affect the school's reputation, safety, and overall learning environment. Additionally, handling the situation directly by escalating it to the superintendent ensures that it is addressed appropriately and consistently with district policies and procedures.

This course of action also sets a precedent for how similar cases will be treated in the future, helping to maintain a culture of professionalism within the school community. It emphasizes the expectation that staff members should adhere to appropriate behavior, regardless of the time of day.

In contrast, joining the teachers for a drink would undermine the principal's authority and compromise professional standards. Ignoring the situation diminishes the seriousness of the conduct and could lead to ongoing issues or a culture where such behavior is tolerated. Arranging for a staff meeting to address the behavior might be appropriate at a later stage, but immediate action is necessary to deal with the current