<![CDATA[This study aims to describe the implementation of the principal’s leadership style in managing school programs at SDN Bentok Darat. Effective school leadership plays a crucial role in improving educational quality, teacher performance, and the successful implementation of school programs. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the principal, four teachers, and one administrative staff member. Data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation, while data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the principal applies a democratic leadership style characterized by participatory decision-making, open two-way communication, collegial supervision through collaborative guidance and support, and appreciation-based motivation. School programs are systematically managed through planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation involving all school stakeholders. The democratic leadership style contributes positively to program success by strengthening teachers’ sense of ownership, fostering an innovative and collaborative school climate, and developing distributed leadership through the allocation of leadership roles and responsibilities to teachers according to their capacities. Therefore, democratic leadership can be considered an effective approach to supporting sustainable school program management and improving educational quality in elementary schools.]]>
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