Presented here is a study of how principals contributed to successful court-ordered desegregation. Five principals in urban, elementary schools who were named by district administrators as those doing an especially effective job were interviewed. The following perceptions were revealed as the result of an analysis of the interviews: (1) it is important to meet with parents, students and staff before the beginning of the new school year; (2) parental involvement is essential to the success of school desegregation; (3) building up student and staff morale plays an important role in a successful first year of desegregation; (4) principals in successful schools are highly visible and accessible to students and staff; (5) consistent enforcement of school policy must begin with the first day of school; and (6) input from administrators, parents, and teachers is actively sought by successful principals. (JCD)