The principal of a small rural high school in Vermont documented the amount of time spent at work over 60 days in 5 categories, including conflict and special education. A literature review revealed that researchers have paid little attention to the principal's role in special education and conflict problems. The study sought to determine how much time the principal spent in these two areas for which there is no academic requirement for certification as principal. A total of 529 work hours was divided among the 5 categories. Business matters consumed the greatest portion of time (58 percent), followed by conflict (16 percent), special education (12 percent), public relations (8 percent), and supervision (6 percent). Conflict consumed a greater percentage of time than public relations and supervision combined, and special education was the third highest consumer of time. The study concludes that changes in society have increased conflict and special education issues at schools and that the role and training of administrators should be reevaluated. (Contains 10 references.) (JPT)