Strategic Leadership of School Principals in Improving Digital Education Quality
Abstract
Digital transformation in education demands effective strategic management to ensure the quality and sustainability of learning processes. Despite increasing technology adoption in Indonesian schools, empirical evidence on how school principals systematically manage digital-based education quality through an integrated strategic framework remains limited. This study employed a qualitative case study design to examine the strategic management practices of the school principal at SMP Negeri 2 Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with key informants including the principal, vice principals, teachers, students, administrative staff, and parents. Additional data sources included direct observation and school curriculum document analysis. Data were analyzed using condensation, data display, and conclusion-drawing techniques. The findings indicate that the principal implemented four strategic management functions. Strategic planning was conducted through participatory environmental scanning. Organizing was achieved by optimizing the existing functional structure without creating additional bureaucratic layers. Implementation involved the AFresto Learning Management System (LMS), developed in partnership with an external educational foundation, enabling blended learning and continuous teacher training. Supervision utilized digital dashboards for real-time, data-driven monitoring involving teachers and parents. These strategic management functions collectively improved students' academic achievement, digital literacy, learning independence, and institutional administrative efficiency. However, excessive use of digital devices outside school emerged as a notable concern. Effective principal strategic management substantially enhances digital-based educational quality. Schools in emerging regions should adopt a comprehensive digital leadership framework, integrating family digital literacy programs to mitigate unintended risks of technology overuse.