This brief outlines a series of proposals for using federal policy to bolster school leadership. The Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA) should highlight the unique role that principals play by targeting funding within the law to build principals' capacity as instructional leaders, culture builders and talent managers. ESEA should also motivate states to address leadership needs, including establishing a shared vision for leadership, building the leadership pipeline, improving pre-service preparation, and strengthening evaluation, development and support for school leaders.