Pennsylvania has experienced a significant reduction in certified K-12 school librarian positions. This exploratory sequential mixed methods research study explored principal decision-making impacting K-12 school library programming. 30 survey participants and 8 interview participants located across 3 IUs in PA took part in this research study. Finding 1: Principals face staffing challenges due to a shortage of certified teachers, leading them to prioritize staffing in their decision making. The limited availability of qualified educators significantly influences their choices. Finding 2: The budget plays a major role in principal decision making. Some principals view the school library program as an academic hub contributing to increased student achievement, prompting them to invest in it. Conversely, others opt to divest funds from the library to support other programs or for cost-saving measures. Principals firmly believe that students reap substantial benefits from having access to a well-functioning school library program. Finding 3: Principals perceive the school library as a catalyst for student achievement, providing increased literacy support and fostering cross-curricular learning. Additionally, the library addresses equity issues by offering enhanced access to technology and information. Despite this finding principals are continuing to divest in their library programs directing funds towards other programming or they are simply eliminating programming to save money. Finding 4: Principal decision making that influences library programming primarily occurs through informal processes and is heavily influenced by directives from superiors. District goals and initiatives, along with the pursuit of improved standardized test scores, significantly shape principals' choices in this context. These insights have implications for improving decision-making processes, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the effectiveness of K-12 school library programming to meet the needs of students and promote educational success. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]