This dissertation advocates for improved succession planning in educational leadership, particularly in the public sector, where it often receives insufficient attention. It proposes a robust leadership pipeline program within school districts to enhance the capacity of aspiring assistant principals by providing hands-on experiences, mentorship opportunities, and tailored professional development initiatives. Emphasizing crucial competencies like communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration, the program also includes formal pathways for career advancement and a culture of reflection. Ongoing evaluation mechanisms ensure effectiveness, ultimately contributing to a stronger leadership bench and improved educational quality for all students. [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.]