The principal is the second most important factor contributing to student success. High levels of principal turnover affect student success. Principal turnover is more common in low performing schools and schools located in high poverty areas. Regardless of the context of the turnover, little qualitative research exists identifying the conditions that lead to Texas high school principal turnover. It is not enough to know the frequency of turnover and its effects on achievement. We need to be able to prevent it. Data was collected from eight former Title I high school principals. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators and participated in a semi-structured interview. Inventory results and interview transcripts were analyzed and coded for themes based on the conceptual framework including theories of motivation; self-efficacy and sense-making. Title I high school principals leave the position due to high levels of burnout. The present study finds that while principals were satisfied with their pay, the hygiene factor of support led them to feel dissatisfied. Principals reported needing additional levels of support from central office staff and expressed concern over the time and overall demands of the job as well as its effects on their emotional well-being. The areas principals identified as having low self-efficacy were areas in which they did not have sufficient training and support. There is also evidence that formal coaching and mentoring would improve overall self-efficacy, preferably by someone that held his or her position as a Title I high school principal. The data does not fully support prior research that states that students' race or socio-economic status are contributing factors in a principal's decision to leave. [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.]