The problem addressed in this multiple case study was that female building principals in public schools were moving from principal to superintendent in small numbers, despite their large numbers in educational roles. The decrease in the number of available principals and the growing need for qualified applicants makes it essential to determine how barriers impact women's aspirations. The qualitative multiple case study explored existing barriers and gender bias in public schools from the perspective of female building principals regarding their aspirations to the superintendency. Social role theory was the framework used for this study. The participants for this study consisted of six female principals with a superintendent's license. Three research questions guided the study: RQ1. What are the experiences of female building principals in public schools who choose not to pursue the superintendency? RQ1a. From the female building principal perspective, in public schools, how does gender bias influence their aspirations to move to the superintendency? RQ1b. From the female building principal perspective, in public schools, what barriers affect their aspirations to move to the superintendency? Participants were interviewed in a focus group and individually. The data analysis included member checking, coding, categorizing, and identifying emergent themes. The findings revealed themes including the terms: collaboration, power, maternal instinct, perceptions, supporting leadership, struggles based on assumptions, and quality of life. Results indicated female principals experienced gender bias and stereotypes, but these areas did not impact their aspirations to move up. The results also showed that the most prominent barrier for female principals in moving to the superintendent position was the quality of their life. Reducing stress on school leaders and allowing flexible workdays were recommended. Studies on the same topic with different methods for collecting data and additional female principals from other parts of the United States would be of value. [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.]