This policy brief from the Education Commission of the States highlights the importance of supporting school leaders through recruitment and retention strategies as they directly influence school environments, teacher attrition rates, and student outcomes. While school leaders play a major role in establishing high-quality schools, in 2025 state policymakers predominantly focused on legislation related to teaching. As such, the brief identifies recruitment and professional development as key strategies for state policymakers to focus on in 2026. Additionally, the brief highlights a variety of exemplar states and their legislation to provide others with the context needed to adapt new policies. To help recruit leaders, the brief provides information on financial incentives, different program pathways, and program supports. For school leader professional development, the brief explores participation in induction programs, mentoring opportunities, and cohort-based learning environments. This resource may be helpful to policymakers as well as leader preparation administrators seeking to support school leaders during and after their preparation program.