But the principals insist they were reluctant.

If their relationship advances, which the principals insist it will, the companies will together control land to develop some 15 million square feet of office space in the state, both companies say.

Local school officials said that principals in District 18 insisted upon a veto and that many teachers were not eager to try the program as long as "compensation was uncertain."

Still, principals and other officials insist that this year's scores reflected real achievement, a result of increased spending on many initiatives.

Their principals insist the midyear reorganization wastes time that should be spent teaching and learning.

The principal, Gail Ward, consented, but insisted that the performance be followed by a panel discussion involving people with other viewpoints, including a staff member who is a military reservist.

Clinton and his principals, however, insist that the decision was made solely on the basis of national security.

Other schools are waiting because their principals insisted on Apple computers, which the Hartford district uses as its standard.

The school's principal, Sister Aloysius, a rigidly conservative nun vowed to the order of the Sisters of Charity, insists upon constant vigilance.

Mr. Rich said his former principal had insisted on order and a sense of normalcy in his school.