Leadership is about service and responsibility. Some in education see Leadership as about privilege and prestige. Many simply do not know how to Lead.

Check out Simon Sinek's talk based on his book "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't":

http://vimeo.com/79899786

Teachers are the key. According to research (Gallup & CEA) most Teachers are not engaged in their practice.

Our Leaders need to do everything in their power to properly train and support all Teachers. Create and implement systems that put this as the functioning priority.

Check out: http://edge.ascd.org/blogpost/15-things-every-teacher-needs-from-a-principal

When the people in power figure out how to Lead properly. That is put the needs of the educational system ahead of their own, or the few; improvements will come about organically.

It is my personal opinion that all are good people, just not aware of (not trained properly), and/or practicing (walking the talk) the proper Leadership skills.

Education is all about leadership in that Teachers are Leaders.

Each of the other suggestions posted here would be solved by the provision of better Leadership.