How do I handle being a principal when every decision makes someone angry?

You are caught in the middle between the district, the families, and your staff, and it feels like no decision you make leaves anyone anything but angry. That is the brutal geometry of the principal's chair, every choice disappoints someone. Feeling worn down by it is not a sign you are bad at the job. It is a sign you are standing right where all the pressure meets. Since you cannot make everyone happy, and you truly cannot, you need a steadier measure than approval. That measure is what is best for the kids, plus what is fair and honest. When you decide by that and explain your reasoning plainly, people may still be angry, but the decision holds up. Choices made to avoid anger just move the anger around. Choices made on principle can be defended and lived with. Before the hard ones, name the principle you are deciding on, then decide and explain it clearly. You will still take heat, that comes with the seat. But you will be taking it for something solid rather than chasing a peace that was never available. Steady and fair beats universally liked, because universally liked was never on the menu.