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Don't be surprised if there's a new face in the principal's office at your child's school.

Some of the best Albuquerque principals will be moved to struggling schools that need stronger leaders to boost student achievement and test scores, Albuquerque Public Schools officials said.

And the principals tapped for the administrative transfers will not have a choice.

"You have to go there" to the assigned school, said Nelinda Venegas, associate superintendent.

The pending shuffle involves about 16 principals and several assistant principals, she said. It may be the largest mass move in the district's history.

The district has been working on the reassignments since December, anticipating retirements and openings in principalships and assistant positions, Venegas said.

Apparently, everyone involved is not enthusiastic about a new assignment.

"We've received a number of calls. People are concerned," said Pat Gilberto, president of the Albuquerque Public Schools Principals Association.

Gilberto said she was to receive paperwork from the district administration Monday explaining the process. "It has happened in the past," she said.

Venegas said 14 principals were moved in the past, which was the largest group until now.

About 20 changes are pending, Venegas said.

Those involved will receive official word Wednesday from the district.

Venegas said some of the principals know they are going to be transferred and "they are just nervous about where."

Principals serve at the pleasure of the superintendent and their contracts are for one year at a time. Contracts expire at the end of the fiscal year June 30.

Some of those moved may receive bonuses.

"We haven't ruled that out," Venegas said of incentive pay. "We might have to do that."

The district in previous years has paid bonuses to coax principals to low-performing schools.

"We realize that change is not always easy, but rest assured that we believe that it is necessary if all students and schools are to achieve at the highest levels," the superintendent's cabinet wrote in a May 4 letter to principals.

"As always, our focus is on improving student performance at all schools. Moving school leaders is another strategy for helping students and schools meet the mandates of No Child Left Behind and improve student performance. Schools must be accountable to parents and the community. Please understand that it provides professional growth for you and enables you to share your strengths, experience and expertise with students and staff at another school site," the letter said.

The changes will be announced this week in order to allow summer professional development for principals and also prepare them for the introduction of new math materials, the letter said.