JOB TITLE:    Principal                                                                                       CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

 

REPORTS TO:  Superintendent                                                                           PAY GRADE: ADM

 

LOCATION:  Assigned Campus                                                                        DATE REVISED: 9/1/2023

 

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Direct and manage instructional programs and supervise operations and personnel at the campus level. Provide leadership to ensure high standards of instructional service. Direct the implementation of district policies and instructional programs and manage the operations of all campus activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master's degree in educational administration
•  Valid Arkansas Administrative, Mid-Management, or Principal Certification
• The Arkansas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (TESS) 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Working knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to coordinate campus functions
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
• Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Three years of experience as a classroom teacher
• Three years of experience in instructional leadership roles

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Instructional Management

 

1. Serve as instructional leader of the school by maintaining an instructional focus that supports high academic expectations for all students.
2. Supervise, monitor, and evaluate instructional and managerial processes to ensure that program activities relate to program outcomes and use findings to take corrective actions.
3. Regularly consult the campus-level committee about planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of campus education program.  Include students and community representatives when appropriate.
4. Coordinate all special programs and special services available to the campus.
5. Coordinate and assume responsibility for all co-curricular, extracurricular, and other after-school activities sponsored or co-sponsored by the school.

 

School/Organizational Climate

 

1. Provide instructional resources and materials to support teaching staff in accomplishing instructional goals.
2. Foster collegiality and team building among staff members.  Encourage their active involvement in the decision-making process.
3. Provide for two-way communication with the superintendent or designee, staff, students, parents, and community.
4. Maintain a positive climate on the campus. Communicate and promote expectations of high-level performance to staff and students.  Recognize excellence and achievement.
5. Ensure the effective and quick resolution of conflicts.

School/Organizational Improvement

 

1. Build a common vision for school improvement with staff.  Direct planning activities and establish programs with staff to ensure the attainment of the school's mission.
2. Identify, analyze, and apply research findings (e.g. effective school correlates) to promote school improvement.
3. Develop, maintain, and publicize a plan for campus improvement based on input from parents, teachers, students, and the community.
4. Develop and set annual campus performance objectives for each of the Academic Excellence Indicators using the campus planning process and site-based decision-making committee.
5. Develop, maintain, and use information systems and records necessary to show campus progress on performance objectives addressing each Academic Excellence Indicator.

Personnel Management

 

1. Interview and make recommendations to the Personnel Department pertaining to the employment of members of the campus staff.  Approve all personnel assigned to campus. Orient new staff members.
2. Define expectations for staff performance with regard to instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication with the public.
3. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff.
4. Assign campus personnel.
5. Make recommendations to the superintendent or designee on termination, suspension, or nonrenewal of employees assigned to campus.
6. Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities.
7. Confer with subordinates regarding their professional growth.  Work with them to develop and accomplish improvement goals.
8. Serve as the liaison between the campus and the rest of the school district by keeping the staff informed regarding the philosophy and mission of the district, important developments within the district, and revisions of state and local policies and procedures.

Administration and Fiscal/Facilities

 

1. Comply with district policies and state and federal laws and regulations affecting the schools.  Follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the district’s Board Policy Manual, the district’s Administrative Guidelines, and directives from the Central Office.
2. Develop campus budgets based on documented program needs, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other fiscal needs.  Keep programs within budget limits.  Maintain fiscal control.  Accurately report fiscal information.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other fiscal needs.  Keep programs within budget limits.  Maintain fiscal control.  Accurately report fiscal information.
4. Manage the use of school facilities.  Supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus.

Student Management

 

1. Establish and maintain a student discipline management system that allows all students to learn in a safe, orderly environment. Work with faculty and students to promote positive student behavior and enhance the school climate.
2. Ensure that staff observe school rules uniformly and discipline students in an appropriate and equitable fashion in accordance with the student handbook.
3. Conduct conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.

Professional Growth and Development

 

1. Stay current on research developments and trends in public education and share information with staff members.
2. Develop professional skills appropriate to the job assignment.
3. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior.  Serve as a role model for all campus staff.

School/Community Relations

 

1. Develop and maintain positive relations between the school and the community by effectively communicating the mission of the school.
2. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
3. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Academic Excellence Indicators and Campus Performance Objectives

 

1. Promote and ensure campus accountability rating.
2. Promote and ensure campus improvement.

        

        Other

39. Performs any other duties assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned to campus including assistant principal(s), teacher(s), counselor(s), librarian(s) nurse, instructional aides, and clerical support staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands

 

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data and coordinate campus functions
• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent prolonged and irregular hours

Physical Demands

 

• Light lifting and carrying, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers, repetitive hand motions; frequent bending and stooping
• Prolonged use of computer

       Environmental Demands

 

• Normal office environment

Occasional district and statewide travel