High School Principal

da Vinci Schools Job Description

Job Title: High School Principal

Reports To: Superintendent

Employed By: Board of Directors

Location: Jackson, MI

Employment Type: Professional/At-Will/Exempt

Serving as the Middle and High School's primary administrative head and educational guide, the High School Principal is responsible for the effective daily operation and academic integrity of the total school program. This role ensures the development of a rigorous, college and career-ready culture, manages all staff supervision, and guarantees high levels of student achievement across all secondary grades. The High School Principal is a key member of the District’s administrative team, focused on meeting the diverse needs of all students and achieving District goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Actively contribute to district-wide strategic planning, offering expertise and feedback on policies, initiatives, and resource allocation that impact secondary education.

2. Ensure all building-level goals, practices, and resource requests are fully aligned with the District's overarching vision and strategic plan.

3. Establish annual, measurable, and collaborative performance goals (mutual commitments) with the Superintendent, focusing on metrics such as graduation rates, college readiness scores, and student achievement growth.

4. Provide regular, transparent reports to the administrative team and Board regarding the progress and status of these commitments.

5. Direct the effective use of formative and summative assessments to measure student proficiency and inform instructional planning, intervention strategies, and resource allocation.

6. Within a Professional Learning Community framework, collaborate with staff to improve teaching and learning.

7. Lead data analysis within the school improvement framework to identify learning gaps.

8. Direct the full cycle of talent management, including recruiting, interviewing, and recommending the hiring of high-quality instructional and support staff.

9. Implement a rigorous, fair, and growth-focused performance evaluation system for all personnel, providing timely, constructive feedback and developing targeted growth plans.

10. Identify, fund, and coordinate professional development opportunities that directly support the instructional and operational goals of the high school.

11. Oversee the development of the master schedule, ensuring maximum instructional time, and compliance with graduation requirements.

12. Ensure the effective operation of all specialized programs, including Special Education (IEP/504), counseling, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

13. Establish and enforce a clear, consistent, and restorative Student Code of Conduct that promotes a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment.

14. Develop and promote programs that recognize and celebrate student achievement, growth, and positive behavior, fostering a strong and positive high school culture.

15. Ensure absolute compliance with all legal mandates pertaining to student and staff health, safety, emergency preparedness, and facility use.

16. Act as the building-level liaison for district operations, coordinating security, maintenance, and emergency response efforts.

17. Develop the school budget and approve the requisitions for supplies, equipment and materials necessary for the operation of the school.

18. Maintain regular, transparent, and proactive communication with parents and the broader community regarding school performance, policies, and successes through multiple channels.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The High School Principal manages the full cycle of middle and high school personnel, which includes leading the recruitment and interviewing to select highly qualified staff. This role requires implementing a data-driven professional development plan to offer continuous staff growth and running the district's official performance evaluation system. The High School Principal conducts frequent observations, provides constructive feedback, and manages all required documentation, including Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), to ensure high instructional quality and legal compliance.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are a representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of five years of teaching experience.
• MA in Educational Leadership preferred, or an MA in a related field with a commitment to complete the MA in Educational Leadership within two years.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must hold a Michigan teaching certificate.
• Must hold a valid Michigan Administrator Certificate or be eligible to receive one within the permitted time frame; all administrators or other person whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs or as a chief business official shall meet the certification and continuing education requirements as described in MCL 380.1246.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Instructional Leadership: Possess the academic and social-emotional skills necessary to be a trusted and respected educational leader for high school staff and students.
• Educational Research: Must be knowledgeable regarding Effective Schools Research and other best practices in secondary education.
• Compliance & Administration: Deep understanding of state and federal regulations, School Board policies, and MCL 380.1246 requirements related to school administration, health, and safety.
• Data Analysis: Proven ability to lead staff in analyzing complex student data (achievement, graduation rates, college readiness) within a School Improvement Framework to identify learning gaps and drive strategic decision-making.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative skills to effectively manage staff, engage parents, and serve as a key member of the district’s administrative team.

Physical Requirements

• Job requires extended use of a computer.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, speak, and listen.

Criminal Background Check

Must satisfactorily meet criminal background requirements as outlined in the Michigan Safety Legislation.

• Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Job Types: Contract, Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,625.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of teaching experience do you have?

License/Certification:

• Michigan Administrator Certificate (Preferred)
• Michigan Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $105,625