General Job Function

The Elementary Principal serves as the instructional leader and chief administrator of the assigned elementary school and is responsible for the overall educational, operational, fiscal, and organizational management of the campus. The Principal develops and sustains a positive school culture focused on academic excellence, student achievement, safety, equity, and continuous improvement.

The Principal provides leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, personnel management, school improvement planning, fiscal accountability, student discipline, school safety, community engagement, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and district requirements. The Principal is responsible for creating and maintaining a collaborative learning environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success of every student while fostering professional growth among staff.

Education/Training/Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid New Mexico Administrative License.
• Valid New Mexico Teaching License.
• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years successful teaching experience.
• Administrative experience preferred.
• Demonstrated instructional leadership experience.
• Experience with elementary curriculum, assessment, and school improvement.
• Other qualifications deemed necessary by the Superintendent.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• New Mexico Academic Content Standards.
• Elementary instructional best practices.
• Curriculum development and implementation.
• School improvement planning.
• Data analysis and continuous improvement.
• Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS/MTSS).
• IDEA, Section 504, Title IX, FERPA, ESSA, McKinney-Vento, and applicable federal and state laws.
• Personnel supervision and evaluation.
• School finance, budgeting, procurement, and resource management.
• Student discipline and restorative practices.
• School safety planning and emergency management.
• New Mexico Educator Code of Ethics.

Ability to:

• Lead instructional improvement.
• Analyze student achievement data.
• Supervise and evaluate staff.
• Build collaborative relationships.
• Effectively communicate with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Provide instructional leadership focused on improving student achievement and closing achievement gaps.
• Lead development, implementation, monitoring, and revision of the School Improvement Plan and Educational Plan for Student Success (EPSS).
• Implement district curriculum, assessments, bilingual education, and instructional initiatives.
• Conduct classroom observations, walkthroughs, and formal evaluations.
• Utilize student achievement, attendance, discipline, and assessment data to improve instructional practices.
• Monitor grading practices, report cards, and student progress.
• Ensure implementation of New Mexico Academic Standards.
• Ensure test security and compliance with all state assessment requirements.
• Promote evidence-based instructional practices and continuous improvement.

School Leadership and Culture

• Establish and maintain a positive, safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
• Foster high expectations for academic achievement, attendance, behavior, and citizenship.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with staff, students, parents, and the community.
• Promote meaningful parent involvement and family engagement.
• Develop and oversee school handbooks, parent engagement plans, and school communication.
• Represent the school positively within the community.

Personnel Management

• Recruit, supervise, evaluate, coach, and support certified and classified staff.
• Develop professional growth plans.
• Conduct staff evaluations in accordance with district procedures.
• Promote collaborative professional learning communities.
• Recommend personnel actions to the Superintendent.
• Verify employee attendance and payroll certifications.

Student Services

• Administer student discipline in accordance with Board Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and applicable state and federal law.
• Develop and implement positive behavior support systems and restorative practices.
• Monitor student attendance and implement attendance intervention procedures.
• Collaborate with counselors, special education staff, social workers, nurses, and ancillary personnel.
• Attend IEP, eligibility, manifestation determination, Section 504, and student support meetings as required.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and all student rights.

School Operations

• Direct daily school operations.
• Develop master schedules and staff assignments.
• Supervise campus safety plans and supervision schedules.
• Maintain accountability for district property, equipment, textbooks, instructional materials, and inventories.
• Monitor student enrollment and records within NOVA.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, IPRA, and all confidentiality requirements.
• Coordinate facility maintenance and operational needs.
• Implement energy conservation initiatives.

Budget and Fiscal Management

• Develop and manage the school budget.
• Monitor expenditures and budget allocations.
• Approve purchasing requests in accordance with district procurement procedures.
• Oversee activity funds and fiscal accountability.
• Ensure all deposits, including activity funds, cafeteria funds, vending, textbook, and fundraiser monies, are submitted within district timelines.
• Maintain fiscal accountability for all school resources.

Nutrition Services

• Supervise school nutrition operations.
• Verify free and reduced meal applications.
• Ensure meal accountability procedures are followed.
• Coordinate cafeteria supervision and student behavior.

School Safety

• Maintain and implement the School Emergency Operations Plan.
• Coordinate required emergency drills.
• Ensure compliance with State Fire Marshal regulations.
• Coordinate hazard communication, asbestos awareness, safety, and emergency preparedness programs.
• Promote safe school practices.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build collaborative partnerships with families, advisory committees, and community organizations.
• Facilitate parent meetings and school improvement committees.
• Communicate regularly regarding school performance and student success.
• Support grant opportunities and innovative educational programming.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with district policies and administrative procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.
• Maintain required records and reports accurately and timely.
• Ensure staff comply with the New Mexico Educator Code of Ethics and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with district departments to complete required state and federal reporting.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the district leadership team.
• Collaborate with principals and district directors to improve instructional programs.
• Attend district meetings, Board meetings as assigned, professional development, and school events.
• Keep the Associate Superintendent informed of significant school matters.
• Complete assignments from the Associate Superintendent or Superintendent accurately and within established timelines.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Personal Accountability

• Demonstrates reliability through regular attendance and punctuality.
• Properly notifies supervisor of absences or tardiness.
• Completes assignments accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintains professional appearance and conduct.
• Demonstrates ethical leadership, integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Protects district resources through sound fiscal stewardship.
• Maintains confidentiality of student, personnel, and district information.
• Promotes continuous improvement and high expectations.
• Supports the mission, vision, and goals of Española Public Schools.

Employee Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand the essential duties, responsibilities, and expectations of my position and agree to perform them to the best of my ability. I understand that this job description is not intended to include every duty that may be assigned and that Española Public Schools reserves the right to modify or assign duties as operational needs require. My signature acknowledges receipt and understanding of this job description and does not constitute an employment contract.

Employee Signature: ____________________________________

Date: _______________________________