High School Principal

Job Title: Principal, Gravette High School
Reports To: Superintendent
FLSA Status: Exempt

DISTRICT PROFILE
Gravette School District is located in the northwest corner of Arkansas serving over 2,000 students in the prekindergarten through 12th grades. Gravette High School has an enrollment of 620 students in grades nine through twelve. 

JOB SUMMARY
The high school principal is the instructional leader responsible for establishing an instructional vision and a focused plan for improving student achievement; monitoring and supervising instruction; supporting teachers in improving their instructional practice; creating a community of continuous learning for all staff and students; and fostering a culture of high expectations for all students. In addition, the principal is charged with building strong partnerships with families and community; creating a safe, supportive school climate; and effectively managing operational, technical and staff issues to promote instructional progress.
As a member of the district leadership team, the principal works collaboratively with the district
office and school leadership team to advance the Gravette Public Schools educational vision and improvement goals.

CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are seeking an experienced instructional leader who has demonstrated the ability to improve student
outcomes and reduce the achievement gap. Successful candidates will bring a passion for ensuring that
all students have access to the opportunities that will allow them to graduate from high school fully
prepared for college, work, and citizenship. Successful candidates will also demonstrate the courage to
address sensitive issues related to student achievement.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
1. Demonstrated ability to lead systemic change and successfully implement reform initiatives that
produce gains in closing the achievement gap.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of research-based instructional strategies and models for
improving instructional practices.
3. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of data to assess student progress and inform instructional
practice.
4. Effective interpersonal skills in managing and interacting with diverse groups of stakeholders.
5. Understand and meet the needs of a culturally diversified community including needs of low
income students.
6. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
7. Ability to handle challenging situations.
8. Demonstrated ability to manage conflict through quality decision-making and effective problem
solving.
9. Demonstrated proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. Must
use District IT systems to perform routine tasks, such as developing performance management
assessments, accessing financial reports and managing school staffing and budget information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered, all principal applicants must meet the minimum standards described below:
1. Eligible to hold an Arkansas administrative license by the first assigned workday.
2. Knowledge of the state evaluation system.
3. Master’s degree or greater in education.
4. A minimum of three years of 9-12 educational leadership experience preferred with
demonstrated results in improving academic performance of students.

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. Clearly communicate the district’s vision and mission to the school community and maintain a
positive school climate while maintaining staff accountability.
2. Collaborate with administrative leadership team district-wide, initiate a strong sense of team and
serve on committees as appropriate.
3. Develop a strong client orientation in all school staff.
4. Understand and communicate the Arkansas academic standards and implement standards based
curriculum.
5. Develop a school class schedule that provides the greatest opportunities for students and effectively
utilizes the talents of staff.
6. Positively impact and support district-wide initiatives and participate in administrative meetings.
7. Collaborate with Superintendent in recruiting highly qualified job applicants and make
recommendations for hire.
8. Develop and foster community connections that will enhance the educational experience of all
students.
9. Insure appropriate supervision exists during all extra-curricular activities.
10. Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent to plan and implement appropriate
professional development as it relates to the district’s improvement plan.
11. Evaluate classified and licensed employees according to best practices and district policy.
12. Report issues to authorities as necessary, child abuse, suspicious activity, etc.
13. Participate in school, district, region, and state meetings as appropriate.
14. Understand Arkansas and federal education laws and be able to effectively communicate related
accountability systems.
15. Participate in the building budget development process and provide effective oversight of the
building budget.
16. Facilitate and lead the implementation of the school improvement plan.
17. Identify students that have special needs and understand student referral systems.
18. Advocate for children and actively embrace community involvement.
19. Inspire innovation among school community.
20. Maintain appropriate certifications and training hours as required.
21. Demonstrate a commitment to your personal growth and learning.
22. Effectively balance between great flexibility and great organization.
23. Comply with applicable district, state, local and federal laws, rules and regulations.
24. Attend work regularly.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Marginal 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. Attends educational support meetings, including individualized education plan (IEP) meetings, and
school board meetings as directed.
2. Collaborate with District Office to resolve grievances and other employee relations issues.
3. Discipline employees appropriately per district policy.

COMPENSATION AND WORK YEAR
Salary will be indexed at 1.145 for a 240-day work year based off the current licesned salary schedule.  Additional index points are added for a Doctorate Degree and achieving an A or B on the school grade card state accountability system.   GSD is a public employer participating in the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate. The employee
is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.