Elementary Principal

Gulf Shores City Schools

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Elementary School Principal

RESPONSIBLE TO: Superintendent

JOB GOAL: To administer and supervise all activities and personnel within the assigned elementary school and to establish an innovative educational environment that inspires faculty and motivates students to develop to their full potential..

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution with certification in educational administration or leadership.
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience; three (3) years of successful educational administrative experience preferred.
• Valid Alabama Administration Certificate.
• Maintain certification through ongoing professional learning units (PLUs) as required by the Alabama State Department of Education.
• Participate in the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS).
• Completion of required early literacy and numeracy training aligned to state initiatives.
• Proven record of elevating student achievement and creating a successful school environment, with a strong understanding of pedagogy that drives results.
• Knowledge of educational administration, including school law, finance, regulations, statutes, rules, and policies affecting education and the school system.
• Proficiency in using all school-level aspects of PowerSchool, including the scheduling process.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of instructional technology and personalized learning.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to establish credibility with all stakeholders; manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism; and work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Thorough understanding of the unique needs, growth and developmental characteristics, and learning styles of elementary students.
• Knowledge of elementary curriculum development, including a strong foundation in early literacy, numeracy, and best instructional practices aligned to state standards.
• Ability to enhance and improve instruction through the effective use of educational technology, best practices, and staff development principles.
• Ability to organize, motivate, delegate, evaluate, and supervise personnel effectively.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates support for the school system’s vision, mission, goals, and priorities.
• Oversees and is accountable for all aspects of the school, including personnel, students, instructional and extracurricular programs, school safety, facilities, and daily operations.
• Models and maintains high ethical standards.
• Implements all Board policies and administrative rules and regulations.
• Establishes and manages attendance procedures.
• Maintains property inventory in accordance with system financial procedures.
• Facilitates and monitors the integration of technology in the classroom to support effective instruction and personalized learning.
• Responds promptly to emergencies involving students, staff, or facilities.
• Supervises the recruitment, selection, retention, and evaluation of all instructional and support staff; makes recommendations regarding employment, assignments, and professional development.
• Oversees all Pre-Kindergarten programs, ensuring developmentally appropriate practices, compliance with state requirements, and alignment with early childhood learning standards.
• Oversees after-school care and summer camps at Gulf Shores Elementary School, ensuring high-quality programming, safety, and alignment with student learning and enrichment goals.
• Serves as the administrator responsible for the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, including program oversight, compliance, and reporting.
• Participates in system-wide leadership meetings and professional development activities.
• Maintains required certification through ongoing professional learning (PLUs) and actively participates in the Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS).
• Leads the implementation of early literacy and numeracy initiatives aligned with state mandates and best practices in elementary education.
• Leads the school improvement process, including continuous improvement plans, accreditation, and accountability reporting, with an emphasis on improving elementary student achievement.
• Administers the instructional program in alignment with state and district guidelines, with a focus on high-quality elementary instruction and foundational skills development.
• Ensures staff evaluations are completed according to state and district requirements.
• Plans and facilitates professional development opportunities aligned to instructional priorities, including literacy, numeracy, and effective instructional practices.
• Communicates effectively with staff regarding policies, procedures, and instructional updates.
• Manages school finances, including budgeting and internal accounts.
• Oversees the care and maintenance of school facilities and grounds.
• Maintains student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and promotes a positive school climate appropriate for elementary students.
• Attends school-sponsored events and extracurricular activities.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with families, community members, and stakeholders.
• Serves as a liaison between the school, central office, and community.
• Demonstrates proactive problem-solving and keeps the Superintendent informed of concerns or unusual events.
• Responds to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Conducts regular inspections of facilities and coordinates maintenance needs.
• Oversees preparation of reports, student records, and school documentation.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with state and federal law.
• Develops and manages duty schedules for staff.
• Coordinates school safety plans and facility inspections.
• Supervises transportation procedures to ensure student safety.
• Oversees the school guidance program to support the academic, social, and emotional development of elementary students.
• Supports onboarding and mentoring of new staff.
• Cultivates partnerships with businesses and community organizations.
• Seeks additional resources through grants, fundraising, and development opportunities in accordance with district guidelines.
• Oversees the school nutrition program, including compliance with free and reduced meal requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Salary/Term: Contract position (240 per year); Negotiable based on degree and experience.