Elementary Principal 2026-27 (anticipated)

Summary: Provide on-site administration of the district mission, educational programs, goals, policies and regulations; development of building goals and results; administration and allocation of building finances and human resources; and facilitation of cooperative community relations to ensure quality instruction for all students in a safe, equitable and secure environment. This position requires continuous use of independent judgment. The essential functions and performance criterion as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in School Administration required
• Valid Professional Administrator License with appropriate grade level Principal endorsement
• Valid Evaluator Approval certification
• A minimum of three years of related successful administrative experience is preferred

PERSONAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

• Satisfactory adherence to the Iowa Standards for School Leaders
• Knowledge and skill in planning procedures, including needs assessment activities, prioritization of needs and evaluation techniques
• Ability to handle adversity in a constructive manner
• Ability to grasp and adjust to new and changing situations
• Effective collaborative decision-making skills
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to work without close supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competency working in a culturally diverse environment or the willingness or acquire these skills

JOB PERFOMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION & ASSESSMENT

• Leads the effectiveness of curriculum, instruction, and learning.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of curricular offerings, instruction practices, and formative/summative assessment practices. This includes appropriate incorporation of educational materials, interventions, and analysis of results.
• Serves on district-wide curriculum review team(s) and assists in the coordination of building activities associated with vertical and horizontal curriculum articulation.
• Establishes and/or participates in professional learning activities designed to improve instruction. These activities should complement district and building plans for professional learning.
• In collaboration with others, uses appropriate data to establish rigorous, concrete goals in the context of student achievement and instructional programs.
• Aligns and implements the educational programs, plans, actions, and resources with the district’s vision and goals.

STUDENT SERVICES

• Maintains high standards of student conduct and attendance and enforces discipline as necessary, according to due process and the rights of students.
• Possesses an awareness of and responds to the diversity and at-risk needs of students.
• Evaluates school-based programs including staffing and placement of students into special education programs, and other accommodation programming.
• Initiates, designs, and implements programs to meet specific needs of the school.
• Schedules classes within established guidelines to meet student needs.
• Oversees the total student accounting system as it relates to student registration, scheduling, attendance, grading, and records.
• Communicates with parents all general and/or specific information necessary to assist them in decisions regarding the education of their student(s).
• Responsible for the orientation process of all new students.
• Provides all student information to the appropriate district office personnel.
• Responsible for all informational publications such as program of studies, newsletters, student handbook, etc.

PERSONNEL FUNCTIONS

• Leads in the recruitment, screening, hiring, assigning, orientation, evaluation, and retention or dismissal of the school’s staff.
• Evaluates staff in accordance with state law and district policy.
• Provides ongoing coaching for staff for improvement through actionable feedback.
• Responsible for planning and conducting all staff meetings—Instructional Leadership Teams, staff and administrative meetings.
• Responsible for collection of all student enrollment data used in determining staffing allocations.

BUILDING MANAGEMENT

• Reviews, approves and authorizes budget items, student record maintenance, building maintenance, inventories, school-based activities, building use and fund-raising activities.
• Manages fiscal and physical resources responsibly, efficiently, and effectively. This includes development and management of budget for equipment repair, educational supplies and capital outlay.
• Protects instructional time by designing and managing operational procedures to maximize learning.
• Communicates effectively with both internal and external audiences about the operations of the school.
• Responsible for all reports required at the building level, local level, and state level.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATION

• Establishes and maintains community/school rapport and promotes positive and effective communications among parents, students and school personnel.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and solicits support for overall school objectives and programs.
• Communicates effectively to various stakeholders regarding progress on the goals of the school improvement plan.
• Makes self easily accessible and approachable to all stakeholders and is highly visible and engaged in the school community.
• Resolves conflicts as they arise among staff, students, and/or parents.
• Engages family and community by promoting shared responsibility for student learning and support of the educational system.

GENERAL

• Responsible to coordinate and/or serve on various committees, be involved in professional groups, and/or join appropriate professional organizations to remain current.
• Participates in principals’ meetings and other such meetings as are required or appropriate.
• Reports to the appropriate district office personnel on all matters of a critical nature.
• Interprets and implements District policies and regulations, student rights and responsibilities, school regulations, discipline policies, safety regulations, state law as it affects school regulations and negotiated agreements.
• Facilitates school improvement through a planned process, which includes development and assessment of building and district goals, fundamental teaching practices and student results.
• Responds to written and oral requests for information in a timely fashion.
• Contributes to creating a positive work environment.
• Demonstrates ethical behavior and integrity.
• Respects confidentiality.
• Performs other duties as assigned.