Elementary Principal Pool (2026-2027 School Year)

Report To: Assistant Superintendent 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

General Definition of Work 

The Principal, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion, overseeing the school organization, its operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment that promotes belonging and academic success. The principal provides decisive leadership grounded in strong instructional knowledge, effective management practices, and a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures under the direction of the Superintendent. 

Qualifications 

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

Salary/Status 

Principal Pay Schedule by Level/Full-Time/12 months 

Start Date 

Determined by Human Resources? 

Essential Functions 

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures 

• Support and uphold the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the district 

• Oversee the academic success and well-being of each student by facilitating the development, communication, implementation, and evaluation of a shared vision of learning that reflects excellence and equity 

• Lead the development and alignment of the organizational, instructional, and assessment strategies that enhance teaching and learning 

• Initiate and maintain strategies to promote collegiality and collaboration among the staff to ensure high expectations for professional work, ethical and equitable practice, child centered education, and continuous individual and organizational improvement 

• Build and sustain productive partnerships with public and private sectors, such as businesses and institutions of higher learning, to promote school improvement and student learning 

• Collaborate with school and district staff to plan and implement professional development activities that promote the achievement of school and district goals 

• Use data from multiple sources to monitor student learning, guide instructional decisions, and close achievement gaps 

• Provide meaningful feedback, coaching, and evaluation in accordance with state and district policies and procedures 

• Oversee and monitor implementation of emergency operations and crisis response plans 

• Oversee and manage the school budget in accordance with local, state, and federal laws 

• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly 

• Facilitate/participate in professional development workshops and leadership training  

• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations 

• Perform related work as assigned or required  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public-school administration  

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to public school administration  

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of school-based management, curriculum, organizational patterns, school operations, and student services 

• Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards regarding school administration 

• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress 

• Ability to reflect appropriate responses to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor 

• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs 

• Ability to develop and monitor a budget 

• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others  

• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations 

• Ability to communicate effectively  

• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships  

• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums 

• Ability to solve problems by utilizing sound judgment 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business 

• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy 

• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement   

• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs 

• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment 

Certification and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required 

• Master’s degree in educational administration or related area required 

• SC Principal Certification or eligibility to obtain required 

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as building or district administrator preferred 

• Equivalent combination of experience and education  

Special Requirements 

• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation. 

• May be required to travel to school district buildings and professional meetings.  The normal place of work is on the premises used by Rock Hill Schools. Rock Hill Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require. 

• Prior to beginning employment, negative TB test results must be provided. 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions 

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to ten pounds of force 

• Work regularly requires exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication 

• Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment 

• Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work 

• Ability to move to other work locations  

• Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities 

• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications  

• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, and the use of advanced technology  

• Work may include constant interruptions, inflexible deadlines, and changes to normal routines 

• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions 

• Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress 

• Must be on-call as a regular part of the job  

Application Requirements 
Applicants must submit official transcripts, three professional references with at least one supervisory reference and a copy of the appropriate credentials as part of the application process. 

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Pre-Onboarding Requirements 
As a condition of employment and prior to onboarding, the district will conduct a criminal history background check. The recommended candidate will be required to provide personal information necessary to complete the background check such as date of birth, gender, and race to remain in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.   

Disclaimer 

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job. Job description is sourced from employee interviews, internal documents, representative job descriptions in similar districts, and other state/federal agencies. 

Rock Hill Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Updated 2025