What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal- 4/13/2026 position at Scranton School District?
Job Title: Principal
Salary: As Determined by the Act 93 Plan
Reports to: Chief of Education and Leadership/Chief of Student Support Services
Hours: Consistent with the Act 93 Plan
Job Category: Administrative
Date Posted: April 14, 2026
Date closes: April 23, 2026
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Principal assumes the immediate responsibility for the total operation of the school and its internal and external relationships and activities. The principal provides the educational leadership which enables the staff to meet the needs of all the students. The Principal functions under the general supervision of the Chief of Leadership and Education/Chief of Student Support Services. The Principal shall report to this office on all matters concerning district policy and building procedure. The Principal will be charged with the supervision of day-to-day operations and ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for all students and staff. The Principal will also be responsible for maintaining the integrity and compliance of the program, in accordance with federal and state standards, and in support of Scranton School District’s vision and mission.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervise the school’s instructional program to ensure it meets the diverse abilities, interests, and growth patterns of all students.
- Provide leadership in adapting instruction and resources to accommodate individual student differences and learning needs.
- Lead and model meetings in accordance with team-established initiatives, championing high morale among staff and students.
- Implement school and program missions with stakeholder input, utilizing District-approved curricula, materials, and resources.
- Adhere to federal, state, and District policies and procedures to ensure the legal and operational integrity of the program.
- Verify and report all required federal and state data collections accurately and within established deadlines.
- Establish and implement student discipline procedures and evidence-based systems to foster a safe, supportive, and achievement-oriented culture.
- Coordinate program admissions, student visitations, and the integration of itinerant services (e.g., PT, OT, Speech, and Health services).
- Seek and implement ways to improve curriculum and teaching methods while ensuring coordination with elementary programs as mandated by the Department of Education.
- Strategically allocate school resources to maximize student learning outcomes and instructional efficiency.
- Provide proactive leadership in maintaining a safe, secure, and positive learning environment.
- Promote extra-curricular and intra-school activities to enhance the student experience.
- Assign professional and non-certified staff members within the building to maximize operational effectiveness.
- Organize and schedule classes with strategic consideration for teacher competencies, space allotment, and time.
- Oversee the orientation and supervision of beginning teachers or staff members new to the building.
- Encourage professional development by supporting staff in expanding their skills and pursuing additional learning.
- Collaborate with teacher-training institutions regarding the assignment and supervision of student teachers, when applicable.
- Coordinate the specialized competencies of central office personnel, consultants, and other resource staff.
- Manage the development, review, and evaluation of program budgets and financial matters.
- Conduct teacher ratings and evaluations as directed by the Superintendent or designee, utilizing observations from assistants and consultants as appropriate.
- Administer the public relations program, interpreting school policies and achievements for parents, community groups, and stakeholders.
- Lead the selection of instructional materials and equipment and supervise the maintenance of all educational inventories.
- Make budgetary recommendations based on staff evaluations of existing programs and proposed extensions or changes.
- Coordinate the expenditure of allocated funds, including Title I funding, in strict accordance with federal, state, and District guidelines.
- Ensure the maintenance and safety of the school building in cooperation with the Maintenance Supervisor or designee.
- Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding educational developments to provide informed, dynamic leadership.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or their designee.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE:
- Must possess excellent interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions.
- Able to make appropriate decisions and work under high levels of stress.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to organize tasks.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Ability to exercise good judgment.
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:
- Possess a valid PA Principal K-12 Certificate.
- 3-5 years of Special Education/center based programming (strongly preferred)
- 3-5 years of administrative experience (strongly preferred)
- 3-5 years of elementary school teaching experience (strongly preferred).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to reach above and below the waist
- Ability to use fingers to pick, feel and grasp objects.
- Some stooping, bending and twisting of the body required.
- Ability to lift and/or carry supplies and/or papers weighing no more than 20 lbs.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk or move throughout the building and/or office, often for extended periods of the workday.
SENSORY ABILITY:
- Visual acuity.
- Auditory acuity.