Anticipated Principal

JOB TITLE: ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

POSITION LEVEL: DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

SUPERVISOR: SUPERINTENDENT 

JOB SUMMARY: Supervises instruction; curriculum implementation; functions as building manager; instructional leader, establishes positive school climate; sets high expectations for staff and students; plans and provides staff development; works collaboratively with the school leadership team; develops the leadership skills of the assistant principal and/or dean of students; works in collaboration with school administrators and district administrators to ensure student academic success; and serves as a school/community relations specialist. 

Exemplifies thorough knowledge of the Illinois Principal Standards; Board Policy; collective bargaining agreements; principles and methodology of effective teaching and learning strategies; staff accountability; scheduling; elementary, secondary and special education guiding principles, practices, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior and expectations of staff and students; ability to deliver and articulate directives, oral presentations and written reports/documents; and demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with district administration, colleagues, staff, students, parents, and community members.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master\'s Degree or higher in educational leadership or its equivalent.
• Must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and possess a valid Illinois Professional License with a Type 75 endorsement.
• At least three (3) years of administrative experience preferred.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates computer literacy and applications.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Serves as a mandated reporter.
• Health examination for new employees, part-time or full-time:

1. Chapter 122 Article 24-5 of the Illinois School Code mandates that School boards shall require of new employees evidence of physical fitness to perform duties assigned and freedom from communicable disease, including tuberculosis.  Such evidence shall consist of a physical examination, a tuberculin test, and, if appropriate, an x-ray.  The cost of such examination shall rest with the employee.
2. Before employment, all non-certified employees must have a physical examination.
3. Must pass a comprehensive drug screening.
4. Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes responsibility for the organization, administration, evaluation and supervision of staff, implementation of instructional programs and extracurricular activities/events.
• Works collaboratively with the administrative team and school leadership team.
• Demonstrates knowledge, understanding, and enforcement of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and Board policies; adheres to the language and timelines as outlined.
• Employs various processes, including staff input for gathering, analyzing, and using data for decision-making and instructional planning.
• Demonstrates familiarity with current educational studies, surveys, research, etc.
• Develops and implements a school improvement plan that results in increased student achievement.
• Involves the school staff and parents in the preparation and implementation of an annual school plan, which shall be approved by the Superintendent.
• Sets high expectations for staff and students.
• Requires teachers to submit and follow weekly lesson plans to ensure continuity of instruction and ongoing student assessment.
• Develops plans for effective allocation of funds and other resources to support the academic and extracurricular programs.
• Assumes responsibility for all funds collected, internal accounting, and preparing monthly financial statements as required by the Board and/or Superintendent.
• Communicates a clear vision of excellence and continuous improvement consistent with the vision, mission, and goals of the Board of Education.
• Oversees the identification, placement, and instructional program implementation with the necessary support for students with disabilities under IDEA and/or 504 regulations.
• Ensures students with disabilities have access to participate in the general education curriculum and extracurricular activities.
• Ensures collaboration between general education teachers and special education teachers.
• Ensures that IEPs meet the individual student needs, which includes: appropriate instruction based on the performance level of students; placement in the least restrictive environment; written goals and objectives with accommodation/related services, if identified, are adhered to as outlined for each student.
• Analyzes the current instructional and assessment frameworks and makes recommendations in support of a balanced instructional and assessment system.
• Ensures that staff members plan for effective instruction daily based on knowledge of subject matter/content; current best practices for instructional implementation and delivery, with student assessment to achieve desired outcomes, and the Board-approved curriculum is utilized.
• Visits the classrooms frequently to observe instructional methods, pedagogy, student engagement, and progress monitoring.
• Assumes responsibility for recruitment, conducting interviews of highly qualified applicants, and making recommendations for employment to the Director of Human Resources and/or the Superintendent.
• Provides staff development based on observations and performance need assessment, consistent with the school improvement plan.
• Identifies, analyzes, and resolves problems using effective problem-solving techniques.
• Oversees and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the school.
• Maintains a safe and orderly school environment by establishing consistent rules and procedures for staff and students; assisting teachers with classroom management skills and utilizing the school counselor, school social worker, and security officers for support.
• Ensures that undesired student or staff behavior is addressed timely manner and consequences are appropriately applied. Provides the Superintendent with a written incident report.
• Manages human resources and financial resources to support student learning.
• Promotes and utilizes effective communication and interpersonal skills with students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Works collaboratively with staff, families, and community members to support the programs and activities of the school.
• Models professional, moral, and ethical standards as well as personal integrity in all interactions and communications.
• Works in a collegial and collaborative manner with district administrators, instructional coaches, school personnel, and the community to support instructional programs and the vision, mission, and goals of the school (aligned to the Board\'s vision, mission, and goals).
• Takes responsibility for and participates in meaningful and continuous professional development and professional growth opportunities.
• Conferences with teachers and support staff regarding instruction, classroom management, and student discipline as needed.
• Ensures the adequate supervision of students by all staff.
• Motivates students and school personnel to achieve their maximum potential.
• Ensures teachers maximize instructional time; the administration assists by limiting interruptions and intrusions.
• Convenes regular faculty meetings and maintains effective communication with all staff.
• Encourages staff to take advantage of professional development and professional growth opportunities.
• Fairly assigns staff to such duties and activities as are necessary for the efficient operation of the school.
• Oversees that all staff members maintain and submit accurate records and reports as required; Maintains and ensures the security of student records.
• Maintains the attractiveness of the building and grounds and reports needed repairs to the Director of Buildings and Grounds.
• Ensures the maintenance of accurate financial records and provides for the receipt of all funds expended in accordance with state accounting procedures, including extracurricular activities and parent organization activities.
• Responds timely to the concerns of parents, community members, and/or agencies.
• Reviews use of facility requests by community groups/organizations.
• Assumes responsibility for the supervision of students during the school day; while being transported to and from school; attending field trips; and during any activity or function sponsored by the school.
• Coordinates with the Athletic Director and extracurricular sponsors on staffing needs, supervision, and scheduling of all activities and events, and funding.
• Recognizes and rewards students for academic achievement, attendance, participation in extracurricular activities, and/or displaying appropriate behavior.
• Confers with individuals or groups of students as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for assigning administrative coverage for all student activities and events during school and after school.
• Uses the resources of the community and parents to support programs and activities.
• Serves as a member of identified committees and attends such meetings as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Contact parents immediately, or as soon as reasonably possible, in the event of an accident/incident, serious illness, or other matter pertaining to the general health and welfare of students.
• Holds staff accountable to attend open house, parent-teacher conferences, sponsored school activities/events, and student/parent consultation.
• Assists with the updates and maintenance of student and staff handbooks.
• Demonstrates non-discriminatory practices in all communications and activities.
• Delegates tasks and oversees, and evaluates the effectiveness of assigned tasks.
• Accepts responsibility to develop the leadership skills of the administrative team.
• Meets with and debriefs regularly with the administrative team.
• Meets with the Superintendent to discuss staff needs, equipment, furnisher, instructional materials, and budget.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Confidential, 12-month position

EVALUATION: Will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent or designee. 

SALARY: Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and approved by the Board of Education.