Middle School Principal 2026-2027 School Year

JOB TITLE: Middle School Principal 2026-2027 School Year

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief Academic Officer

PAY GRADE: Licensed Salary Schedule

LOCATION: Assigned Campus

Position Summary

The Jr. High School Principal serves as the academic and cultural leader of West Jr. High School. The Principal is responsible for driving measurable academic outcomes, establishing a strong culture of positive behavior and accountability, and building a guiding coalition of teacher leaders and coaches to ensure excellence in every classroom.

This leader works directly with the Behavior Specialist, Academic Coaches, and Teacher Leaders to implement high-quality curriculum, strengthen instructional practice, and ensure that every student is prepared for college, career, and leadership. The Principal is deeply engaged in coaching cycles, data analysis, and strategic planning to accelerate student achievement.

Academic Leadership Responsibilities

• Own and drive academic outcomes for the school, including state assessments, pre-AP performance, pathway success, and graduation readiness.
• Partner closely with Academic Coaches to implement curriculum with fidelity and strengthen instructional execution.
• Engage directly in instructional coaching cycles with assigned teachers, including observation, feedback, modeling, and follow-up.
• Lead data-driven decision-making aligned to PLC at Work processes.
• Establish and monitor clear instructional expectations, including Explicit Instruction practices (I Do, We Do, You Do).

Culture & Systems Leadership

• Establish and sustain a schoolwide culture rooted in Positive Behavior and Accountability.
• Implement and reinforce positive behavior practices to build strong student relationships and clear behavioral expectations.
• Build and lead a guiding coalition of Teacher Leaders and Academic Coaches to drive school improvement.
• Ensure consistent classroom management systems aligned to schoolwide expectations.
• Develop systems that support student attendance, engagement, and pathway commitment.

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise Teacher Leaders, Academic Coaches, and other school personnel.
• Develop leadership capacity within the school by building a strong leadership bench.
• Provide clear performance feedback, goal setting, and professional growth support to direct reports.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field (required).
• Valid Arkansas administrator license (required or eligibility).
• Prior building-level leadership experience required.
• Demonstrated experience improving academic outcomes at the Jr/ middle school level, preferred.
• Experience leading adult professional learning.
• Proven ability to build and sustain a strong school culture.

The above statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time.

The West Memphis School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, or sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates and is an equal opportunity employer.