Principal

JOB TITLE: Principal

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Illinois PEL- General Administrative Certificate or Principal Endorsement

WORK YEAR: 12 month, Full Time

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The principal’s primary responsibility is in the improvement of instruction. A majority of the principal’s time shall be spent on curriculum and staff development.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Leads improvement of instruction at his/her school.
• Leads curriculum and staff development at his/her school based on the District’s vision, and participates on District level committees.
• Champions an approach that is focused on learners (both students and adults).
• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards work, learning and others.
• Effectively solves problems that support all learners.
• Supports systems for promoting positive behavior and tiered intervention to meet the academic and social emotional needs of a diverse student body; maintains high expectations for all students to engage in continuous learning and development.
• Support and provide oversight for all specialized programming through a collaborative approach with district leadership (for example, early childhood programming, cross-categorical classrooms, EL services, etc.).
• Plans and facilitates staff orientation and has responsibility for building professional development programs.
• Acts in an advisory capacity upon request, to the Superintendent and his/her designee, on matters pertaining to the formulation and execution of policy.
• Responsible to the Superintendent or his/her designee for the performance of all assigned tasks, duties and the organization and administration of his/her school.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe building.
• Initiates, facilitates, designs and implements programs and scheduling to meet student needs.
• Leads with integrity, respect, and kindness.
• Communicates in a way that is effective, proactive, responsive, and empathetic of each stakeholder group.
• With an equity lens, promotes and cultivates a school climate that values student voice and designs authentic student learning experiences.
• Keeps the Superintendent and his/her assistants completely and continuously informed regarding the condition of the school, its operation, and activities.
• Through a collaborative approach based on high professional standards, works cooperatively with the teaching staff in the best interests of the students.
• Responsible for matters pertaining to the health and welfare of the students and teachers.
• Responsible for maintaining good public relations with the community and for fully utilizing community resources to enrich the learning program.
• Responsible for the assignment of the teaching staff within his/her building.
• Evaluates and supports the growth and development of all teachers/staff as required and forwards these reports to the Superintendent or designee when due.
• Responsible for the classification, promotion or retention of students within his/her building consistent with Board of Education policy and regulations.
• Monitors the attendance and conduct of students, imposes discipline/restorative opportunities and experiences as authorized by the Board. Creates and maintains a safe and engaging learning environment throughout all aspects of the school.
• Responsible for developing and conducting emergency plans and safety drills annually and informing staff members of their role and responsibilities.
• Responsible for conducting all appropriate drills and annually informing staff members regarding expectations and location information.
• Develops emergency plans and practice drills for those plans based on district expectations.
• Responsible for organizing the playgrounds and lunchroom(s) in the best interest of the students.
• Works with the superintendent and/or designee to ensure administrative coverage during any absence from school.
• Works to appropriately and effectively address all concerns, issues, and complaints affecting his/her school referred by the Superintendent; investigates the same where facts seem to warrant, and refers those cases to the Superintendent or designee where a satisfactory conclusion cannot be reached.
• Enrolls all students on appropriate registration forms; ensures that all tuition students have signed tuition agreements as per district administrative direction.
• Notifies students and parents prior to the end of each grading period of any identified student needs resulting in poor/failing grades that may impact the student in future years, as well as significant behavioral concerns that are limited in improvement.
• Notifies the personnel and payroll offices of substitutes employed and forwards all necessary forms to the Administration Center.
• Responsible for the preparation, control, administration and implementation of budget matters pertaining to their building.
• Attend Board meetings and provide presentations as requested.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to actively perform work in classroom, office, and other business and community settings. Ability to move freely and perform duties in numerous locations throughout the day (typically involving frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and lifting). Exposure to noise and activity of a school setting. Exposure to weather conditions. Ability to travel outside the district for a variety of meetings and conferences.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Newly hired Administrators will be placed on the Administrator Salary Schedule based on prior work experience that can be verified, that is recent (within the last ten years without an extended break in employment), and in a position of similar responsibilities. Benefits as determined and approved annually by the Board of Education.