Principal - Clements Middle School

PRINCIPAL

REPORTS TO: Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer

JOB GOAL:Ensure the effective organization and operation of the school, the instructional program and related activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Educational Leadership Certification as required by the Professional Standards Commission.
• Master’s degree or higher.
• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience and three years administrative experience.

DUTIES AND PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction:

• Coordinate the planning and implementation of effective instructional programs.
• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of school curricular, assessment and instructional initiatives/programs.
• Oversee school programs for students with disabilities, gifted students, early intervention, remedial education, extension, and summer school.
• Ensure that school fine arts and music, literary and academic programs are of high quality.
• Ensure the use of appropriate curriculum by teaching staff.
• Ensure that personnel use approved curricular, assessment and instructional best practices.
• Ensure learning is focused on what the students need to be able to know and do.
• Ensure instruction is being differentiated.

Data Analysis:

• Ensure that school decisions and policies regarding student achievement are data driven.
• Ensure the improvement of student achievement for all students and sub-groups of students.
• Oversee school testing and assessment programs.
• Analyze multiple sources of data for disaggregated sub-groups to identify improvement needs and “symptoms”.
• Analyze root causes of deficiencies and spikes in improvement.

Process Improvement:

• Work with the assistant principal, counselors and faculty to establish and maintain an educational program consistent with the system’s philosophy, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Create standards for excellence.
• Oversee school improvement planning, balanced scorecard and visual reporting initiatives (ensuring alignment with system improvement initiatives.)
• Establish and maintain an effective school leadership team.
• Communicate Newton County School System vision/mission/beliefs to school personnel and stakeholders.

Learning and Performance Development:

• Lead staff in building and supporting a professional learning community which promotes excellence in teaching and student achievement.
• Maintain professional growth through reading, participation in professional organizations, and/or activities.
• Maintain the physical stamina and emotional stability necessary for leading a school. Balance priorities of school and staff.

Relationships:

• Set the general tone of the school; coordinate parent groups such as PTA and the School Advisory Committee; represent the school to the community at large.
• Handle student, teacher and parent issues in a friendly, firm, fair and consistent manner.
• Oversee school guidance, media, student mentoring and parenting programs.
• Oversee the partnerships with community, higher education and government agencies supporting connections with the school.
• Provide direction, support and structure for effective teams.
• Manage internal and external messages and influence perceptions.
• Communicate goals, results and improvement efforts internally and externally.
• Involve all stakeholders in planning of school programs and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain visibility in the community.

Performance Improvement:

• Assess the strengths of the school; identify its weaknesses and take supportive or corrective action as the situation demands. Distribute tasks and responsibilities.
• Develop a balanced set of performance measures which will allow the organization to monitor and manage both drivers of performance and results.
• Inspire, focus and align people to drive change for student success and creating a sense of urgency for results.

Operations:

• Prepare budgets for the general school account; approve and supervise all expenditures within the school, sign checks and purchase orders. The Principal is responsible for the financial solvency of the school.
• Establish rules and regulations for proper student conduct that are consistent with the policies of the Board; maintain student discipline.
• Oversee and supervise school related activities.
• Oversee maintenance of the school, facility and grounds and general upkeep of the school plant.
• Interview, recommend employment, supervise and evaluate all school personnel.
• Oversee school safety plan and procedures.

Change:

• Create an environment focused on developing leaders of improvement at all levels.
• Identify and address the environmental needs and opportunities.
• Maintain a system to celebrate accomplishments.
• Maintain School Council.

Other Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Adhere to the Code of Ethics for Educators in Georgia as established by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
• Project a positive image when dealing with the public, employees, parents and students.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.