Job Title:  Elementary Principal                                                 Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Administrator

Reports to:  Assistant Superintendent                                       Date Revised: March 2024

Dept./School:  Assigned Campus and Level

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage overall campus operations. Responsible for leadership of the campus instructional program ensuring high standards of instruction and student achievement, compliance with district policies, application of instructional programs, and effective operation of all campus activities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree in Educational Administration or equivalent

Texas principal or other appropriate Texas certificate

T-TESS Appraiser Certification

In addition to the minimal certification requirement, a principal shall have at least:

1. Working knowledge of curriculum and instruction;
2. The ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness;
3. The ability to manage budgets and personnel and to coordinate campus functions;
4. The ability to explain policy, procedures, and data;
5. Strong communications, public relations, and interpersonal skills;
6. Prior experience in instructional leadership roles; and
7. Other qualifications deemed necessary by the Board and included in the job description.

Experience:

1. Principal experience preferred 
2. 5-7 years experience as a classroom teacher
3. Relevant experience in instructional leadership roles

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Management

1. Monitor instructional processes to ensure that program activities are related to outcomes and use findings to take corrective actions where necessary.
2. Provide instructional resources and materials needed to accomplish instructional goals.
3. Establish clear expectations for staff performance with regard to instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication with the public.
4. Foster collegiality and team building among staff members. Encourage their active involvement in decision-making process.
5. Solicit regular input from campus-level committee about planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of campus education program. Include students and community representatives when appropriate.

School or Organization Improvement

6. Build a common vision for school improvement with staff. Direct planning activities and implement programs to ensure attainment of school’s mission.
7. Establish campus performance objectives for Academic Excellence Indicators using the campus planning process and involving site-based decision making committee. Demonstrate campus progress using results to promote school improvement.
8. Provide opportunities for interactive communication with superintendent, staff, students, parents, and community.

Student Management

9. Work with faculty and students to develop a student discipline management system that results in positive student behavior and enhances the school climate.
10. Ensure that school rules are uniformly applied and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
11. Conduct conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions

12. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws, and regulations affecting schools.
13. Develop and administer campus budgets based on documented program needs and estimated enrollment ensuring that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
14. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports of maximum attendance to requisition textbooks.
15. Manage use of school facilities. Oversee maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus.

Personnel Management

16. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal. Approve all personnel assigned to campus.
17. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff.
18. Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals.
19. Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities.

School or Community Relations

20. Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
21. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of staff assigned to campus including assistant principal(s), teachers, counselor(s), librarian(s), instructional aides, and clerical support staff.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.

Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing,/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather), exposure to noise; occasional districtwide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress