GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

 

Under the supervision of the Chief Operations Schools, the Principal is responsible for administering all aspects of the total school program by providing educational leadership for students and staff consistent with division goals.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

Curriculum and Instruction

• Administer and evaluate the instructional program of the school
• Organize and conduct a program of instructional supervision and evaluation, including classroom and teaching observations
• Implement curriculum and establish educational objectives consistent with division goals
• Develop an efficient system for student and program appraisal, recommending changes as needed to meet student needs
• Evaluate grading policies and student progress with members of the staff
• Assist teachers in planning field trips and using community resources
• Develop the student master schedule
• Facilitate teacher professional growth, recertification, career ladder planning and activities

 Student personnel services

• Coordinate and administer student personnel services
• Implement and maintain a code of acceptable student behavior
• Coordinate and supervise student affairs including after school activities
• Coordinate services to students such as guidance, health, special education
• Approve student placements and programs
• Supervise student record keeping

Personnel Procedures

• Administer appropriate personnel procedures in the school
• Recruitment and selection
• Assure that necessary documentation regarding resignations and recommendations for hiring are processed in accordance with Board policy/division procedures
• Assure that recommendations for hiring are made based on the approved candidate pool and are made based on job-related criteria
• Present evidence of effort in implementing the division's Affirmative Action Plan
• Assure that interviewers involved in the selection process are trained in accordance with Board policy

Personnel Policies/Procedures

• Adhere to all requirements specified in Danville School Board Personnel Policies and procedures
• Coordinate the use of subject matter specialists, resource teachers, and other resource personnel

Performance Evaluation

• Monitor staff attendance and take corrective measures if necessary
• Set performance standards for all staff that reflect expectations regarding job description responsibilities
• Monitor performance in accordance with approved evaluation procedures

Licensure

• Maintain proper licensure
• Assure that teachers are assigned to areas in which they are endorsed or that teachers are making required progress toward this endorsement in accordance with Board policy

Salary/Benefits

• Maintain safe work environment in accordance with approved procedures
• Comply with federal, state and local requirements regarding maintenance of employee leave records and compensation for work performed

 Professional Development/Training

• Work with staff in developing professional growth plans and provides opportunity for participation
• Participate in required training and develops a personal professional development plan

Finance and Operations

• Manage the financial functions of the school
• Supervise the building functions of the school
• Develop and monitor the school budget with the help of the school faculty, staff, and parent representative(s)
• Monitor expenditures and ensure good fiscal management of school-based funds as appropriated by the School Board
• Follow the Danville Public Schools’ approved purchasing procedures
• Administer school-based accounting of student activity funds according to auditing guidelines
• Approve of all free and reduced-price lunch applications in accordance with Federal guidelines
• Collect textbook fees and other school-based fees
• Maintain student database including updates of student and attendance information
• Coordinate building rentals with the Department of Business and Technology
• Establish building maintenance schedules and evaluate their effectiveness, coordinating with Maintenance and Operations as applicable
• Maintain furniture and equipment inventories
• Supervise the use of the school and grounds by all agencies
• Order necessary instructional materials, textbooks, equipment and analyzes the usage of such materials

School-Community Relations

• Establish and maintain an effective school-community relations program
• Communicate with parents by means of letters, newsletters, telephone and personal contact, and school programs
• Participate in the activities of the Parent-Teacher Association and Parent-Teacher Advisory Board
• Involve parent and community groups in the operation of the school
• Communicate and interpret division policies, procedures, and regulations
• Utilize school improvement teams to set objectives and evaluate programs
• Develop and evaluate an annual school plan, assuring its coordination with division goals
• Coordinate and maintain school accreditation in accordance with the State of Virginia

School Climate

• Establish and maintain an effective school climate
• Coordinate staff activities to reach consensus on how decisions at the school will be made
• Provide feedback and support to teachers and other staff members on professional needs
• Resolve concerns on a timely basis
• Inform staff members of pertinent issues of which they should be aware
• Establish procedures by which organizational improvements can be suggested and implemented
• Establish an effective communications program that includes opportunities for staff involvement, committees, individual conferences, and internal communication procedures
• Establish an active client feedback system that includes parents, students, and staff
• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of curriculum, assessment and instruction
• Demonstrated knowledge of theories of effective teaching
• Thorough knowledge of the Virginia SOL
• Demonstrated ability to observe and evaluate teaching practice
• Ability to relate easily to teachers and administrators and to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of groups
• Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills
• Excellent presentation skills; superior organizational skills 
• Ability to observe and assess the transfer of training and learning into practice
• Ability to problem-solve independently
• Proficient in the use of technology

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• At least five (5) years of successful teaching experience
• Successful experience as a school administrator or supervisor is strongly preferred
• Successful experience in curriculum development
• Successful experience in the areas of human resources and human relations
• Must hold or be eligible for teaching license issued by the Virginia Board of Education with PreK-12 Administration and Supervision (or equivalent) endorsement