WASHINGTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PRINCIPAL – JOB DESCRIPTION DEFINITION Under professional direction, to serve as the chief administrative officer of the alternative high school and programs; to plan, implement, and direct the operational procedures and processes of the site; to plan, develop, and implement instructional goals and objectives and procedures for evaluating program effectiveness; to plan, develop, and conduct staff development and staff training programs and activities; to plan and conduct public community relations programs; and to do other related functions as directed. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This position classification requires subject matter expertise in educational programs, and curriculum and instruction strategies. Directly related administrative experience is necessary to ensure success in a high school leadership role. The job requires the ability to analyze and offer alternative problem solutions. Decisions are made by the incumbent that have a critical impact on the goals, organization and administration of educational programs and services of the organization. The position classification has second-line supervisory responsibility for the planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the quality and quantity of work of professionals, technical and clerical employees. Frequently meets with teachers, school counselors, outreach workers, and other educational personnel to influence, motivate and monitor the result objectives of the school operation and program. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES • Serves as the instructional leader of a alternative high school • Plans, designs, and conducts follow-through strategies pertaining to curriculum development and the implementation of instructional programs and activities designed to meet the needs of students and the educational community within the school attendance area • Plans, develops, organizes, conducts, and maintains performance evaluation information systems designed to ensure that site goals and objectives are achieved, and that all levels of staff adhere to District, State, and National educational standards and goals • Plans, develops, organizes, and administers support systems which provide optimal educational opportunities for high school age students and adults • Works closely with the staff and appropriate advisory groups in assessing the school’s educational and program needs, and develops short-term and long-range planning strategies for creating an optimal alternative education program • Coordinates a master calendar of programs and activities to achieve the determined goals and objectives • Plans, develops, organizes, and administers a variety of support systems which aid in allowing the student population to achieve at their maximum potential • Plans, develops, and implements budget planning and expenditure control procedures • Monitors and audits expenditure proposals and allocates resources appropriately • Plans, develops, and implements effective administrative support systems, an delegates appropriate areas of responsibility to subordinates • Confers, consults with, and advises District, public and private agency personnel, and parents concerning student educational and behavior problems and alternative problem solutions • Manages, supervises, observes, and assesses site personnel performance, and provides counsel and assistance as required • Plans, develops, organizes, and conducts staff development and staff training programs which identify and encourage leadership potential • Confers and collaborates with site and District instructional support personnel in decision making processes and in the development of alternative approaches to solving educational concerns and issues • Participates in the formation and functions of District and site advisory groups • Assists the school community and the public in their awareness of the site goals and objectives and the strategies for achieving them • Assists in the development, implementation, interpretation, and administration of policies, rules and regulations, and negotiated employee agreements • Supervises, directs, and coordinates the assignment of instructional and pupil support personnel • Establishes administrative review procedures for the resolution of conflict in an effort to maintain a high level of staff morale • May be responsible for the management, monitoring, auditing, and evaluating of specially funded programs • Plans, develops, and provides, as required, management reports pertaining to the educational climate and the functions and activities of the school facility • Coordinates student and family assistance programs with social service and youth service agencies QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: • Principles, techniques, strategies, goals, and objectives of public education and alternative programs for secondary students and adults • Philosophical, economic, and legal aspects of public alternative education • Procedures, methods, and trends of organization and management of a secondary alternative school • Curriculum development strategies, instructional delivery systems, and program evaluation processes • Evaluation techniques for determining program activity and personnel effectiveness • Human relations strategies, conflict resolution strategies, and team building principles and techniques Ability to: • Manage, lead, and direct the functions and activities of an alternative programs and schools • Demonstrate an effective instructional, organizational, and administrative mode • Systematically analyze problems, determine alternative solutions, and make appropriate and effective decisions • Communicate effectively in oral and written form • Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal accountability control • Establish and maintain effective organizational, public and community relationships EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be: Experience: Five years of successful teaching experience, plus two years of successful administrative experience at the secondary level. Education: Equivalent to the completion of a Master of Arts or higher degree in educational administration, instructional technology, or a closely related field. Certification Requirement: Possession of a valid California credential authorizing service as a school principal.