Job Description for the Elementary School Principal JOB SUMMARY: The position of the elementary school principal exists to provide leadership and expertise for the purpose of educating children in an ever-changing world. It is both broad based and functional. The broad leadership aspect shapes the quality and character of the institutions, while the functional leadership defines the performance within that institution. Principals influence school cultures by building a vision, stimulating innovation, and encouraging performance. They “make things happen” and ensure that the organization’s tasks are accomplished. The basic function of the Principal is to serve under the governing board and the superintendent as the chief executive officer of the school with total responsibility to serve as site instructional leader and to manage all affairs of the school consistent with district policy and procedures, including general control and supervision of certificated and classified employees assigned to serve in the school. The Principal works with other principals and district personnel in developing and managing programs, materials and activities of the district, including the formulation of district policies for board approval. The Principal serves as a district officer in communication between central administration and staff, and interprets district policies and administrative regulations, defining and clarifying educational objectives and stimulating high levels of job performance. The Principal serves as a member of the district’s Management Team and participates in district projects as assigned. The Principal also assumes other responsibilities and duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. Duties may vary from site to site. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements. Curriculum and Instruction In conjunction with the Superintendent and staff, the Principal will: 1.Supervise the educational program and provide curriculum and instructional leadership at the site level. 2.Interpret and implement district-approved instructional programs. 3.Promote the cooperative development of a school site plan which best meets the needs of students and district goals. 4.Demonstrate skill and knowledge in designing, implementing, and evaluating major programs and activities to bring about needed change and higher performance. 5.Apply sound principles of learning theory in developing instructional programs that are of high quality for all students. 6.Demonstrate depth of knowledge in curriculum frameworks and in the latest instructional methodology. 7.Supervise the implementation of the district testing program at the site. 8.Have knowledge of and be able to retrieve, analyze, and sort data in order to make instructional decisions to improve student achievement. 9.Demonstrate research-based instructional leadership practices. 10.Use the latest and best research to develop, improve and evaluate effective instructional programs. 11.Study and initiate the use of new teaching methods and materials, initiate, encourage, and direct experimental and pilot programs of instruction. 12.Coordinate program evaluation and ensure compliance with all local, state and federal programs at the school site. 13.Use effective schools research in developing and implementing a school vision and action plan. Personnel Management In conjunction with the Superintendent and staff, the Principal will: 1.Supervise and evaluate staff assigned to the school site, in a timely manner. 2.Administer provisions of collectively bargained employer-employee contracts. 3.Assure principles of adult learning theory are used in designing and delivering effective training programs for staff and community. 4.Observe the operation of classrooms and provide assistance to teachers and students in achieving educational goals. 5.Coordinate and review work of resource personnel and instructional consultants assigned to assist teachers in the instructional program and assigned to work in the school with the instructional program. 6.Assist with the recruitment, selection, assignment and transfer of certificated and classified personnel through coordination with the Director of Human Resources. Pupil Services In conjunction with the Superintendent and staff, the Principal will: 1.Supervise the safety and welfare of students. 2.Direct disaster preparedness and safety information programs. 3.Implement school and district policies and administrative regulations pertaining to student discipline. 4.Coordinate and participate in the process of recommending students for support programs (e.g., special education, GATE, EL Program, and Title I). 5.Assist with transportation issues and problems, in cooperation with the Director of Transportation. 6.Coordinate food service program in cooperation with the Director of Food Services. Finance and Business Management In conjunction with the Superintendent and staff, the Principal will: 1.Maintain records and submit reports as required, in a timely manner. 2.Prepare and manage budgets allotted to the school, recommending and controlling expenditures through coordination with the Assistant Superintendent, Business Services. Coordinate with the Director of Maintenance, Operations and Facilities to provide safe and clean learning and working environments at the school site, supervising the maintenance and care of buildings and grounds. School/Community Relations In conjunction with the Superintendent and staff, the Principal will: 1.Establish and maintain good school-community relations. 2.Demonstrate effective oral and written skills in communicating with students, staff, community, district personnel and Board members in a timely, clear and appropriate manner. 3.Demonstrate knowledge and skill in using collaboration and consensus building in decision- making processes. 4.Serve as educational advisor to the local PTA unit attending all executive board and general meetings. 5.Serve as a member of the School Site Council attending all meetings. 6.Use diversified approaches and processes to involve others in generating solutions, predicting consequences and setting priorities. 7.Be proactive in integrating parent and community collaboration in the vision and action planning of the school. Technology Skills Demonstrate competency in using electronic media and integrating it into leadership outcomes. Employment Standards Education: Master’s degree required with a concentration in elementary education, curriculum or administration. Experience: Prior teaching experience in grades K-8; demonstrated leadership abilities at the elementary level. Previous administrative experience is desirable. Credential(s): Valid California administrative and teaching credentials. Knowledge and Abilities Possess a thorough and current knowledge of curriculum and effective teaching practices, of group dynamics, and of budget management. Has successfully demonstrated the ability to be competent in human relations skills, to communicate well orally and in writing, to be proficient in supervision skills, to be competent in leadership skills, to develop and implement a vision, to establish a school climate conducive to goal accomplishment and to loyally support the district educational philosophy and the district management team.