Principal (Westwood Elementary)

Principal

Supervised by/Reports to: Superintendent

Supervises: Assistant Principal(s), teachers, school support staff

FLSA Status: Exempt

Board Approved: October 8, 2024

Job Goals:

• To effectively and efficiently administer the school in an effort to maximize the educational benefits to those who receive services provided by the school.
• To plan, promote, implement, supervise, and evaluate effective instructional and related programs to maximize student achievement.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or above from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of teaching experience; prior administrative or principal experience preferred.
• Valid Alabama certification in administration/supervision/educational leadership.
• Ability to meet the suitability criteria for employment and/or certification/licensure under the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 and Act no. 2002-457.
• Knowledge of curriculum development, supervision, effective classroom practices, and staff development principles.
• Ability to demonstrate effective leadership skills in group settings.
• Ability to understand the unique needs, growth issues, and learning characteristics of students of the school/grade level(s) assigned.
• Knowledge of special education laws, policies, rules and procedures.
• Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with a wide variety of people and groups, including, but not limited to, students, faculty, staff, parents, and community members.
• Knowledge and ability to use and facilitate the use of various forms of education technology.
• Ability to assist with instructional techniques.
• Ability to weigh options, think clearly, and evaluate situations.
• Ability to organize, delegate, and supervise others effectively.
• Ability to evaluate and provide constructive feedback to faculty and staff as assigned.
• Ability to use group dynamics within the context of cultural diversity.
• Ability to collaboratively plan with faculty, staff, and system officials for school improvement and increased student achievement.
• Knowledge of special education laws, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of educational trends, data analysis, and research.
• Knowledge of curriculum and principles of learning.
• Ability to use technology for communication, presentations, research, data analysis, budgeting, record keeping, reporting, scheduling, and other job responsibilities as required.
• Knowledge of board policies and procedures, safety regulations, and student behavior management.
• Physical mobility and visual acuity to visit schools and classrooms for the improvement of programs.
• Ability to be punctual and in regular attendance.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Performance Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates support for the school system and its vision, goals, and priorities.
• Manages and administers the instructional program according to state and school system guidelines to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn.
• Manages and administers the accreditation program and continuous improvement plan for the assigned school.
• Models appropriate and innovative use of technology for faculty, staff, and students.
• Facilitates and monitors the integration of technology in the classroom.
• Manages and administers the development of short-and long-range instructional and facility needs.
• Manages and administers the testing program for the school.
• Approves school-sponsored activities and maintains a calendar of all school events.
• Provides for the articulation of the school's instructional program among school personnel.
• Interviews and selects qualified personnel to be recommended for employment.
• Manages and supervises the effective use of personnel.
• Supervises assigned personnel, conducts annual performance appraisals, and makes recommendations for appropriate employment action.
• Assigns and supervises special tasks and assignments for all school personnel.
• Administers and develops instructional and non-instructional duty rosters.
• Coordinates school safety plans and facility inspections at the assigned school.
• Manages and supervises the school's financial resources, including the preparation and disbursement of the school budget and internal accounts.
• Adheres to state statutes and system policies relating to accounting to ensure judicious management of school funds.
• Establishes and manages student accounting and attendance procedures at the assigned school.
• Maintains accountability of property inventory records and security of school property.
• Provides a quick response to an emergency involving students, staff, or the school facility.
• Maintains high visibility within all areas of the facility.
• Supervises the orderly movement and safety of transportation services on school grounds.
• Establishes guidelines for proper student conduct and implements disciplinary procedures and policies that ensure a safe and orderly environment.
• Coordinates the supervision of all extracurricular programs at the assigned school.
• Supervises the guidance program to ensure individual student educational and developmental needs are met.
• Manages and administers personnel development through training, in-service, and other developmental activities.
• Orients newly assigned staff members and assists in their development.
• Develops positive interpersonal communication skills for all non-instructional and instructional personnel.
• Directs staff in developing a positive community relations program.
• Develops and maintains positive school/community relations and acts as a liaison between the two.
• Directs and develops the recruitment of business and/or civic partners to benefit the school and community.
• Communicates, through staff meetings and written material, information that will keep staff informed of policies, procedures, and instructional program changes and updates.
• Participates in system-wide management meetings and other meetings and activities appropriate for professional development and effective school operations.
• Provides leadership in the school improvement process and the implementation of school improvement plans, accreditation and accountability reports, and other required plans.
• Establishes a vision and mission for the school in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to guide individuals and groups to task accomplishment.
• Adheres to federal, state, and local laws as well as the rules, regulations, and policies of the school system.
• When appropriate, solicits additional resources to support school programs through grant-writing, development programs, or fund-raising activities in accordance with school system financial guidelines.
• Assumes all duties provided in Alabama statutes.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school/workplace matters.
• Models and maintains high ethical standards.
• Demonstrates initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Maintains expertise in assigned area to fulfill project goals and objectives.
• Participates successfully in the training programs offered to increase skill and proficiency related to assignments.
• Keeps supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Serves on school/system committees as required or appropriate.
• Exhibits interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member and among diverse cultural groups.
• Demonstrates initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
• Prepares all required reports and maintains all appropriate records.
• Adheres to school system rules, administrative procedures, local Board policies, and state, federal, and local regulations.
• Reports absences and takes leave in accordance with Board policies and procedures.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by Supervisor(s).

Terms of Employment: Twelve-month position in accordance with the Board's approved contract.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the State Department of Education and/or Tuscaloosa County Board of Education policy on evaluation of contract principals.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.