Assistant Principal

Position Title: Assistant Principal

Mission and Vision:

At Gentry Public Schools, our mission is to "Ensure all students connect, learn, succeed," and our vision is to provide "a world-class education with a small-town feel." We are committed to creating a supportive, high-quality learning environment where every student can thrive academically and personally while maintaining the close-knit community that defines Gentry.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong public servant mindset and a genuine service attitude, committed to prioritizing the well-being of children—if you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of kids and truly love what you do, this job may be of interest to you. Check out our website at www.gentrypioneers.com and follow us on Facebook to learn more about who we are.

Professionalism:

At Gentry Public Schools, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism at all times, both in the school setting and beyond. This includes maintaining a positive and respectful presence on social media and in our community interactions. Staff members are expected to model this professionalism consistently and set a strong example for students, colleagues, and the community. By doing so, we cultivate an environment of integrity, respect, and accountability that reflects our commitment to excellence and fosters a positive culture both inside and outside the classroom.

Position Overview:

The assistant principal will promote the district's mission and vision by providing instructional leadership, fostering a safe learning environment, and collaborating with staff, students, and families to meet educational goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong public service mindset and be committed to prioritizing the well-being of children while enforcing school policies through restorative practices.

Responsibilities:

Student Discipline:

The Assistant Principal for Student Discipline is responsible for managing and enforcing the school's discipline policies and fostering a positive learning environment. This role ensures that students follow behavioral guidelines, promoting safety, respect, and fairness throughout the school community. Duties include:

• Oversee and implement student discipline procedures in alignment with school policies.
• Investigate and resolve behavioral issues, working with students, parents, and teachers to address concerns.
• Administer consequences for rule violations and ensure fair, consistent application of disciplinary actions.
• Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and administrators to create behavior intervention plans for students in need of support.
• Monitor student behavior in classrooms, common areas, and extracurricular activities to maintain a safe, orderly school environment.
• Communicate disciplinary policies and procedures to students, parents, and staff.
• Maintain records of student discipline incidents and follow-up actions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of programs to improve student conduct and promote positive behaviors.
• Attend meetings with parents, teachers, and staff to discuss student behavior and progress.
• Work closely with school security and law enforcement when necessary to address significant behavioral issues.
• Support teachers in managing classroom behavior and provide guidance on effective behavior management strategies.

Instructional Leadership:

• Develop and implement a shared mission and vision for the school.
• Stay current on trends and instructional practices, sharing research-based strategies to improve student achievement.
• Analyze student achievement data and adjust curriculum and instruction as needed.
• Hold staff accountable for high standards of student achievement.
• Oversee state assessments and curriculum development in collaboration with district administration.
• Utilize technology to enhance instruction and facilitate Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Ensure the implementation of Science of Reading practices and guide professional development for staff.
• Prepare the master schedule to maximize teaching and learning time.

Managing and Leading Staff:

• Supervise and evaluate certified and classified staff, including interns and guest teachers.
• Collaborate with district administration on new teacher induction and mentor assignments.
• Develop and revise the faculty handbook, clearly communicating expectations.
• Promote leadership opportunities among staff, supporting Opportunity Culture principles.
• Supervise extracurricular activities and ensure compliance with district policies.

Organizational Leadership:

• Maintain a safe, secure, and orderly school environment that enhances learning.
• Coordinate processes with Central Office personnel for effective school functioning.
• Assign teachers and students to appropriate classrooms and classes.
• Communicate instructional goals to parents and the community.
• Collaborate with district administration to implement district initiatives.

Administrative and Management Leadership:

• Select effective staff using best practices.
• Oversee supervision of staff and students, including extracurricular activities.
• Implement policy and procedural changes as mandated by local, state, or federal levels.
• Establish priorities for educational materials based on available funding.
• Collaborate with auxiliary services (SpEd, ESOL, etc.) to support student needs.

Human Relations Leadership:

• Communicate regularly with the public, maintaining a positive school-community relationship.
• Foster positive relations with parents, school volunteers, and external agencies.
• Appreciate and promote diversity within the school community.

School Culture:

• Build and maintain a culture of trust and respect among staff, students, and community members.
• Establish and enforce behavior standards for staff and students.
• Develop a school mission that aligns with district values and collaborate with other building leaders for smooth transitions and vertical alignment.

Family and Community Engagement:

• Promote school activities and partnerships within the community.
• Collaborate with Family and Community Engagement (FACE) coordinators to provide resources for the Parent Center.
• Lead and facilitate parent meetings and seek meaningful involvement from families.

Supervision:

• Ensure adequate supervision for lunch, recess, drop-off, pick-up, and athletic events.
• Coordinate and supervise before-school, after-school, summer-school, and nighttime activities.

Communication:

• Maintain open channels of communication with all stakeholders (staff, families, community members).
• Communicate district policies and important information to employees, parents, and the community.
• Inform the district superintendent about pertinent matters.
• Prepare and submit reports to DESE and AAA in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree or higher in Educational Leadership
• Certification:
• • Must hold a Standard Arkansas Teaching License
  • Must pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
• Experience: Administrator experience preferred

All candidates, regardless of the position they are applying for, must demonstrate the following additional essential skills to align with the mission and vision of Gentry Public Schools:

• Consistently monitor district email to stay informed and respond promptly to important communications.
• Submit requested data and information in a timely manner.
• Attend all scheduled meetings organized by supervisors and district administrators.
• Complete necessary paperwork as directed.
• Demonstrate proficiency with workplace technology and adapt as needed.
• Prioritize safety by ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked.
• Respect the established chain of command in all interactions.
• Stay informed about and understand the district's crisis management plan.
• Exemplify professional excellence in the school, community, and on social media.
• Focus on their designated responsibilities and collaborate effectively while respecting the boundaries of their role.
• Serve as a strong advocate for the school district, promoting its values and achievements both internally and in the broader community.
• Maintain a positive attitude and actively contribute to a supportive and constructive work environment, avoiding negativity.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance to maximum student instruction and enhance learning outcomes.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds.
• Ability to provide physical assistance to students in emergency situations, including evacuations or lockdowns.
• Must have the stamina and agility required to care for active students in a school setting.

Work Environment:

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
• May be required to provide student behavior support using appropriate restraint or seclusion techniques for student safety purposes.

Benefits:

• The salary for this position follows the salary schedule posted on our website linked here. The exact salary will be determined after reviewing the successful applicant's experience and will be provided in an official offer sheet.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development within Gentry Public Schools.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• A variety of additional benefit plans available for enrollment through payroll deduction.
• Teacher retirement benefits.
• Includes days off for holidays and scheduled breaks throughout the year.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a completed application, resume, and proof of certification. Click here to apply.