Elementary Principal

Position Summary

This position will be part of an educational system focused on developing the skills and talents of all students through rigorous learning experiences, supportive relationships, and relevant real-life applications. Reports directly to the superintendent.

Plans, directs and administers the operation of an elementary school within federal, state, and District guidelines. Provides leadership and administration resources to motivate instruction, teaching and learning and support staff towards optimum performance in achieving the best possible opportunities for students’ growth and development. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: staffing; staff supervision and evaluation; instructional leadership; curriculum oversight; student, parent and community relations; student discipline; school safety; and fiscal and facilities management of the elementary school building.

Supervisory Relationship

The principal directly supervises all staff employed at the school facility including those performing contract work yet not employees of the district, and volunteers.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position requires subject matter expertise in educational programs and curriculum and instruction strategies. Hands-on administration is necessary to assure adequate management of school resources and success in an elementary school leadership role. The job requires the ability to analyze and offer alternative solutions to problems. Decisions are made by the incumbent that have a critical impact on the goals, organization and administration of educational programs and services of the District.

The position has supervisory responsibility for planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the quality and quantity of work of licensed professionals, technical and clerical employees. Frequently meets with superintendent, teachers, school psychologists and other educational personnel to lead, influence, motivate, and monitor the goals and objectives of the school operation. Ensures compliance with District and Board goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Educational Leadership or similar.
• Must hold an Administrative certificate.
• Five (5) years of successful teaching plus evidence of successful administrative level leadership experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Effective communication, collaborative, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective skills in planning, organizing, and coordinating activities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of District policies, regulations, procedures, and standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of state educational requirements and legal implications.
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current District curricular initiatives.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge Of

• The developmental milestones of elementary school aged students and the ability to inter-relate with elementary school aged students and parents.
• Varied instructional strategies and the principles of education policy and management in public education.
• Curriculum development, instructional program delivery strategies, and program supervision, assessment, and evaluation.
• Result and performance evaluation techniques pertaining to program and personnel performance effectiveness.
• Human relations strategies, conflict resolution strategies, and team building principles and techniques.
• Respond appropriately to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Strategies to implement Board and organizational goals and objectives.
• Philosophical, economic, and legal aspects of public education.
• Good understanding of human behavior, motivation and behavioral management; ability to relate to, and demonstrate knowledge and experience in effectively managing student behavior.
  
  

Skill in:

• Organization and recordkeeping.
• Evaluating and developing effective organizational procedures and practices.
• Always doing what is best for students.
• Managing resources, budgeting and staffing.
• Keeping the school environment safe for students, families, staff, and visitors.
• Balancing multiple needs and priorities.
  
  

Ability to:

• Direct, lead, and coordinate the multifaceted functions and activities of an elementary school facility.
• Effectively evaluate, supervise, coach, and discipline staff.
• Demonstrate effective instructional, organizational, and administrative leadership.
• Analyze problems, determine alternative solutions, and make appropriate and effective decisions.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Plan, develop, and maintain effective organizational and diverse community relationships.
• Lead diversity and equity efforts at a District and building level that are in line with local, state, federal, board, and District policies and goals.
• Qualify for a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Possess physical and mental stamina commensurate with responsibilities of the position.
  
  

Performance Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Lead elementary school curriculum and curriculum planning, integration, and execution. Serve as the instructional leader and operational manager of an elementary school facility.
• Plan, design, and conduct follow-through strategies pertaining to curriculum development, and the implementation of instructional programs and activities designed to meet the unique needs of students and the educational community.
• Work closely with the school staff and school site council in identifying educational and instructional needs, and in developing long- and short-range plans to improve the instructional process.
• Plan, develop, organize, conduct, and maintain 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.
• Plan, develop, organize, and administer support systems which provide optimal educational opportunities for elementary age pupils.
• Review, evaluate, requisition, purchase, and allocate instructional supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Confer and consult with school and District personnel, parents, and students pertaining to educational and behavior management problems and alternative solutions.
• Direct, supervise, observe, assess, and evaluate site personnel performance; establish and maintain a positive team building and team management system.
• Confer with instructional and support personnel in developing alternative problem solutions to unusual or unforeseen problems.
• Participate in budget planning activities, and develop expenditure review and control procedures to ensure a cost beneficial and cost effective operational mode.
• Assume a leadership role in the functions and activities of site and District advisory committees and groups.
• Assist the educational community in understanding the site and District goals and objectives, and the strategies utilized for achieving them.
• Participate in the planning, development, implementation, interpretation, and administration of policies, rules and regulations, and negotiated employee agreements.
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the assignment of instructional personnel and student classroom assignments.
• Establish administrative review procedures to ensure maximum utilization of monetary and human resources, and to ensure the implementation of result priorities.
• Coordinate student and family assistance programs with local social service and youth service agencies.
• Plan, develop, and provide management reports pertaining to the functions, activities, and general educational climate of the school facility.
• Confer with site personnel in resolving rights disputes which may include the conduct of formal hearings.
• Assist in the conduct of effective and efficient personnel management systems, including the recruitment, selection, retention, and separation of personnel.
• May be responsible for managing, monitoring, and evaluating specially funded programs to ensure compliance with funding agency standards and guidelines.
• Perform related duties consistent with job description and assignment.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent.
  
  

Essential Requirements

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and/or sit and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds independently. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. Low exposure to self to bruises and cuts due to typical office environment.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor conditions. The employee may be required to travel between District facilities using personal transportation. The employee may be required to work non-traditional hours based on District needs. In extreme cases, the workday may extend beyond normal working hours and may include some weekends.

Mental Functions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and use interpersonal skills. The employee is frequently required to compare, copy, coordinate, instruct and negotiate. The employee is occasionally required to evaluate, analyze, compute, compile and synthesize.

Cognitive Ability: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders (administration, teachers, parents, students, vendors, etc.). The employee must be able to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, exercise good judgment and make decisions.

Evaluation

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of administrative personnel.

Documents Required At Time Of Application

• Pennsylvania Standard Teaching Application.
• Applicable degree from an accredited college or university.
• Administrative certificate.
• Specific documented evidence of training and experience to satisfy qualifications.
  
  

An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

Hamburg Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided for Individuals with a disability in order to perform the essential functions of the job.