Principal (2025-2026)

Job Title:  Principal                                                                            Wage/Hour Status: EXEMPT

Reports to: Superintendent                                                             Pay Grade: AD (minimum rate)         

                                                                                                             Elementary: $83,072                    

                                                                                                             Middle School: $89,274

                                                                                                             Specialty Campus: $97,209

                                                                                                             High School: $103,042         

Dept./School: Assigned Campus                                                       Initiated Date:  May 2024     

District Primary Purpose:
To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum/instructional program that supports student success and achievement.

Department Primary Purpose:
Provide visionary instructional leadership to ensure high standards of instructional service.  Direct, manage and supervise operations at the campus level.  Direct the implementation of district policies and instructional programs and manage the operation of all campus activities.

Education/Certification:

• Texas Standard Principal Certificate or Mid-Management
• Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, or a related field preferred.
• T-TESS Certified and ILD/AEL Certified

 Qualification Requirements:

• Five years successful experience in school administration or central office instructional leadership roles.
• Proven success in leading a school community toward continuous improvement in academic goals with a relentless pursuit of academic excellence for all students
• Deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction as well as evidence-based practices in multiple content areas as applicable by grade levels
• Strong ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness
• Ability to manage budget and personnel with efficiency and aligned with District vision
• Ability to implement policy and procedures in order to ensure that all students and staff are in alignment with applicable laws and district policies/procedures
• Proven experience to use & interpret data to inform decision-making processes that allow for intentional actions and led to improved student/campus achievement
• Demonstrated understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities and Education Act and the ability to ensure a Free and Appropriate Public Education in a Least Restrictive Environment for all students
• Willingness to practice continuous improvement practices and strategies that propel campus achievement and culture for students, staff, and the community
• Excellent organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Management:

1. Develop and monitor instructional and administrative process to ensure that instructional practices are aligned to evidence-based practices and implemented with fidelity.
2. Utilize campus data for corrective action leading to improvement, as well as for recognition of success.
3. Provide coaching and meaningful feedback to teachers and staff as required by state and district policy and with the intent of improving employee performance.
4. Provide high-quality instructional materials, resources, and professional learning to support the teaching staff in accomplishing the school’s instructional goals.
5. Foster collegiality and team building among staff; encourage their active involvement in the decision-making process.
6. Establish clear expectations for staff performance with regard to instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication with the parents, families, and community members.
7. Solicit regular input from campus-level committee about planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of campus education program. Include students and community representatives when appropriate.
8. Promote the expectation for high-level performance from staff and students; recognize excellence and achievement.

Culture & Climate

1. Facilitate effective and timely resolution of conflicts.
2. Act as campus behavioral coordinator in accordance with state laws and regulations.
3. Work with faculty and students to develop a student behavioral supports system that results in positive student and staff behavior and enhances the school climate.
4. Ensure that school rules are uniformly applied and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
5. Follow all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA
6. Conduct conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions

1. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools.
2. Ensure that all administrative duties and tasks delegated to the campus are completed in a timely manner to ensure alignment to state and local policies
3. Report any and all facilities issues that present a safety concern on the campus.
4. Develop budgets based upon documented Campus Needs Assessments, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other entitlement funding streams; implement program within budget limits; maintain fiscal control; accurately report fiscal information.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports of maximum attendance to requisition textbooks.
6. Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records (i.e. grades, attendance, other required documentation)
7. Manage use of school facilities. Oversee maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus.

Personnel Management

1. Select, train, supervise and evaluate all staff fairly and in alignment with proper policies and procedures.
2. Ensure accurate documentation on any and all recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline and dismissal.
3. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff with the lens of both support and accountability for all employees.
4. Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities    as well as accomplish improvement goals.
5. Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities.

School or Community Relations

1. Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
2. Communicate with parents, families, and communities on a regular and consistent basis to ensure clear and consistent messaging to parents on both campus and district information and events
3. Engage with parents, families, and community members to increase parental involvement on the campus
4. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
5. Follow district safety protocols and emergency operations drills and procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of staff assigned to campus including assistant principal(s), teachers, counselor(s), librarian(s), instructional aides, administrative assistants, other office support staff, and custodians.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); Interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate campus functions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Physical Demands:
Occasional district and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours.

Work Environment:
Office-based with regular school and community interactions. This position requires active engagement in a variety of educational settings, including frequent visits to campuses and external partner locations.

Position Working Days:
Elementary: 217

Middle School: 220 days

Specialty Campus: 226 days

High School: 226 days

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

Employee’s Signature:                                       Supervisor’s Name: ______________________  

Employee’s ID:                                      Supervisor’s Signature: __________________

Date:                                                         Date: ___________________________ 

Salary : $83,072 - $103,042