Principal

Elementary School Principal

The Elementary School Principal serves as the instructional leader and lead administrator of a K8 school. The Principal is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, positive, and academically rigorous learning environment that promotes student achievement, staff effectiveness, family engagement, and operational excellence. The Principal provides leadership in curriculum implementation, instructional improvement, personnel management, school culture, and community partnerships while ensuring compliance with district policies, state regulations, and federal requirements.

Qualifications: To perform this role successfully, the Building Principal must effectively fulfill all essential duties and responsibilities with a high degree of professionalism and leadership. The position requires exceptional instructional leadership, strong written and verbal communication skills, sound decision-making abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic educational environment. The Principal must demonstrate the ability to lead school improvement efforts, supervise and evaluate staff, foster a positive school culture, and build collaborative relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders. Additionally, the Principal must possess strong organizational skills, maintain high expectations for teaching and learning, and ensure the effective operation of all aspects of the school.

This position requires: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or a related field. Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement (or equivalent state certification). Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience. Minimum of three (3) years of successful administrative leadership experience preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, school improvement, and educational leadership practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Instructional Leadership: Establish and communicate a clear vision for teaching and learning aligned with district goals. Lead the implementation of curriculum, instructional practices and assessment programs. Monitor student achievement data and develop strategies to improve academic performance. Conduct classroom observations and provide timely, constructive feedback to teachers and staff. Facilitate professional learning opportunities that support continuous instructional improvement. Promote the effective integration of technology into teaching and learning. Ensure implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and other academic intervention programs.
• School Culture and Climate: Foster a positive, inclusive, and equitable school culture that supports the academic, social, emotional and behavioral growth of all students. Promote high expectations for student conduct and achievement. Develop and implement school-wide behavior management systems. Address student discipline issues in accordance with district policies and procedures. Create a welcoming environment for students, families, staff and community members.
• Personnel Leadership: Recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate certified and non-certified staff. Lead staff meetings, leadership teams and school improvement committees. Promote collaboration among teachers, support staff and administrators. Ensure compliance with evaluation processes and collective bargaining agreements. Recognize and support employee growth and professional development.
• Student Services: Ensure that student services are effectively delivered, including special education, English learner services, counseling, social work and health services. Support compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans and other student support requirements. Monitor student attendance and implement strategies to improve attendance rates.
• Family and Community Engagement: Build strong partnerships with parents, guardians and community stakeholders. Communicate regularly regarding school programs, initiatives and student achievement. Facilitate opportunities for meaningful family involvement in the educational process. Represent the school at district and community events.
• School Operations and Management: Oversee daily school operations and ensure a safe and orderly learning environment. Develop and manage the school budget in accordance with district guidelines. Supervise building maintenance, safety procedures and emergency preparedness plans. Ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations. Manage school resources effectively and efficiently.
• School Improvement: Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan. Utilize data to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. Establish measurable goals and monitor progress toward achieving them. Collaborate with district leadership to advance district strategic priorities.

Physical Requirements: Ability to move throughout the school building and grounds. Ability to attend meetings and events outside of regular school hours as needed. Ability to perform duties requiring prolonged periods of standing, walking, and sitting.

Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with district policy and applicable state requirements. Salary: Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and approved by the Board of Education.