Principal

Rome Free Academy Principal

The Rome City School District is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and student-centered leader to serve as the Principal of Rome Free Academy, a vibrant school community of over 1,500 students. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional leader dedicated to fostering academic excellence, enhancing and promoting a positive school culture, and empowering both students and staff to achieve their fullest potential.

Terms of Employment: Twelve (12) months. Employment terms are governed by the Rome Administrators' Association contract.

The Rome City School District is proud to serve over 5,200 students across nine schools, supporting a diverse mix of city, rural, and suburban communities. Our student body represents 21 languages, with 60% of our students facing economic challenges. Known for its well-rounded academic and extracurricular opportunities, the district is committed to fostering academic excellence, supporting student well-being, and promoting equitable outcomes. We are dedicated to creating a collaborative and nurturing environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Qualifications

• Proven success in secondary teaching and leadership.
• Exceptional skills in student engagement and school management.
• New York State administrative certification (SBL, SAS, or SDA).
• Commitment to mentoring and leadership development.
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Description

The High School Principal is the instructional and operational leader of Rome Free Academy, serving as the key liaison between the Superintendent, faculty, staff, students, and families. This role ensures academic excellence, fosters a positive school culture, and promotes the professional growth of educators. The principal drives instructional rigor, student success, and overall school effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership and Curriculum Implementation

• Provide leadership in the development, implementation, alignment, and continuous improvement of instructional programs.
• Recommend personnel needs of the school, including staffing decisions.
• Assign staff to positions, classes, and duties that promote student learning and effective school operations.
• Conduct classroom visitations, observations, and conferences with teachers to support instructional achievement and improvement at all levels.
• Lead and facilitate staff development meetings and professional learning opportunities.
• Analyze student achievement data and collaborate with staff to set goals and refine instructional strategies in alignment with district priorities.

Business and Budget Management

• Collaborate with staff to determine educational goals and priorities for the school year.
• Develop and manage the school's budget within Board of Education allocations.
• Maintain accurate financial records and oversee school expenditures
• Ensure that teachers and staff have the necessary resources, materials, equipment, and facilities to effectively implement the curriculum.
• Supervise extracurricular accounts and student funds.
• Prepare necessary reports for the District Office and complete required state forms and reports.

Community Engagement

• Foster understanding and support for school programs by maintaining open communication with students, families, and the broader community.
• Utilize Enews releases, information meetings, and other communication channels to engage stakeholders in school goals and achievements.
• Work with families to strengthen school-home partnerships and promote programs that support student success.

Personnel and Staff Management

• Recruit, select, and recommend skilled personnel to meet the school's needs.
• Assign faculty and staff to positions and responsibilities that align with their strengths and promote student learning and social-emotional growth and development.
• Supervise and evaluate Assistant Principals, faculty, and support staff, providing mentorship and feedback for professional growth.
• Make recommendations regarding staff appointments, tenure, and dismissal, ensuring alignment with district policies and practices.

Student Management and Efficient Building Control

• Implement the district's behavioral policies, and procedures in collaboration with the teaching and support staff.
• Work with the Assistant Principals, Building Teams, and parents to address student discipline issues and ensure consistent application of the Code of Conduct.
• Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment where all students can succeed.

Building Organization

• Oversee the creation of the Master Schedule, student registration, and assignment of homerooms.
• Organize school procedures for the opening of school, including updating administrative and student handbooks.
• Coordinate safety programs, attendance policies, examination schedules, and related administrative functions.
• Supervise and manage the completion of reports required by District Administration and the State Department of Education.
• Ensure the building is well-maintained and safe, working with Operations and Management Departments to address physical and environmental concerns.
• Review and approve all requests for the use of the building by outside organizations.

Student Services and Activities

• Recommend the establishment of new clubs, student organizations, and extracurricular activities that enhance the student experience and inclusion.
• Perform additional duties as required or assigned by the superintendent or her cabinet team to support the success of the school.

Application Instructions

To apply, complete the online application and upload the following documents by September 5, 2026, end of day:

• A letter of interest, addressed to Nerlande Anselme, Superintendent of Schools
• Current resume
• New York State administrative certification(s)
• Official transcripts
• Updated reference letters
• Statement of educational philosophy
• Description of how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities