Job Title: Principal                                           Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director of School Leadership   Pay Grade: Admin Educational Pay Plan         

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 for every student, every day.

Department Primary Purpose:    

Provide visionary instructional leadership to ensure high standards of instructional design and delivery. Direct, manage and supervise operations at the campus level. Direct the implementation of district policies and instructional programs and manage all campus activities.

Qualifications:                                            

Education/Certification:              

• Texas Standard Principal Certificate/or Mid-Management Certificate
• Master's Degree or Higher
• TTESS (Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System) and ILD/AEL Certified
• 5 years of successful experience in Campus Administration and/or Central Office leadership roles

Experience/Knowledge:

• 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 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

• Establish instructional vision and expectations for campus in alignment with district vision of excellence with curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices to promote student success for all students on the campus
• Develop and monitor instructional and administrative processes to ensure that instructional practices are aligned to evidence-based practices and implemented with fidelity.
• Utilize campus data for corrective action leading to improvement and recognition of success.
• Provide coaching and meaningful feedback to teachers and staff as required by state and district policy and to improve employee performance.
• Provide high-quality instructional materials, resources, and professional learning to support the teaching staff in accomplishing the school’s instructional goals.
• Foster collegiality and team building among staff; encourage their active involvement in the decision-making process.
• Establish clear expectations for staff performance regarding instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication with parents, families, and community members.
• Solicit regular input from campus-level committee about planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of campus education program. Include students and community representatives when appropriate.
• Promote high expectations for exceptional performance from all staff and students; recognize excellence and achievement.

Culture & Climate

• Facilitate and model effective and timely resolution of conflicts.
• Create & ensure a conducive and supportive environment in which students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members feel a part of the positive campus culture
• Ensure all policies and practices are followed and implemented in accordance with state laws and regulations.
• Work with faculty and students to develop a student behavioral support system that results in positive student and staff behavior and enhances the school climate.
• Ensure that school rules are uniformly applied, and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Lead the campus in the implementation of all policies, practices, and procedures that create optimal learning conditions for students with special needs in alignment with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
• Lead conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions

• Comply with district policies, state and federal laws and regulations affecting schools.
• 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
• Report all facilities issues that present a safety concern on the campus.
• 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.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports of maximum attendance to requisition textbooks.
• Ensure all employees follow proper protocols to maintain accurate records (i.e., grades, attendance, other required documentation)
• Manage use of school facilities. Oversee maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe Campus.

Personnel Management

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

• School or Community Relations

• Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• 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
• Deeply involve and engage with parents, families, and community members to increase parental involvement on the campus
• 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.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency operations drills and procedures including communication with parents and caregivers, when necessary, around safety protocols or issues

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/Environmental Factors:

• Occasional district and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours. After hours and weekends will be an expectation for this role.

POSITION WORKING DAYS: Dependent on Admin Educational Pay Plan – EXEMPT EMPLOYEE