Principal – Middle School

PURPOSE AND SCOPE: Provides the leadership and management necessary at a junior high school to maximize the efforts of teachers and students in an environment which is conducive to educational enhancement, growth and achievement for students. The position is responsible for directing all daily operations of the school campus, supervising and coordinating the work of all professional and classified personnel, ensuring subordinates’ adherence to District policies, regulations and goals, preparing required reports, and performing other professional, administrative and supervisory work as required. The position develops and implements programs within organizational policies; reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but are intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Provides leadership and management of the assigned junior high school, including all instructional and administrative programs and activities.
2. Supervises professional and classified staff members, including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning, and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and terminating or recommending termination; prepares periodic employee performance evaluations.
3. Assigns responsibilities to Assistant Principals to foster professional growth and effective instructional programming; assigns responsibilities to professional staff, including assignments to instructional groups, rooms, and supervision duties.
4. Plans, organizes, and implements staff/professional development programs.
5. Seeks to maintain an atmosphere conducive to good teacher-teacher and teacher-administrator relationships.
6. Prepares and administers the school’s operating budget; serves as overall custodian of school funds allocated to or collected by the school; adheres to state statute and District policies related to financial accounting to ensure judicious management of all school funds; approves expenditures and prepares related reports.
7. Seeks, secures, and administers school-level grants for projects and programs.
8. Plans, evaluates, and recommends school-wide programs, policies, goals, and objectives. Ensures that all Board and administrative policies are effectively explained and implemented.
9. Oversees program development and monitors special programs, projects, and initiatives.
10. Ensures school compliance with the requirements of state and regional accreditation standards and regulations.
11. Provides leadership in and collaborates with Assistant Principals, teachers, staff, and others to develop strategies for the School Improvement Plan.
12. Oversees school enrollment.
13. Directs the development of master schedules and plans; develops staffing patterns.
14. Provides proactive, comprehensive, and facilitative leadership for the school in the planning and implementation of a challenging curriculum; observes classroom environment and makes recommendations for improvement in instruction and class management as appropriate.
15. Assists in the selection of and supervises the distribution, storage and inventory of all textbooks, instructional materials, and supplies for building operation.
16. Supervises the guidance program to enhance individual student education and development.
17. Participates as requested in the development and adoption of the District’s testing program; manages and administers the testing program for the school; analyzes and makes recommendations related to student achievement data.
18. Maintains high standards of student conduct through a guidance and development program, which focuses on prevention, communication with parents and high expectations of students; enforces discipline as necessary, complying with due process and rights of students.
19. Directs transportation and food services at assigned school.
20. Oversees efforts to reward student achievement and recognize outstanding staff.
21. Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from teachers, students, and parents; maintains effective relationships with students and parents; works to resolve administrative, instructional, and behavioral problems.
22. Works with authorized personnel and/or contractors in the maintenance, modification and utilization of the building, physical facilities, and school grounds; supervises building custodial care.
23. Supervises and participates in the preparation and maintenance of all such records and reports as are required by law, Board policies and administrative directives.
24. Reviews, approves, helps in planning and exercises ultimate supervision over all school programs, clubs, special services, projects, events and publications; provides leadership and administrative support to volunteers, parent-teacher organization officers and members, and others; coordinates school activities with those of other District schools as appropriate; attends special events, including night activities; assists in supervising students in school-sponsored events; encourages teacher participation in school and/or school-related activities.
25. Supervises the daily use of school facilities for both academic and non-academic purposes.
26. Enforces policies and procedures designed to protect the safety and welfare of students and staff while on campus; prepares and maintains the school crisis management plan; conducts emergency drills.
27. Coordinates and participates in the process of recommending students for support programs as needed.

28. Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the profession and ensures that staff members remain current as well.
29. Keeps the Superintendent informed of events and activities of an unusual nature as well as routine matters related to the Superintendent’s accountability.
30. Plans and participates in efforts to build or enhance community support of school programs and projects; attends and participates in community meetings as appropriate; prepares and distributes publicity materials, including newsletters, news releases and other materials.
31. Conducts meetings of the staff and attends other District meetings as necessary.
32. Performs routine administrative/office tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying, and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending, and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, checking/securing doors, meeting with visitors.
33. Attends training, conferences, and workshops as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
34. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Requires education or training equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration or supervision from an accredited college or university. 2. State certification in Administration/Supervision at the elementary and/or secondary level, Educational Leadership, or an equivalent certification as defined by the Tennessee Department of Education; 3. Requires eight (8)- ten (10) years of progressively more responsible experience in teaching and administration or supervision, some at the junior/middle school level with two (2) years in a supervisory or leadership capacity 4. An equivalent combination of training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered (Examples: Adult Higher Education, MBA, Organizational Management, and Public Administrations)

(PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED)
Degree Equivalency Formula:
Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.
Master’s Degree=6 years plus required years of experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Can demonstrate knowledge of principles, practices, materials, and equipment used in modern public school elementary education and an ability to apply them to the needs of the school
• Knowledge of current curriculum and instructional practices and trends
• Knowledge of public-school organization and administration
• ability to plan, organize, and coordinate comprehensive senior high school instructional programs
• Ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate the work of instructional and support personnel
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, community, and the general public; and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands: Requires sedentary work involving standing or walking for brief periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis; and some dexterity in operating office equipment. Unavoidable Hazards: The position is exposed to no unusual environmental hazards. Sensory (ADA) Requirements: The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
MSCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MSCS provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

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