Building Principal - High School

Waterloo Community School District•Waterloo, IA

About The Position

The Waterloo Community School District is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Principal of our current 9–12 high school for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years. As part of our district’s long-term secondary alignment plan and transition to our new configuration, it is anticipated that this leader would continue in a key role by transitioning to serve as West Junior High Principal (grades 8–9) beginning in 2028–2029, ensuring continuity, stability, and strong implementation of our evolving secondary model. This position provides strategic leadership and supervision for professional staff in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a high-quality, student-centered learning environment and comprehensive educational program. The principal ensures alignment with School Board policies and administrative regulations while actively monitoring curriculum delivery, supporting instructional excellence, and providing meaningful feedback to teachers to enhance classroom instruction and student outcomes.

Requirements

Education Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with courses such as school administration; school supervision; school curriculum; problems, issues and trends in education; educational measurement; child psychology; guidance; school finance, school law and educational research
Certification Eligibility for Iowa Department of Education endorsement as a school principal
Experience Five (5) or more years of successful classroom teaching experience
Three (3) years of successful administrative experience
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities Demonstrated skill in organizing ideas
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships based on mutual confidence and respect in identifying problems and their resolutions and in the evaluation of performance potential as revealed through interviews and other means of observation
Knowledge of the scope and relationships of the position to the total educational program
Sufficient knowledge and understanding of functions, particularly effective teaching strategies related to the position, to provide leadership in the implementation and improvement of an efficient and effective educational program
Demonstrated sound judgment, social competency, adaptability, self-confidence, emotional maturity, initiative, enthusiasm and resourcefulness, as well as dedication to duty and the ability to act consistently and to evaluate a program through observation and examination of stated objectives and related results
Effective oral and written communication skills
Knowledge and skill in effective supervision/evaluation
Ability to organize varied functions and meet deadlines in a timely manner
Ability to establish and maintain a favorable working atmosphere within the building that is conducive to optimum growth and learning consistent with goals and objectives in the school district
Ability to provide effective leadership in a culturally diverse student population
Ability to provide leadership for all building-level staff in the effective delivery and support of the district curriculum, including the selection and implementation of a wide variety of instructional strategies and related activities
Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability
Knowledge of processes to address cultural diversity and associated issues related to student performance and instructional methodology
Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action, equal opportunity and human rights
Demonstrated experience as a self-starter
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Good organizational skills
Ability to accomplish tasks through the group process
Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
Demonstrated conflict resolution skills
Technology Requirements Basic computer skills (computer navigation, email, web browser, Employee Portal)
Intermediate computer skills (Google Suites, search function, student information systems, basis promethean)
High computer skills (familiarity with Education Tech Tools, Informational systems specific to position Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired

Responsibilities

Leadership
Implements site-based, shared-decision making and the building improvement plan.
Understands and implements district goals through collaborative planning efforts at the building.
Implements and adheres to district policies and procedures, rules and regulations, and directives.
Shows organizational ability.
Provides clear and consistent direction to staff on a continuing basis.
Models effective problem solving by introducing, promoting and developing constructive and innovative ideas.
Shows good industry and sustained effort.
Anticipates and solves problems resourcefully in a consistent manner.
Works with others in a cooperative manner.
Displays effective techniques in dealing with student performance within a culturally diverse community.
Instructional Services
Assumes responsibility for the quality of the instructional program of the school including curricular, extracurricular and guidance opportunities.
Administers and leads the instructional program in accordance with School Board requirements, standards set by the accrediting agency and state statutes.
Recommends teaching aids, equipment and supplies.
Coordinates teaming activities and planning toward common goals.
Provides for increased individualization, active learning and personalization of instruction including School To Work (Career Pathways) as appropriate.
Provides reports as needed of continuing, new and proposed programs.
Provides written documentation for vertical articulation and horizontal coordination and evaluation of instructional programs as required.
Promotes active learning and high expectations.
Designs professional development to meet the needs of the building’s staff relative to a standard of performance to ultimately improve student achievement.
Staff Development
Models the district expectation of continuous improvement.
Provides for opportunities and encourages staff members to participate in clinics, workshops, and state and regional conferences.
Provides for opportunities and encourages staff members to participate in district curriculum meetings, site/classroom coaching, and observations and visits to other schools.
Organizes and conducts regular meetings with teachers new to the building and other faculty groups and committees.
Provides for continuing development of instructional techniques and assists staff in improving their methods and techniques based on students’ needs.
Organizes, plans or assists in the development of programs for professional development.
Pupil Personnel Services
Strives to provide for the academic, social and emotional needs of all students.
Maintains an environment conducive to learning for all students with sensitivity to and provision for cultural diversity.
Oversees/administers the registration, schedule and orientation of students assigned in accordance with regulations regarding their enrollment.
Administers regulations regarding student behavior, discipline and attendance.
Provides opportunities for personal, social and educational guidance.
Provides for the safety, health and welfare of students.
Initiates and participates in the recommendations, evaluation and assignment of students to various programs.
Develops, implements and evaluates the guidance program.
Regulates the retention and promotion of students in accordance with School Board policies.
Staff Supervision and Evaluation
Monitors instruction to evaluate teaching practices and curricular alignment, and to provide the necessary leadership to improve teaching.
Provides staff with specific suggestions for improving the delivery of curriculum, including the selection of effective strategies and resources.
In cooperation with the teacher, establishes realistic and appropriate goals for improvement of teaching performance and student achievement.
Evaluates other personnel as directed.
Personnel Services
Participates in the selection, assignment and reassignment of building staff members.
Participates in the orientation of new personnel to the district and to the school.
Assigns instructional and other responsibilities.
Provides for conditions conducive to the establishment and maintenance of good morale, the support and implementation of the district curriculum, and the realization of personal and professional goals of staff members.
Establishes appropriate staff committees.
Incorporates staff participation in the building improvement plan and site-based decision making.
Community Relations
Serves as primary building-community liaison and oversees all school community-related activities and responsibilities.
Works cooperatively with community groups, including parent groups, organizations, business organizations, and community and service organizations and Partners in Education.
Communicates with parents and the community on matters relating to the school.
Provides individual opportunities for parents to discuss matters such as student progress, health, adjustment, curricular selection and future education.
Encourages and plans for community involvement in the school and in the classroom.
School Organization and Administration
Develops operational procedures for efficient and effective functioning of the school.
Arranges for the transportation of students for school and extracurricular activities and for their supervision.
Establishes and maintains means of communication and dissemination of information with students and staff.
Maintains schedules of building usage, including a master calendar of events.
Supervises the operation of food, custodial and pupil transportation services as assigned.
Administers building security regulations, including issuance, use and accounting for keys.
Develops an understanding of the mission/goals of the district and incorporates the goals in the School Improvement Plans.
Provides leadership for the facility planning as appropriate.
Planning, Research and Program Evaluation
Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of the instructional program.
Provides the leadership for the identification and resolution of administrative and educational problems of the school as well as of the district.
Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of needed surveys.
Provides for the involvement of staff in the evaluation of present programs and for the recommendation of new programs and procedures.
Policies and Procedures
Participates in the development and implementation of employee agreements, administrative procedures, directives and Board policies.
Keeps up-to-date with state statutes and policies regulating and affecting schools and interprets these to staff members.
Maintains systems and procedures/methods of interpretation concerning student records and transcripts.
Budgeting and Accounting
Evaluates, coordinates, modifies and compiles budget requests.
Recommends and interprets the school’s budget requests.
Assists and maintains records and controls in the requisitioning of approved budgetary items.
Maintains inventories of supplies and equipment.
Accounts for all funds collected within the school in accordance with district procedures.
Develops and maintains procedures for the collection and accounting of fees, fines, charges for materials, and activity funds in accordance with district policies and regulations.
Professional Growth
Participates in professional organizations.
Attends seminars, workshops and professional meetings.
Continues to acquire professional knowledge.
Demonstrates growth through experience and job targets.
Professional Responsibilities
Adheres to high ethical standards and demonstrates an attitude of professionalism when acting as an agent of the district.
Adheres to school regulations.
Responds appropriately to concerns initiated by parents/guardians.
Completes duties effectively and promptly.
Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect equipment, materials and facilities.
Attends and participates in department/program, building and parent conference meetings as scheduled.
Selects appropriate channels for resolving conflicts, concerns or problems.
Dresses to promote a professional image.
Advocates the district goals, policies and the common good of the district.
Miscellaneous
Provides administrative leadership as an advisor to, or a coordinator of, an assigned curricular or program area.
Performs other duties as assigned.