Principal - Portsmouth High School

Portsmouth School Department•Portsmouth, RI

About The Position

The Principal will be responsible for all of the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws § 16-2-11.1. The Principal shall serve as the educational leader of their school and shall supervise the operation and management of their school and school property, subject to the supervision and direction of the Superintendent. The Principal will use leadership, supervisory and administrative skills to promote the maximum educational development of each student. The Principal is also responsible for assuring the school facility is a safe, pleasant and productive place in which to learn and work. The Principal is expected to understand and practice the principles of Professional Learning Communities and to be knowledgeable about current best practices in teaching, learning, and assessment. A successful Principal will work collaboratively with the District’s administrative team and actively support District initiatives.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university; education background should include courses in educational leadership, supervision, and child development
Must hold or qualify for issuance of a Rhode Island Building Administrator PK-12 Certificate
At least five (5) years of successful experience teaching and/or school administration
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable
Requires knowledge of RI Basic Education Program, state and federal educational laws and procedures, and school district policy. Additionally, this position requires knowledge and understanding of rules and regulations related to athletic organization and applicable accreditation agencies. Familiarity with the NEASC accreditation process for public high schools.
Requires demonstration of strong leadership skills to work as part of an administrative team, promote and support student achievement as well as staff needs, problem solving skills to support student success, service-related people skills, verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills to balance demands of a multi-tasking position, and technology skills in the areas of office software, student database systems, and office equipment operation.
Requires excellent attention to detail and follow through to meet instructional leader and managerial responsibilities, significant confidential responsibilities, accountabilities and fiscal responsibilities in the areas of school budget.

Responsibilities

Supports the philosophy and vision of the Portsmouth School Department
Ensures development of a functioning education philosophy consistent with the values of the community, teachers, school administration, and School Committee. Oversees the development of a school improvement team made up of educators and other stakeholders who consult with and assist in making important governance decisions and/or leading and coordinating school-improvement initiatives.
Provides professional leadership to organize, administer, supervise, and evaluate staff, curriculum, and school programs
Oversees the development of a program for the evaluation and improvement of instruction to ensure maximum educational benefits for all students
Establishes an optimal learning environment within the school and fosters development of professional learning communities
Provides leadership to support the use and analysis of data to improve instructional outcomes and make curriculum improvements
Works collaboratively with peers in sharing ideas, techniques, and procedures for improvement of the learning environment
Keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques
Knowledgeable about legal requirements related to special education and acts as the Local Educational Agency (LEA) representative at Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Eligibility Team (ET) meetings
Responsible for Section 504 eligibility, record maintenance and compliance within individual school building
Responsible for building based organization of state assessment administration
Oversees building based Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) activities in building that uses data to improve student outcomes
Arranging for effective utilization of existing instructional equipment and materials in all school facilities, and ensuring the timely and cost effective acquisition of equipment, materials and facilities to enhance the learning process
Perform any other relational duties as may be requested by the Superintendent and Central Administration
Ensures that all school programs and activities conform to district, state and federal guidelines
Ensures compliance with district policies in the operation of the school
In consultation with the school improvement team, provides leadership in the recruitment of staff assigned to the school, and implements a personnel selection and recommendation process that is consistent with district policy and practice, subject to approval by the Superintendent
Responsible for the selection and assignment of certificated and classified personnel
Encourages the professional growth of teachers by advanced training, and evaluation
Creates an atmosphere of respect, interest, and enthusiasm within the school
Making suitable arrangements for student teachers in coordination with the Deputy Superintendent
Ensures adequate supervision in providing for the general welfare of students during the school day, on school trips, and during school activities
In consultation with the school improvement team, provides leadership for the planning, development and implementation of the school’s budget for consideration by the Superintendent
Monitoring the School’s after-school programs and activities
Oversees the care, control, and management of the school facilities and equipment to ensure the maintenance of a safe, clean, attractive and well-kept building and grounds
Attend School Committee Meetings when required and when topics are relevant to the principals’ administration/supervision
Perform any other relational duties as may be requested by the Superintendent and Central Administration
Communicate openly and effectively with students, parents/guardians, community, staff, and administration
Fosters positive school-community relationships by working with parent groups, business, the Education Foundation, and other organizations supporting the work of schools
Provide a channel for feedback, and work with stakeholders on conflict resolution
Anticipates problems and identifies/initiates solutions in a timely manner
Prepares such reports as may be required to keep the Superintendent and Central Office informed of all school activities and concerns
Informing the school’s faculty of School District and administration developments
Reacts to change productively and handles other tasks as assigned
Maintains effective programs to strengthen and monitor pupil discipline, attendance, and individual student progress
Ensures school records and reports are appropriately maintained and/or submitted within required timelines
Ensures school compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of the various governmental agencies
Plans and organizes the school day and year to provide for an effective and efficient operation of the school
Adhere to all district health and safety policies
Perform any other relational duties as may be requested by the Superintendent and Central Administration