Principal

Charter Schools USA•Maurice, LA

About The Position

The Principal serves as the site-based leader of a Charter Schools USA school, implementing and managing policies, regulations, procedures, and curriculum to provide students with a safe learning environment and instruction that meets or exceeds CSUSA standards. The role leads curriculum and course development, program evaluation, extracurricular activities, personnel and financial management, facilities operations, emergency procedures, and resource scheduling. The Principal develops and oversees educational programs, guides school-level planning and program evaluation, supervises instruction and student guidance, and supports student achievement. The role also directs school operations, enrollment efforts, budgeting, compliance, safety, facilities, records, and communication with families, staff, the CSUSA supervisor, Board Members, and community stakeholders. The Principal selects, develops, and evaluates staff and works to maintain a positive employee climate.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent.
Professional Certification in Educational Leadership for the applicable state.
Two to five years of relevant experience and/or training; school administration experience is preferred.
Experience in student instruction.
Demonstrated ability to lead a school community toward improved academic achievement.
Computer literacy and proficiency in Windows, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and a Student Information System (SIS).
Ability to lead people and achieve results through others.
Ability to plan over a one- to two-year time span and manage multiple priorities.
Problem analysis and resolution skills at strategic and functional levels.
Experience in employee training and development.
Commitment to customer service and student-centered practices, including responding promptly and respectfully to families, students, and staff and proactively resolving concerns.
Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, negotiating, and influencing communication skills.
Experience leading high-performance teams and ability to work as a team player.
Ability to analyze complex problems and issues, identify patterns, and recommend creative solutions.
Broad conceptual perspective and forward-thinking approach to business issues and their long-term impacts; ability to systematically analyze complex issues and data.
Proactive approach, initiative, creativity, ability to drive projects to completion, and commitment to high quality.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered, along with alternatives CSUSA finds appropriate and acceptable.

Nice To Haves

School administration experience is preferred.
Detailed knowledge of federal, state, and local K–12 education requirements and charter school law is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate educational programs in accordance with CSUSA and state standards and guidelines.
Supervise the guidance program to support individual student education and development.
Lead school-level planning, implementation, and evaluation of school programs and activities.
Supervise instructional programs, evaluate lesson plans, and observe classes regularly to encourage varied instructional strategies and materials consistent with CSUSA guidelines.
Request and allocate supplies, equipment, and instructional materials.
Formulate student personnel policies within CSUSA guidelines.
Approve and supervise extracurricular activities and provide opportunities for students to celebrate success.
Plan, organize, and direct implementation of school activities and work to achieve or sustain projected student enrollment capacity.
Communicate regularly with parents and stakeholders, foster cooperative relationships with CSUSA, colleges, and community organizations, and represent the school at events and functions.
Maintain professional rapport with students and staff.
Operate the school within its approved budget, collaborate on resource management, prepare budget requests, and monitor expenditures.
Delegate authority to responsible personnel to lead the school in the Principal’s absence.
Tour the school to assess safety and security, observe instruction, document findings, and ensure timely follow-up.
Plan and direct building maintenance.
Supervise school operations, including school funds, payroll, purchases, inventories, and office operations.
Ensure accurate, timely, and secure maintenance of required reports, student and personnel records, attendance, and compliance documentation.
Plan and supervise fire drills and emergency readiness programs and ensure a safe school environment.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
Communicate regularly with the supervisor about school needs, successes, operations, and performance.
Develop and manage schedules and procedures for supervision of students in non-classroom areas; assign staff coverage, train supervisors, and ensure consistent safety and behavior protocols.
Manage and administer the CSUSA workers’ compensation program and follow school abuse-posting requirements.
Follow statutory, regulatory, and CSUSA hiring guidelines, including completing background checks, contacting references, and verifying employment history.
Motivate staff, respond to workplace-related needs, evaluate performance, and provide ongoing feedback.
Counsel staff about inappropriate behavior and policy violations, follow Human Resources policies, and notify appropriate CSUSA personnel of serious employee violations.
Maintain a productive and positive employee climate and select and hire school staff, including teachers and school-based support staff.
Confer with Board Members and respond appropriately to issues.
Articulate and model the school’s vision, values, and goals.
Attend events recognizing student achievement and school-sponsored activities, functions, and athletic events.
Perform other duties as assigned.