Principal for the 2026-2027 School Year

Gaston County Schools

About The Position

To serve as the chief administrator of a school in developing and implementing policies, programs, curriculum activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the educational development of each student and the professional development of each staff member.

Requirements

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or composite characteristics of data, people, or things.
Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, forms, articles, proposals, contracts, etc.
Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, evaluations, policies, etc. using prescribed formats at a professional level.
Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to visualize and implement change.
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; and apply the principles of descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and statistical theory.
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Ability to ensure that the school program is compatible with the legal, financial, and organizational structure of the school system.
Must hold NC Licensure in School Administration (00012).
Minimum of three completed years as Assistant Principal and/or Central Office experience on or before June 30, 2026.
Must be rated Proficient and/or higher on Principal and/or AP evaluation instrument.
Demonstrated instructional leadership ability.
Demonstrated managerial abilities.

Responsibilities

Evaluates staff members according to state and local standards.
Relates to students with mutual respect while carrying out a positive and effective discipline policy.
Conducts frequent classroom visits and documents these visits; conferences with employees regarding visits.
Motivates employee performance and enhances morale.
Administers a balanced budget and operates a school under a decentralized management system; understands and follows local and state financial policies and guidelines.
Understands the underlying philosophy of the school that matches the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of the students.
Demonstrates a positive attitude toward the job and remains a flexible and innovative team builder.
Supervises and manages site operations to assure safety and efficiency.
Develops master schedules and calendars which maximize the possible achievement of program objectives.
Plans and evaluates professional learning with other administrators and staff members.
Provides activities that facilitate the professional growth of the school staff and enhance the quality of the instructional program.
Identifies the annual objectives for the school's instructional, extra-curricular, and athletic programs where applicable.
Ensures those instructional objectives for a given subject and/or classroom are developed and involves the faculty and others in the development of specific curricular objectives to meet the needs of the school program. The Principal provides opportunities for staff participation in the development and implementation of the total school program.
Establishes, implements, and evaluates procedures used to carry out the daily routine of the school.
Evaluates student progress in the instructional program by means that include the maintaining of up-to-date student data.
Maintains inter-school system communications and seeks assistance from the central office staff to improve performance. The Principal maintains good relationships with students, staff, and parents.
Orients and assists new staff members and new students; provides opportunities for their input into the school program.
Works with staff and the school community to develop and implement a shared vision.
Manages, directs, and maintains records on the materials, supplies, and equipment, which are necessary to carry out the daily school routine.
The Principal involves the staff in determining priorities for instructional supplies.
Organizes, oversees, and provides support to the various services, supplies, materials, and equipment provided to carry out the school program.
The Principal makes use of community resources.
Performs other related duties as needed and assigned.