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School Principal

General Statement: The educational leader and chief administrator of the elementary school will maintain an inspiring, challenging, and supportive environment where students are encouraged and assisted in reaching their highest potential. Responsible for implementing and managing the policies, regulations, and procedures of the School Committee to ensure that all students are supervised in a safe, child-centered learning environment that meets and exceeds the Rhode Island standards, following the approved curricula and directives of the school. Achieving academic excellence requires that the Elementary School Principal work collaboratively to lead and nurture all members of the school staff and to communicate effectively with parents, members of the community, and colleagues in other districts and schools. Inherent in the position are the responsibilities for planning, curriculum development, program evaluation, extracurricular activities, personnel management, financial management, emergency procedures, resource scheduling, and facilities operations.
 
Responsibilities: 
 
  • Establishes and promotes high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance and responsibility for behavior.
  • Leads the School Management Team in overseeing the implementation of the school’s planning of supplemental programs to support reform, developing the school-based budget, building parental and community support, and other reform including: 
  • Improved student performance; 
  • Research based program of curriculum and instruction supported by and integrated with an appropriate array of research proven supplemental strategies; 
  • School based leadership and decision making to ensure a comprehensive plan with annual student achievement targets, supported by parents, staff, and community members; 
  • Integration and alignment of school functions aimed at student achievement;
  • Professional development for all staff focused on the achievement of the Core Curriculum Content Standards; 
  • Safe school environment conducive to learning, including a school security program; 
  • Coordination of resources for comprehensive student and family health and social services; 
  • Accountability system with rewards and sanctions related to the achievement of the Core Curriculum Content Standards. 
  • Organizes, manages, evaluates, and supervises effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the entire school consistent with the philosophy, mission, values and goals of the school and district, including instructional programs in the Core Curriculum Content Standards, extracurricular activities, discipline systems to ensure a safe and orderly climate, financial management, facilities maintenance, program evaluation, personnel management, office operations, emergency procedures, and community relations.
  • Ensures compliance with all laws, administrative codes, School Committee policies and regulations, including Affirmative Action mandates. 
  • Collects and analyzes data regarding the needs and achievement of students, including State assessments, and other pertinent information affecting the design and implementation of services and programs, using the information to recommend new programs and modifications to existing programs.
  • Leads school level planning processes to ensure the development, implementation, and evaluation of all school programs and activities. The planning processes shall include development of the State mandated school level objectives (following the required procedures. 
  • Establishes the master schedule for instructional programs, ensuring sequential learning experiences for students that meet and exceed the State Core Curriculum Content Standards. 
  • Supervises the instructional programs of the school, evaluating lesson plans and observing classes on a regular basis to encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and child growth and development.
  • Ensures that the instructional programs engage the learner in tasks that require analytical and critical thinking, questioning the known, problem solving and creativity, that they address the range of skills and developmental needs found in the classroom, that they encourage the student to define individual goals and accept responsibility for learning, and that they provide a variety of methods for the student to demonstrate performance and achievement. 
  • Organizes and implements a system for the evaluation and selection of equipment and instructional materials that are free of prejudice and stereotyping and designed to meet the Core Curriculum Content Standards, using staff identified criteria reflecting the needs of the program. 
  • Provides ,supervises and evaluates in a fair and consistent manner effective discipline and attendance systems with high standards, consistent with the philosophy, values, and mission of the school and district, in accordance with due process and other laws and regulations, ensuring a safe, orderly environment that encourages students to take responsibility for behavior and creates high morale among staff and students. 
  • Incorporates procedures for the early identification of potentially disruptive students and the conditions that create or enhance unacceptable behavior (e.g., bullying), and implement programs to address such conditions. File all required reports regarding violence, vandalism, attendance and discipline matters.
  • Establishes a professional rapport with students and with staff that earns their respect. 
  • Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and agencies associated with the school. 
  • Serves as a role model for students, dressing professionally, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating pride in the education profession. 
  • Notifies immediately appropriate personnel and agencies, and follow established procedures when there is evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids. 
  • Supervises all personnel assigned to the building, establishing clear expectations for role, responsibilities, and performance to ensure that all job responsibilities are met and exceeded. 
  • Ensure that personnel evaluation procedures are accomplished in a fair and consistent manner that encourages accountability, growth and excellence, in accordance with law, School Committee policy, and contractual requirements. 
  • Recommends to the Superintendent the renewal, dismissal, withholding of increment, promotion or other actions for all personnel assigned to the school, following established procedures and timelines. 
  • Recommends to the Superintendent personnel to fill all vacant positions in the school, following district affirmative action, recruitment and selection procedures.
  • Organizes and nurtures an effective leadership team of assistants and leaders, with clear expectations for role, responsibilities, and performance, holding each individual accountable for the area of assignment. 
  • Provides opportunities for effective staff development that addresses the needs of the instructional program and needs of the staff, including workshops, conferences, visitations, and sessions in which the staff shares successful practices and strategies. 
  • Keeps the staff informed and seeks ideas for the improvement of the school. Conduct meetings as necessary for the proper functioning of the school. 
  • Organizes and supervises assembly programs and comprehensive extra-curricular programs appropriate for the young child that supports the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
  • Develops with the School Management Team and recommends to the Superintendent a budget for the school. Approves all purchases in accordance with District, school, and GAAP policies and procedures. 
  • Implements an effective accounting and inventory system for all school supplies, materials, and equipment. 
  • Implements procedures that create and maintain attractive, organized, functional, healthy, clean, and safe facilities, with proper attention to the visual, acoustic, and thermal environments. 
  • Regularly inspects all facilities to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations including access for individuals with handicapping conditions. 
  • Assumes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students, personnel, and visitors. 
  • Develops clearly understood procedures and provides regular drills for emergencies and disasters, following State, local, and district guidelines. 
  • Assumes responsibility for disaster preparedness procedures shall include fire, bomb threats, severe weather, emergency closing or delayed opening of the school, accidents, bus accidents and traffic emergencies, civil disturbances, disruptions, death, personal tragedy, and other unusual circumstances.
  • Provides information to staff, students, and parents as necessary, and establish and follow procedures for dealing with the media. 
  • Implement when necessary the District Policy and Procedures when a staff member fails to report to duty on Time (Tardy Policy and Procedures). 
  • Implements when necessary the District Policy and Procedures when a staff member fails to sign in/sign out for duty. 
  • Maintains a safe working condition and operates electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
  • Protects confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and uses discretion in sharing such information within legal confines. 
  • Performs any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Superintendent and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
  • Adheres to Rhode Island General Laws governing schools (Title 16) and other related laws, Rhode Island Department of Education policies, rules and regulations, Westerly Public Schools’ regulations and procedures, and all contractual obligations.
 
Qualifications:
 
  • Experience:
  • Prefer administrative experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal or Central Office Administrator preferred.
  •  Five (5) years excellent experience in teaching and working with adolescents. 
  • Education:
  • Bachelor's degree required. 
  •  Master’s Degree preferred
  • Certification & Licensing:
  • Hold a Rhode Island Building Level Administrator PK-12 Certificate in accordance with the requirements of RI General Laws, Title 16.
  • Valid Driver’s license. 
  • Authorized to work in the USA
  • Current national background check without disqualifying results at time of hire. 
Please note that all school year positions, both certified and non-certified, posted during the school year are temporary unless otherwise indicated to allow for internal movement at the close of the respective school year.

Questions can be directed to: HR@Westerly.k12.ri.us 
Westerly Public School District is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.