Principal

About the Role

The Principal serves as the educational leader and chief administrator of the Academy, responsible for implementing and ensuring adherence to policies, regulations, and procedures. This role involves coordinating administrative oversight and planning all phases of instructional leadership, including educational programming, administration, budgetary planning, discipline, and counseling services.

Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Valid State of Michigan Administrator Certificate – or – obtain a School Administrator Permit (see Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 380.1246 and the School Administrator Certification Code, R 380.102)
• Evidence of meeting highly qualified requirements, as defined by No Child Left Behind
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful service in public schools (or equivalent)
• Minimum of four (4) years of successful service in school administration (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Ensures all students are supervised in a safe learning environment and provided instruction that meets or exceeds the State of Michigan Core Curriculum Content Standards.
• Provides leadership, management, and enforcement of effective procedures for the operation of the Academy, including:
  • Instructional programs in the Core Curriculum Content Standards
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Discipline systems to ensure a safe and orderly climate
  • Program evaluation
  • Emergency procedures
  • Community and Academy relations
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, administrative codes, Academy Board policies, and regulations.
• Leads staff in establishing programs and activities that yield student enrichment, rewards, and self-esteem enhancement.
• Implements student discipline programs and procedures in accordance with the Academy's policies.
• Reviews teachers' lesson plans, grade books, grade distribution sheets, and attendance documents for compliance with Academy standards.
• Adheres to and implements the Academy's performance management and appraisal policy; submits personnel recommendations to the Employer.
• Ensures staff participation in meaningful and engaging professional development activities.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student and Academy privileged information.
• Fosters a positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationship with the Academy Board, the University (authorizer), parents, and community representatives.
• Collaborates and communicates regularly with staff regarding personnel management, financial management, pupil accounting/scheduling, and facility/office operations.
• Participates in parent meetings and conferences, acting as an intermediary between parents, teachers, and students.
• Ensures completion of routine and required paperwork, including attendance reports, test results, and licensing information for students, educators, staff, and school management.
• Oversees necessary maintenance and repairs to school property.
• Collaborates with other principals and educators to choose and develop curriculum and textbooks aligned with local, state, and national standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversees the daily management of the school and office.
• Conducts periodic observations and evaluations of educators, ensuring they are timely, constructive, and aligned with district timetables.
• Recommends hiring of staff and presides over hearings necessary for staff dismissal.
• Manages employee rewards, discipline, complaints, and problem resolution.

Skills

• Excellence in working with students and their families.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of curriculum development, program evaluation, child growth and development, instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment, and research related to learning.
• Proficiency in using computer technology and software applications for word processing, data management, and telecommunications.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Clear and concise communication, both oral and written.
• Working knowledge of Academy requirements and Academy Board policies.

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory criminal background check.