Principal (Ralph C. Starkey High School)

Youth Services – Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility | 640 Island Road, Circleville, OH 43113 | Contact: Amanda.Norris@dys.ohio.gov | Unclassified, Exempt from union, Full‑time Permanent (M–F)

About the Role

We are a dedicated team of juvenile justice professionals committed to transforming and saving young lives. DYS is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio, statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders ages 10–21 adjudicated by county juvenile courts. During their stay, youth engage in programming addressing criminological and behavioral needs. Our values: Connection, Collaboration, Commitment, Correction.

We are seeking a dedicated, visionary, and resilient Principal to lead Ralph C. Starkey High School at Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility. In this impactful role, you will champion educational equity, evidence‑based instructional practices, and high academic standards to support student success.

Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Drive Academic Excellence: Supervise and evaluate instructional programs, ensuring alignment with state standards and innovative teaching methods.
• Teacher Support and Coaching: Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate teachers and support staff, providing targeted feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Analyze school‑wide performance data to identify achievement gaps, target interventions, and improve student outcomes.

Operations and Administration

• Master Scheduling and Budgeting: Oversee development of the master schedule and manage the school budget effectively to align with student needs and district goals.
• Curriculum Planning: Coordinate curriculum planning, testing, guidance, and scheduling of all classes.
• Compliance and Reporting: Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal policies, including special education mandates and district guidelines. Prepare monthly educational report and educational audit.
• Policy and Procedure: Assist in the development and implementation of school procedures. Ensure implementation of school district policies and procedures, Ohio Department of Education rules and regulations, Ohio Revised Code, and Ohio Administrative Code, as well as collective bargaining agreements.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communication: Maintain clear and open communication with Central Office Education staff regarding education processes, needs, and concerns.
• Staff Meetings: Conduct staff meetings and provide motivation, guidance, and counseling to staff.

Qualifications

• Current appropriate type of Supervisory/Administrative Certificate as required & issued by the Ohio Department of Education.
• 2 years experience in supervisory or administrative capacity in academic or vocational education program.
• If assigned to operate vehicles regulated by Section 4506.01 of Revised Code, applicants must also have a commercial driver’s license.

Pre‑service Training

All new candidates hired to the Department of Youth Services must complete a paid, mandatory 6 weeks of training:

• Week 1: Held at the facility.
• Weeks 2–4: Held at DYS Training Academy in Orient, Ohio, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm (travel, lodging, and meals provided).
• Weeks 5–6: On‑the‑job training held at the facility.

Background Check

The final candidate will be required to undergo a pre‑employment drug screening and criminal background check that includes results from BCI and FBI, Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Ohio Department of Taxation. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude consideration; an individual assessment will be made before any exclusion. DYS is a “qualifying employer” for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Benefits

The State of Ohio provides a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees. For a complete list, visit the Total Rewards website. Highlights include:

• Medical coverage
• Free Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off: vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Benefits eligibility depends on a number of factors; the Agency Contact above can provide specific information for this position.

Pay & Schedule

• Compensation: $84,000 – $120,000
• Schedule: Permanent – Full Time
• Work Hours: Monday – Friday

Additional Information

• ADA Statement: Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
• Drug‑Free Workplace: The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). This position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39).
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