Alliance for Catholic Education
Position Title: School Principal
Reports To: Pastor
Status: Full-Time, Exempt, 12 months
Department: School
Primary Function for this position:
To serve as the administrator for St. Joseph Parish School—planning, implementing, and directing all of the activities of the school and staff.
Reading the signs of the times and understanding the world in which we live, inviting students and families into a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer, worship, and service.
Responsibilities:
Collaborates with the pastor or parish director and other church leaders to help the school community in serving the mission of the parish. This is accomplished by:
Participating in comprehensive planning, implementation and evaluation of the parish’s programs, goals and objectives with particular emphasis on the religious education/formation
Serving as a member of the pastoral staff and as a professional resource to the staff in all areas relating to the Catholic school
Participating in parish, district, and Archdiocesan planning efforts
Ensures the development and implementation of an overall learning environment which promotes Catholic faith formation/education, ethical decision-making, safe environment practices, social justice, and Christian leadership. This is accomplished by:
Developing and promoting a culture that integrates Gospel values into all aspects of school life
Assuring the integration of the school with the broader parish community
Ensuring that the religion curriculum is consistent with Church teachings and is regularly taught at all grade levels
Providing regular opportunities for the entire school community to participate in the sacramental life of the Church and to celebrate the liturgical seasons
Implementing and monitoring all safe environment programs and practices
Promoting a leadership style compatible with Christian principles
Personally witnessing to the principles and values of the Catholic faith
Fostering a teaching and learning environment which reflects Catholic social teaching
Ensures curriculum development to meet the needs of every student. This is accomplished by:
Working with the faculty to develop a curriculum appropriate to the children’s needs in accordance with Archdiocesan and state standards
Utilizing community resources in the development of curriculum
Determining the use of consultants and supplementary services in presenting or developing curriculum materials for the school
Facilitating distance learning where appropriate
Ensuring student competency in the use of technology
Ensures the school’s accreditation status. This is accomplished by:
Completing the school’s annual report
Consistently addressing the items identified on the school’s long-range plan
Maintaining all accreditation documents and submitting them on time
Thoroughly preparing for the accreditation site visit
Following up on all recommendations made by the visiting team as a result of the site visit
Ensures strong pupil-parent services. This is accomplished by:
Determining appropriate placement of pupils in individual classes
Fostering positive, professional relationships between teachers and parents
Providing cross grade level articulation throughout the school
Working closely with area high schools to provide smooth student transition
Directing discipline and guidance services at the school
Welcoming and addressing the needs of a diverse student population
Cultivating understanding and services that address the special needs of all students
Fosters a professional learning community. This is accomplished by:
Providing leadership for teacher growth and development
Providing mentoring and support for beginning teachers and teachers new to the school
Complying with all state and Archdiocesan requirements for PI34
Directing and guiding selection of methods and materials of instruction according to state and Archdiocesan standards
Leading the analysis of all student data to inform decisions about improvement of student learning
Regularly reviewing and evaluating the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment
Ensures appropriate personnel management. This is accomplished by:
Recruiting and selecting personally and professionally qualified individuals for teaching positions
Assigning certified and classified personnel on staff to specific duties
Cultivating a professional learning community
Providing in-service opportunities that match school program improvement needs
Insuring that all personnel are appropriately compensated
Maintaining a continuous program of supervision and evaluation of the staff and of the instructional program aligned with the school’s mission and vision
Collaborates with local boards and committees such as pastoral council, finance committee, school committee, and home & school committee in fostering the school’s vision and mission. This is accomplished by:
Regularly attending required meetings
Preparing critical data to inform boards and committees
Implementing board policies
Seeking input from all constituencies
Cultivating new membership on boards and committees
Ensures satisfactory parent and community relations. This is accomplished by:
Effectively communicating with parents regarding pupil progress and important school matters
Regularly publishing a school newsletter with current school information
Being available for parents on a regular basis
Providing courteous and open reception for authorized school visitors
Engaging parents to play an important part in the mission of the school
Developing and working with the home & school
Participating in the broader parish and community events and associations
Establishing a working relationship with area high schools
Supporting Catholic high school recruitment efforts
Ensuring that the school is vital part of the local community by reaching out to stakeholders in the parish, parent, and community at large
Ensures stewardship in resource management. This is accomplished by:
Ensures adequate instructional resources
Overseeing evaluation and purchase of instructional materials including textbooks, technology, library and all instructional materials
Evaluating and recommending necessary modifications of buildings
Ensuring high standards for safety and cleanliness in the building
Ensures proper budget and fiscal oversight. This is accomplished by:
Preparing or participating in preparation of the school budget
Administering and ensuring a balanced school budget
Consistent reporting of financial status of the school to pastor/parish director and boards
Keeping accurate records of income and expenses
Maintaining procedures for expenditures by school groups, faculty and staff
Working with the business manager/bookkeeper/secretary of the school to ensure consistent monthly tuition collection and follow-up on any delinquent tuition
Ensuring accessing and use of title funds and all available government funding
Ensuring an affordable student-staff ratio
Ensures continued advancement of the school. This is accomplished by:
Ensuring effective methods for new student recruitment and current student retention
Ensuring effective methods for making the school visible in the community
Ensuring consistent development efforts to promote broad relationships and third-source funding for the school when applicable
Developing new resources for the school
Ensures proper office management. This is accomplished by:
Directing the scheduling of usage of all school facilities
Insuring that the official records are properly maintained and secured
Maintaining updated personnel records
Providing for office and telephone coverage during school operating hours
Developing and publishing a school calendar
Completing all forms and documents as required by the Archdiocese, state, public school district, etc. and submitting them on time