Principal, Education Administration

Duties

The Principal serves as the operational and instructional leader of the high school, responsible for ensuring high levels of academic achievement, student engagement, and staff effectiveness. The Principal leads and manages all aspects of the school's instructional programs, personnel, operations, and community relations to fulfill the mission and strategic goals of the District.

It is expected that the candidate will present a record of successful experiences that indicate a record of outstanding leadership and performance in the following responsibilities:

School Operations & Management

* Oversee all building operations, including safety, facilities, and grounds management, in partnership with the Director of Building and Grounds and the Superintendent.

* Plan and implement the school's master schedule, staffing, and resource allocation processes.

* Prepare and administer the annual school budget, aligning financial resources with strategic goals and instructional priorities.

* Ensure compliance with District policies, Illinois School Code, and state and federal regulations.

Personnel Management

* Direct the recruitment, selection, evaluation, and assignment of professional staff in collaboration with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.

* Provide orientation and mentoring for new staff members.

* Supervise and evaluate all licensed and certified personnel, fostering a professional culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.

* Promote the professional improvement of staff through ongoing coaching, recognition, and support.

Instructional Leadership

* Lead and sustain a school-wide focus on high-impact instruction, continuous improvement, and professional collaboration.

* Improve instruction by supporting in-service training, professional learning, and staff development.

* Direct the evaluation and professional performance of faculty, department chairs, and associate/assistant principals.

* Provide leadership to ensure alignment with District curriculum, assessment, and instructional initiatives.

* Oversee the assignment of teaching duties to staff holding valid Illinois licensure for their instructional areas.

* Co-lead the District Equity Leadership Team (DELT) and Building Equity Leadership Team (BELT).

Student Success & Support

* Collaborate with student services teams to promote attendance, engagement, and well-being of all students.

* Engage directly with families regarding student programming, school refusal, attendance, health, and discipline matters.

* Utilize law enforcement resources and School Resource Officers (SROs) when student or staff safety is at risk.

* Serve as the lead communicator in building level crisis situations, ensuring accurate and timely messaging to staff, students, and families.

Family and Community Engagement

* Interpret and communicate the school's programs, goals, and achievements to parents and the community.

* Lead family engagement events such as Meet the Teacher Night and other parent/community programs.

* Encourage and facilitate parent and community visits that foster understanding and support for the school's mission.

* Take an active interest in community organizations that support education and youth development.

* Maintain open, transparent communication with the Superintendent and Cabinet regarding school progress, conditions, and needs.

Qualifications

CERTIFICATION & QUALIFICATIONS

* Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative or Principal Endorsement required.

* Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field required; doctorate preferred.

* Minimum of five (5) years of administrative experience, preferably at the secondary level.

* Demonstrated success in instructional leadership, staff supervision, and community engagement.

* Completion of the Illinois Performance Evaluation - Growth Through Learning (PERA) training modules required.

* Certification standards for this position are governed by the Illinois School Code (Section 21) and corresponding statutory regulations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

* Model integrity, equity, and high professional standards.

* Maintain confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment in all professional matters.

* Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Salary/Benefits

SALARY & BENEFITS

* The starting date is July 1, 2026

* 12-month (260 paid days)

* Start Date:

July 1, 2026

* End Date:
June 30, 2027

* Competitive salary and benefits package

* The base salary shall range from $190,000 to $210,000 (this amount does not reflect the Board-paid TRS).

Additional Notes

SKILLS TO SUPPORT THESE RESPONSIBILITIES, including but not limited to

* Exceptional Interpersonal & Communication Skills - Strong verbal and written communication abilities to effectively engage with employees, administrators, and stakeholders.

* Reliability & Professionalism - Demonstrates punctuality, regular attendance, and a commitment to professional excellence.

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