High School Principal

Job Title:
High School Principal

Location:
Mascoutah High School

Reports To:
Superintendent, Directly to Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services

Work Days: 240 days - Effective Date of Employment is July 2026

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Salary:
Salary range is $110000-$130000 plus Board paid TRS and benefits options available. Salary placement will be determined by graduate degree/hours and level of experience.

Mascoutah High School is looking for a bold, visionary Principal to serve as our chief instructional leader and community champion. This isn't just an administrative role—it's a platform to inspire the next generation. As Principal, you will set the tone for academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and a vibrant school spirit. If you are a leader who balances high-level strategy with genuine human connection, we want you to lead our team.

Certification/License:

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative or Principal Endorsement.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education:

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or Administration from an accredited institution. Specialist (Ed.S.) or Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Education or related field preferred.
• Completion of the Illinois Teacher Evaluator Competencies (Teacher Evaluation Modules).

Experience:

• Extensive successful teaching experience at the secondary level (High School).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of successful administrative experience (e.g., Assistant Principal or Principal). High School level preferred.

• Instructional Leadership:
  Provides vision and direction for the 9-12 instructional program; ensures curriculum is aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and College and Career Readiness benchmarks.
• Personnel Management:
  Supervises and evaluates a large staff, including Assistant Principals, Deans, Department Chairs, faculty, and support staff, in accordance with the Illinois Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA).
• Student Achievement:
  Analyzes standardized testing data (ACT), graduation rates, and AP/Dual Credit participation to formulate school improvement plans and close achievement gaps.
• Culture and Safety:
  Establishes a positive school climate; manages student discipline systems (consistent with Illinois SB100); and ensures the implementation of the school's safety and emergency protocols.
• Fiscal Management:
  Manages the high school budget, including athletic funds, activity accounts, and grant allocations, ensuring compliance with district policy and state law.
• Post-Secondary Pathways:
  Oversees guidance and counseling services to ensure students are prepared for post-secondary transitions, including university admissions, vocational training, or military service.
• Extracurricular & Athletics:
  Supervise and support the Athletic/Activities Director(s) in providing administrative oversight for all IHSA-sanctioned athletic programs and student organizations, ensuring equity, Title IX compliance, and proper supervision at evening/weekend events.
• Community Relations:
  Serves as the primary liaison between the school and the community; maintains active communication with parents, boosters, local businesses, and higher education partners.
• Special Education & Support:
  Ensures the school remains in compliance with IDEA and Section 504 requirements, overseeing the implementation of IEPs and 504 plans for the student population.
• Organizational Efficiency:
  Maintain proactive communication across school systems, collaborating with central office for performance support, and fostering a supportive environment through stakeholder relationship management and new staff/student orientation.

• Secondary Pedagogy:
  Deep knowledge of secondary instructional strategies, including Project-Based Learning, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and Credit Recovery programs.
• Legal Knowledge:
  Thorough understanding of Illinois School Code, student rights (FERPA), and labor relations/collective bargaining agreements.
• Data Literacy:
  Ability to use data warehousing tools to monitor graduation tracks, attendance, and behavioral trends.
• Communication:
  Exceptional public speaking and crisis communication skills; ability to navigate complex social and political environments.
• Organizational Management:
  Ability to manage the logistical complexities of a large campus, including master scheduling, facility maintenance, and large-scale event coordination.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move throughout a large campus. The role requires the stamina to attend long evening meetings, athletic events, and graduation ceremonies. The employee must have the ability to communicate clearly in high-noise environments (e.g., cafeterias or pep rallies) and be able to respond quickly to emergency situations across the building.

The work environment is…