THE POSITION: Under the professional direction of the Superintendent or designee, it is the role of the Principal to serve as the chief administrative officer of Lincoln Middle School; to ensure continuous instructional improvement; to direct the formulation and implementation of operational procedures and practices; to plan, develop, and conduct professional development and staff training programs; to plan, develop and carry out public and community relations programs and activities; and to perform other related functions as directed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The position classification requires subject matter expertise in educational programs, and in curriculum and instruction strategies. Directly-related administrative experience is necessary to ensure success in a middle school leadership role. The job requires the ability to analyze and offer alternative solutions to issues. It also necessitates the ability to analyze data and develop goals and strategies based on that analysis. Decisions are made by the incumbent that have a critical impact on the goals, organization and administration of educational programs and services of the District. The position classification has supervisory responsibility for planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the quality and quantity of work of professionals and technical/clerical employees. This position requires frequent meetings with teachers, School Psychologists and other educational personnel to influence and to motivate, and then to monitor the result objectives of the school operation. This is a sedentary position classification with light work that involves sitting a portion of the time, and includes walking and standing for extended periods. The job also requires the accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational materials and objects, and providing oral information and direction. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Serves as the instructional leader and operational manager of a middle school facility.
• Plans, designs, and conducts strategies pertaining to curriculum development and the implementation of instructional programs and activities, which are designed to meet the unique needs of students and the educational community.
• Works closely with school staff and the School Site Council in identifying educational and instructional needs, and in developing long- and short-range plans to improve the instructional process.
• Plans, develops, conducts, and maintains performance evaluation information systems designed to ensure that site goals and objectives are achieved and that all staff adhere to District, state, and national educational standards and goals.
• Plans, develops, organizes, and administers support systems which provide optimal educational opportunities for middle school- age pupils.
• Reviews, evaluates, requisitions, purchases, and allocates instructional supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Confers and consults with school and District personnel, parents, and pupils pertaining to educational and behavior management issues and alternative solutions.
• Directs, supervises, observes, assesses, and evaluates site personnel performance; establishes and maintains a positive team-building and team-management system.
• Participates in budget planning activities, and develops expenditure review and control procedures to ensure a cost-beneficial and cost-effective operational mode.
• Assists the educational community in understanding and achieving the site and District goals and objectives.
• Participates in the planning, implementation, and administration of policies, rules and regulations, and negotiated agreements.
• Supervises, directs, and coordinates the assignment of instructional personnel and student classroom assignments.
• Coordinates student and family assistance programs with local social service and youth service agencies.
• Plans, develops, and provides management reports pertaining to the functions, activities, and educational climate of the school.
• Confers with District personnel and monitors the development and implementation of IEPs and 504 plans.
• Confers with instructional and support personnel in developing alternative solutions to unusual or unforeseen issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
1. Principles, methods, strategies, goals, and objectives of public education;
2. Philosophical, educational, fiscal, and legal aspects of public education;
3. Procedures, methods, techniques, and strategies of organization, management, and supervision;
4. Modern, innovative and creative curriculum and instructional trends regarding the middle school student;
5. Curriculum development, instructional program delivery strategies, and program supervision, assessment, and evaluation;
6. Result and performance evaluation techniques pertaining to program and personnel performance effectiveness;
7. Human relations strategies, conflict resolution strategies, and team-building principles and techniques;
8. Special Education rights, regulations and responsibilities.
Ability to:
1. Direct, lead, and coordinate the multifaceted functions and activities of a middle school facility;
2. Demonstrate effective instructional, organizational, and administrative leadership;
3. Communicate effectively in oral and written form;
4. Plan, develop, and maintain effective organizational and community relationships;
5. Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.