High School Principal (2026-2027)

The High School Principal serves as the chief instructional and administrative leader of the school and is responsible for ensuring high levels of student achievement safe and supportive learning environments effective staff performance and full compliance with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations and Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6) accountability standards. The Principal provides visionary leadership focused on continuous school improvement through data-driven decision-making instructional excellence staff development and meaningful engagement with students families and community stakeholders. The Principal ensures that all instructional operational and accountability systems are aligned to district and state expectations while preparing students for post-secondary success through strong implementation of College and Career Readiness (CCR) pathways and assessment systems.

Reports to:Superintendent or Designee

Supervises:Certified and non-certified school staff as assigned

Pay Grade:Administrative Salary Schedule

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the primary instructional leader responsible for improving student academic outcomes and ensuring instructional practices align with district priorities and Missouri Learning Standards.
• Ensure fidelity of implementation of district curriculum and instructional frameworks including alignment to state standards End-of-Course (EOC) expectations and graduation requirements.
• Lead classroom observation coaching feedback and evaluation processes to improve instructional effectiveness and student learning outcomes.
• Monitor instructional strategies differentiation rigor and student engagement across all classrooms to ensure high-quality teaching and learning.
• Ensure equitable access to rigorous coursework including Advanced Placement (AP) Dual Credit Career and Technical Education (CTE) and other College and Career Readiness opportunities.
• Lead the development implementation and ongoing monitoring of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) ensuring alignment with district CSIP goals and MSIP 6 accountability indicators.
• Analyze state district and school-level data including MAP End-of-Course (EOC) exams benchmark assessments attendance graduation rates and discipline data to drive instructional decisions and targeted interventions.
• Oversee all assessment administration including EOC exams and other state-required assessments ensuring testing integrity compliance and adherence to DESE protocols.
• Ensure implementation of all College and Career Readiness (CCR) components including ACT WorkKeys ASVAB Accuplacer Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC) Dual Enrollment FAFSA completion and other postsecondary readiness indicators.
• Lead MTSS processes to ensure timely academic behavioral and social-emotional interventions with consistent progress monitoring and documentation.
• Establish measurable school performance goals and monitor progress toward district and state accountability targets.
• Recruit develop evaluate and retain high-quality staff while fostering a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous growth.
• Provide ongoing coaching professional learning and performance feedback to strengthen instructional practice and leadership capacity.
• Support induction mentoring and professional growth of new teachers and staff.
• Ensure compliance with district HR policies DESE certification requirements and professional standards.
• Establish and maintain a safe orderly and supportive school environment that promotes student success and well-being.
• Implement positive behavior supports restorative practices and student engagement strategies to improve school climate and culture.
• Ensure compliance with student discipline policies documentation and state reporting requirements.
• Lead crisis response planning emergency preparedness procedures and safety protocols for the building.
• Promote strong attendance systems and initiatives that support student engagement and reduce chronic absenteeism.
• Oversee school budget implementation and strategic resource allocation aligned with instructional priorities and school goals.
• Ensure compliance with all federal state DESE and Board policies including program implementation and monitoring.
• Oversee building operations safety facilities management and daily operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records reports and documentation required for audits accreditation accountability reviews and DESE compliance.
• Administer state and federal programs with fidelity including special education Title programs and other accountability-driven initiatives.
• Build strong partnerships with families community organizations higher education institutions and workforce partners to expand opportunities for students.
• Ensure consistent and transparent communication regarding school goals student performance assessment outcomes and district initiatives.
• Lead meaningful family engagement opportunities and serve as a visible positive representative of the school and district.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Deep knowledge of curriculum development instructional design and secondary instructional practices.
• Demonstrated understanding of high school accountability systems including EOC assessments graduation requirements CCR indicators and MSIP 6 expectations.
• Ability to develop and execute short- and long-range plans to improve student achievement.
• Expertise in student assessment systems and data analysis to inform instructional improvement.
• Knowledge of College and Career Readiness frameworks and post-secondary planning systems.
• Ability to integrate technology effectively into teaching learning and school operations.
• Capacity to build motivate and galvanize a high-performing school leadership team.
• Strong organizational management and decision-making skills with a focus on accountability and results.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Masters Degree in Educational Administration or related field required.
• Possess or be eligible for Missouri Certification as a School Administrator.
• Experience working within a diverse multi-cultural school population.
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful school teaching experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in secondary school leadership instructional supervision and student achievement improvement strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to walk and use fingers tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision color vision and depth perception. Occasionally the employee will lift up to 50 lbs. such as lifting files and paper.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee continuously interacts with the public and staff.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Required Experience:

Staff IC