Principal at Jasper County School District in Ridgeland, SC

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Secondary Principal (6-12)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Days of Work: 240

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GENERAL SUMMARY

The Secondary School Principal serves as the instructional leader and chief administrator of a school serving students in grades 6 through 12. The Principal is responsible for ensuring high levels of student achievement, fostering a safe and positive school culture, and managing the day-to-day operations of the school. The Principal provides strategic leadership in curriculum and instruction, staff development, student discipline, secondary scheduling, graduation and college- and career-readiness initiatives, extracurricular programming, and family and community engagement while ensuring compliance with district, state, and federal regulations. Reports to the Superintendent.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned.)

Instructional Leadership

The Principal develops, implements, and monitors a shared vision for student achievement and continuous school improvement. They lead the implementation of rigorous curriculum and instructional programs aligned with South Carolina standards and district expectations across grades 6 through 12. The Principal analyzes student achievement, attendance, course performance, assessment, and graduation data to identify trends and guide instructional decisions, interventions, and enrichment. They conduct classroom observations and provide timely, constructive feedback aligned to district evaluation systems. Additionally, the Principal supports Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), services for English Learners and students with disabilities, and academic supports designed to keep students on track for promotion and graduation.

Secondary Academic Programs and Student Success

The Principal provides leadership for secondary academic programming, including the development and monitoring of the master schedule, course offerings, student placement, credit attainment, promotion, and graduation requirements. They collaborate with counselors, teachers, administrators, and district staff to monitor student progress toward graduation and ensure appropriate interventions for students who are off track. The Principal supports college- and career-readiness opportunities, including advanced coursework, career and technical education, dual enrollment, work-based learning, and other pathways available through the district. They ensure appropriate administration and use of state and district assessments and support transition planning for students moving into middle school, high school, and postsecondary opportunities.

School Culture, Climate, and Student Discipline

The Principal establishes and maintains a safe, orderly, inclusive, and student-centered school environment. They promote positive student behavior through proactive discipline systems, restorative practices, and consistent enforcement of the district code of conduct. The Principal addresses student discipline matters in accordance with district policies and procedures, including serious or repeated disciplinary concerns, while ensuring due process and appropriate documentation. They foster a culture of high expectations, respect, belonging, school pride, and student engagement for all students and staff.

Personnel Management

The Principal recruits, hires, assigns, supervises, and evaluates certified and classified staff in collaboration with Human Resources. They establish clear performance expectations and support staff development through coaching, mentoring, professional learning, and collaborative planning. The Principal ensures staff compliance with district expectations, policies, professional standards, certification requirements, and assigned duties. They address personnel concerns, performance issues, attendance concerns, and disciplinary actions as needed and work with district leadership and Human Resources on appropriate corrective action.

Operations and Management

The Principal oversees the daily operations of the school, including scheduling, supervision, facilities, transportation coordination, safety procedures, student activities, and resource allocation. They develop and manage the school budget in alignment with district guidelines and ensure resources are used effectively to support student achievement. The Principal ensures proper supervision of students during arrival, dismissal, class transitions, meals, assemblies, extracurricular activities, athletic events, and other school-sponsored functions. They maintain accurate records and reports related to attendance, discipline, enrollment, student performance, staffing, and other required areas.

Extracurricular Activities and Athletics

The Principal provides oversight of extracurricular activities, student organizations, and school-sponsored events and works collaboratively with appropriate staff to support athletic programs. They ensure activities are properly supervised, aligned with district expectations, and conducted in a manner that promotes student safety, eligibility, academic responsibility, sportsmanship, and positive school culture. The Principal supports opportunities for student leadership, engagement, and participation beyond the classroom.

Family and Community Engagement

The Principal builds strong relationships with families, community members, business partners, and other stakeholders and communicates effectively regarding school programs, expectations, student progress, and opportunities for involvement. They respond appropriately to parent and community concerns and create opportunities for meaningful engagement. The Principal partners with community organizations, postsecondary institutions, and other agencies to support student success, career exploration, and school initiatives.

Compliance, Safety, and Accountability

The Principal ensures compliance with all federal, state, and district policies, procedures, and reporting requirements, including those related to student records, attendance, discipline, special education, assessment, graduation, safety, and accountability. They implement school safety and emergency response plans, participate in required drills and preparedness activities, and lead crisis response efforts when necessary. The Principal maintains confidentiality and professionalism in

all matters and ensures required school improvement and accountability processes are completed accurately and on time.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

The Secondary School Principal must possess a strong educational background and relevant professional experience to effectively lead a school serving students in grades 6 through 12. This includes a Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a closely related field and a valid South Carolina Principal certification or eligibility. The position requires a minimum of five years of successful teaching experience, with demonstrated effectiveness in improving student outcomes. Prior leadership experience, such as serving as an Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, or in another school-based leadership role, is strongly preferred. Experience in a secondary school setting and experience working with diverse student populations, including English Learners and students with disabilities, are essential.

Knowledge:

The Principal must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of secondary instructional best practices, curriculum development, assessment, data analysis, and strategies that support adolescent learners. This includes knowledge of South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards, graduation and promotion requirements, course credits, student scheduling, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), differentiated instruction, and college- and career-readiness pathways. The Principal must also be knowledgeable of federal, state, and district policies related to student discipline, special education, student records, attendance, safety, assessment, accountability, and personnel. Familiarity with school law, personnel management, budget development, extracurricular programming, and secondary school operations is also required.

Skills/Effort:

The Principal must exhibit strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage a complex secondary school environment. This includes the ability to lead and motivate staff, build collaborative teams, engage adolescents, and foster a positive school culture. Effective communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for interacting with students, staff, families, district leaders, and community stakeholders. The role requires strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, sound judgment, conflict-resolution skills, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Significant mental effort is required to analyze data, address complex student and personnel matters, and make high-stakes decisions that impact student achievement, safety, graduation, and school operations.

Working Conditions:

The Principal works in a dynamic school environment that requires frequent interaction with students, staff, parents, and community members. The position requires extended work hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, to attend meetings, athletic events, performances, student activities, and other school functions and to respond to school needs. The Principal must be able to respond promptly to emergencies and crisis situations and may be required to handle stressful or sensitive matters. The work environment includes frequent movement throughout the school building and campus, including classrooms, offices, athletic areas, and outdoor spaces, and requires the ability to maintain focus and professionalism in a fast-paced setting.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required.