6-12 Charter School Principal – Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy

Job Title: 6-12 Charter School Principal – Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy

ACCEL Schools is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal for Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, dedicated to providing a superior education for all students. We are looking for leaders who are passionate about creating a rigorous and nurturing learning environment that prioritizes student engagement and achievement.

Position Overview

The 6-12 Charter School Principal serves as the instructional and administrative leader of the ACCEL Schools campus—responsible for developing, implementing, and achieving the school’s academic vision, student success, and daily operations. The Principal ensures successful academic outcomes for all students while implementing long-term instructional sustainability measures, including professional development, teacher quality assessment, curriculum advancement, and pedagogical improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Oversee the school’s daily operations, including facilities management, technology, food services, student data systems, academic assessments, budget controls, and student recruitment and retention.
• In collaboration with ACCEL Schools, ensure full compliance with budget, procurement, student data, academic assessments, and campus safety.
• Work with ACCEL Schools and back-office service providers to fulfill all school administrative responsibilities and recommend improvements when necessary.
• Partner with Human Resources to implement a highly effective talent management system, including recruiting, selecting, hiring, retaining, recognizing, and supporting all staff.
• Ensure adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements in all hiring and selection processes.
• Collaborate with ACCEL Schools on compliance, charter authorizations, and state and federal reporting requirements, including the charter renewal process.
• Ensure proper maintenance of student census data, attendance records, and other mandatory reports as required by the state and school sponsor.
• Oversee the implementation of the National School Lunch Program, transportation services, audits, student applications, and enrollment verification where applicable.
• Manage student recruitment and retention, aiming for an annual retention rate of 90% or higher.
• Ensure compliance with all obligations under the school’s Sponsor Agreement.
• Maintain and update the master school calendar, making it accessible to all stakeholders through various communication channels (e.g., website, social media, student/parent guide, employee handbook).
• Work with ACCEL Schools to ensure all marketing and communications materials remain current and active.
• Maintain regular communication with ACCEL Schools regarding school needs, successes, and operations.
• Hold ongoing meetings with the Regional Vice President to ensure smooth school leadership.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
• Assist in updating and maintaining student and parent manuals, policies, and handbooks.

Academic and Postsecondary Readiness

• Ensure the school meets annual Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) requirements and implements necessary improvement strategies.
• Develop programs and initiatives to prepare students for postsecondary education and career opportunities, including college readiness, vocational training, and life skills development.

Instructional Leadership

• Design and implement a rigorous academic program aligned with state standards and the charter’s mission.
• Support and evaluate teachers to improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement.
• Foster a data-driven culture to track student progress and improve academic outcomes.
• Develop and oversee professional development opportunities for staff to ensure continuous instructional improvement.

School Culture and Student Support

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive school culture.
• Implement and oversee effective student behavior management and discipline policies.
• Engage students, staff, and families in fostering a sense of community and school pride.
• Support the creation and development of extracurricular activities to enhance student engagement.

Operational and Financial Management

• Oversee daily school operations, including safety protocols and facility management.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and ACCEL Schools on budgeting and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal educ