Principal, Grade School, St. Joan of Arc, Harford County, MD

Our Principal for St. Joan of Arc oversees the total educational program of the school and is directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school. Our Principal assures that programs that deal with the Catholic identity of the school are planned, implemented and evaluated in consultation with the Pastor and or the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Our Principal is ultimately responsible for overseeing that instruction is consistent with the mission, philosophy, goals and objectives of our school. The Principal directly reports to the Pastor/ Superintendent who reviews the Principal's performance annually.

Essential Functions

Our Principal implements the Roman Catholic Church's educational ministry for the school and the community it serves, insuring its Catholic identity. As such, the principal provides instructional leadership that attracts and retains excellent faculty and staff, ensures that academic goals are achieved, and maintains the school's accreditation. It is important that our final candidate be fully supportive of parish activities and that the Principal integrates school activities with other parish activities, as appropriate. Principals are encouraged to be active participants in parish activities outside of the normal school week (e.g., key events where school families are present) whenever possible.

Specifically, the Principals responsibilities are as listed:

• Hires, supervises, and terminates all academic and support staff in consultation with the Pastor and Superintendent.
• Works consistently toward improving the quality of instruction within the school by fostering the professional growth of the instructional staff.
• Ensures that academic, health and guidance records are maintained.
• Assists in developing and implementing a strong student recruitment program.
• Works to establish procedures to ensure the safety of students and all other personnel while on school properly.
• Provides opportunities for the spiritual and intellectual growth of the students and faculty.
• Prepares and presents recommendations for the annual operations budget to the School Board.
• Provides for the scheduling and supervision of all student activities.
• Maintains and enforces a non-discrimination in all activities.
• Coordinates responsibilities and duties of the assistant principal and other staff.
• Develops the school calendar in collaboration with the activity moderators.
• Recommends faculty and staff salary schedules to the School Board and Pastor.
• Oversees teacher certification.
• Works to authorize the use of the school facilities by outside groups.
• Serves as liaison with parent and student organizations as needed. Provides inspirational leadership and visibility at school and community events.
• Establishes and administers personnel policies for faculty and staff.
• Prepares of all necessary reports.
• Participates with the School Board and its advisory activities.
• Appoints moderators for the curricular and co-curricular activities and ensures compliance with the school's mission.
• Appoints assistant principals and department chairs.
• Evaluates the performance of the department chairpersons and faculty in consultation with Assistant Principal.
• Designs and implements a just process of teacher supervision and evaluation.
• Directs and implements policies for the retention, promotion, graduation, suspension and dismissal of students. Consults with the Archdiocese on student dismissals.
• Establishes a periodic review of school regulations, compliance and enforcement.

Position Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic, fully able to model Christian values and adhere to the teachings of the church and participate in the sacramental life of the Church.
• Master's degree from an accredited institution in educational administration, supervision, curriculum development, or education.
• Minimum of five years teaching experience at the appropriate level (elementary or high school). Three or more years of experience in a Catholic school preferred.
• Minimum of three or more years of leadership (Principal/Assistant P) experience in a Catholic school preferred.
• Maryland certification as a Principal (ADMIN II).
• Catechist certification or ongoing faith formation.