Middle School Principal - Georgia Connections Academy

School Summary

Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades 5-12 throughout Georgia.  The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options.  The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Georgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Overview:

Georgia Connections Academy (GACA) is seeking an energetic, visionary, and change-oriented instructional leader to serve as the Middle School Principal. The successful candidate will lead the school in providing a personalized and effective virtual learning experience, ensuring academic success while fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. This role includes overseeing the implementation of a high-impact instructional program, managing a team of educators, and building strong relationships with students, families, staff, and external stakeholders. The Middle School Principal will collaborate with the GACA leadership team to develop and implement strategies to stay at the forefront of innovation, enhancing learning performance, communication, and engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Academic Leadership:
  • Lead and manage the academic performance of the middle school, ensuring the school meets or exceeds established academic goals, including the achievement of district and state academic targets.
  • Oversee the implementation of a high-quality curriculum that aligns with state standards and meets the diverse needs of all students.
  • Collaborate with faculty to develop, implement, and monitor the school’s improvement plan.
  • Work closely with the district leadership team to ensure that all Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for special education students are developed, implemented, and reviewed in compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.
  • Develop and implement an instructional master schedule that is conducive to student success.
  • Oversee the team of math and reading interventionists to ensure students are provided with timely and appropriate Tier II and Tier III interventions.
• Staff Development and Support:
  • Recruit, retain, and develop a high-performing team of educators and staff.
  • Supervise and evaluate school staff, ensuring alignment with performance expectations and state requirements.
  • Foster a positive and professional school culture, providing ongoing support and resources to ensure staff are equipped to deliver effective instruction and excellent customer service.
  • Collaborate with instructional coaches and other instructional leaders to develop and implement professional learning opportunities for staff.
  • Build and maintain a strong school leadership pipeline.
• Operational Oversight:
  • Oversee all aspects of school operations, including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Collaborate with district leaders to manage school resources that align with GACA’s financial and operational goals, including contracts, grants, and fundraising endeavors.
  • Ensure timely and accurate completion of all state reporting, including standardized testing processes and special education services, and maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Student and Family Engagement:
  • Ensure clear and consistent communication with students, families, and staff regarding academic expectations, school events, and school-wide initiatives.
  • Work collaboratively with the District Leadership Team to lead recruitment efforts, including outreach events and public presentations, to engage prospective students and families.
  • Support a strong school community through virtual and in-person events, such as student engagement opportunities (SEOs) and extracurricular clubs and activities.
• Stakeholder and External Relations:
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including t