School Leader - Lowcountry Connections Academy

Company Summary

At Connections Academy, helping students maximize their potential and meet the highest performance standards through a uniquely individualized learning program is at the core of our mission. Connections Academy was founded in 2001 to deliver high-quality, highly accountable online education to students in grades K-12. Hallmarks of Connections Academy-supported online schools include personalized learning, an award-winning curriculum and Education Management System (EMS), dedicated state-certified teachers, and a supportive school community.  Parents of enrolled students consistently share their satisfaction with Connections Academy: 92% “would recommend the schools to other families” and 95% say the curriculum is “high quality.” In 2017, Connections Academy-supported public schools serve students in 27 states, while the private online school, International Connections Academy meets the online school needs of students worldwide. Recognized for its outstanding curriculum and leadership, Connections Academy is committed to expanding quality education through technology, and helping students achieve both academic and personal success. Connections Academy is part of the global learning company, Pearson, and its Online & Blended Learning group. For more information, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com

School Summary:

Lowcountry Connections Academy (LCCA) is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school serving students in grades K-12 throughout South Carolina. LCCA is authorized under state law by the Charter Institute of Erskine and operated by Lowcountry Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy LLC. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by Cognia, and LCCA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Lowcountry Connections Academy (LCCA) seeks a dynamic, visionary leader and change agent to serve as its School Leader/Principal. This position ensures all students receive a personalized learning plan by implementing a distance education instructional program with fidelity. The School Leader is responsible for establishing an organizational culture: putting the interests of students and families first; recruiting, retaining and developing faculty and staff; building and growing relationships with key external stakeholders including regulators; and implementing the vision established by the Lowcountry Connections Academy School Board where every child receives a personalized and customized education, and academic achievement is at the forefront.

Working from your home office within a commutable distance to the Charleston (Summerville, SC) based office, the School Leader will manage staff as they engage regularly with Learning Coaches and students, ensuring that each child successfully completes his/her instructional program. The School Leader is responsible for overseeing overall school operations including working with parents, students, support staff, and certified teachers who “virtually” facilitate a home-based student instructional program. The School Leader will spend the majority of their time working with external stakeholders on matters of policy, budget, academic outcomes, reporting, and supervision. The School Leader will report to the Pearson Virtual School's Director of School Operations and be required to report to the office, as needed, in the Charleston Metro Area (Summerville, SC), as requested..

Other key responsibilities include the following:

• Oversee the implementation of the proven school curriculum and school operation protocols;
• Ensure that staff exhibit and maintain a high level of professionalism, instructional support, and customer service by implementing a mission for the school;
• Deliver the academic success and outcomes of the school, based on a list of annual school goals which may include the School’s charter goals to improve student academic achievement, Connection Academy school focus goals, and the Accountability score on the State Report Card;
• Work with school staff and POBL to create, implement, manage, and monitor the School Improvement Plan;
• Ensure all state reporting is completed correctly and on time;
• Maintain relationships with the school’s sponsor and South Carolina’s public education department while staying current on the state’s policies, procedures, and legislation, including specific Special Education procedures;
• Attend all School Board meetings;
• Provide the School Board with regular written and verbal reports and updates;
• Ensure support of School Board to include frequent communic