Principal DOP-HS

Position Summary:

The Principal of the Dropout Prevention and Recovery Academy is the instructional and operational leader of a school designed to re-engage students who have previously disengaged or are at risk of not graduating. This individual is responsible for executing the Academy’s mission and vision while cultivating a culture of high expectations, innovation, and equity. The Principal leads staff in implementing personalized, flexible, and supportive learning environments that promote student success, college and career readiness, and lifelong achievement.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision

• Champion and execute the mission and vision of the Academy through strategic leadership, student-centered practices, and high-quality programming.
• Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff in academics, behavior, attendance, and character.
• Serve as a visible, accessible, and respected leader who models professionalism and fosters a culture of trust, growth, and accountability.

Instructional Oversight

• Provide instructional leadership through supervision, evaluation, and job-embedded professional development of teaching staff and academic programs.
• Observe classroom instruction regularly and provide feedback to ensure the use of 21st-century instructional strategies aligned with diverse learner needs.
• Oversee curriculum design, lesson planning, and data-driven instruction that supports credit recovery, flexible scheduling, and personalized learning.
• Develop the annual master schedule to meet student needs and align with graduation requirements.

Staff Supervision & Human Resources

• Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate staff to ensure alignment with the Academy’s mission and performance standards.
• Support professional growth through coaching, training, and ongoing professional development.
• Notify the Management Company of staff not meeting contractual or performance expectations.
• Maintain high morale and strong staff-student relationships through collaborative leadership and transparent communication.

Operations & School Management

• Ensure the effective and efficient daily operation of the school, including instructional programs, student support services, and extracurricular activities.
• Develop and implement procedures for discipline, attendance, emergency drills, facilities management, office operations, and safety protocols.
• Maintain an organized, clean, functional, and safe school environment for students, staff, and visitors.
• Establish procedures for student supervision in non-classroom settings (arrival, dismissal, lunch, etc.).
• Maintain accurate school records, schedules, and inventories of materials and equipment.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as board policies and charter requirements.
• Submit timely reports to the Board of Directors, Management Company, and applicable agencies on areas including violence, vandalism, attendance, and discipline.
• File mandatory notifications related to student welfare (e.g., abuse, neglect, substance use) and maintain confidentiality.

Student-Centered Culture

• Promote an inclusive, safe, and supportive climate that empowers students to take ownership of their learning and behavior.
• Support student success through proactive interventions, including credit recovery opportunities, to ensure students who are at risk of falling behind are re-engaged and on track for graduation.
• Implement fair, consistent, and trauma-informed discipline practices aligned with school values and PBIS frameworks.
• Encourage student voice and agency in school improvement efforts.

Family & Community Engagement

• Foster strong relationships with parents/guardians to support student achievement, behavior, and re-engagement.
• Communicate regularly with families through meetings, reports, and outreach to promote transparency and collaboration.
• Represent the school in community forums and partnerships to strengthen student supports and opportunities.

Board & Management Company Relations

• Serve as a liaison between the school and its Board of Directors and Management Company, maintaining open and professional communication.
• Provide both formal and informal reports on school progress, student outcomes, and operational needs.
• Attend and present at Board meetings, as needed.

Communication & Professionalism

• Use effective, professional oral and written communication skills when interacting with students, staff, families, and the broader community.
• Serve as a role model in dress, language, conduct, and commitment to continuous learning.
• Maintain a strong ethical standard in all decisions and interactions.

Additional Duties

• Conduct regular staff and leadership team meetings.
• Implement school improvement initiatives aligned with data and board goals.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Management Company.

Qualifications:

• Principal license preferred;
• Bachelor's degree in education or other related discipline;
• Demonstrated successful teaching experience preferred in an urban education setting;
• Minimum of three years demonstrated successful leadership in an administrative position;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Computer literacy;
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to perform multiple tasks;
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit strong interpersonal skills with students, parents and community; and
• Ability to meet established deadlines.