High School Principal

 

 

Reports to:  Associate Head of School

Position Start Date: July 2025

Education/Experience Required/Preferred: A four-year education degree is required.  Master’s degree in educational administration is preferred.  A minimum of four years organizational leadership experience within an educational environment is required.  Previous classroom teaching experience is strongly preferred.

 General

The leader of the OCS High School will be the direct site operational administrator of the school program and facilities reporting directly to the Associate Head of School for Academics.  This individual has the overall educational and spiritual leadership of grades 9-12, following the approved curricula and policies of the school.  This individual works collaboratively to lead and nurture all members of the High School faculty and staff and communicates effectively with parents, members of the community, and colleagues in other schools.  Inherent in the position are the responsibilities for planning, academic and curricular management, extracurricular activities, faculty and staff evaluation, student management, communications, and other administrative duties.

The principal is a member of the Senior Leadership Team participating and providing needed and valuable insight into the High School operations.

The principal should possess excellent leadership skills, be patient, express joy, and be able to characterize the following leadership traits with wisdom:

Execution – The Principal must be able to execute the strategies of Oaks Christian and the High School including, but not limited to, taking responsibility for results and all aspects of successful student learning

Energy – The Principal must possess exceptional personal energy

Energizing – The Principal must be able to motivate faculty and staff and have the ability to energize those around him/her and others

Edge – The Principal must have the ability to make the hard decision and to implement change in a way that improves the organization

Excellence – The Principal must possess the personal characteristic of excellence as a personal hallmark of everything that they do

Efficient – The Principal must understand and embrace the concept of being efficient and appropriately managing his/her budget and resources

Passion – All of the above must be “wrapped” in enthusiasm and passion for the Mission of Oaks Christian School

Lastly, the Principal must possess an “active faith” and personal walk with the Lord and be able to articulate this effectively in both word and deed.  Their conduct must be above reproach.  

Primary Duties:

General Planning and Administration

• The principal participates in the academic team in conjunction with the AHOS participating in conceptualizing the broad goals of school curriculum and plans accordingly to ensure that procedures and schedules are implemented to carry out the school program.
• Develops and updates the school handbook.
• Participates in the development of the master schedule for classes and teacher assignments.
• Develops a duty schedule for breaks, chapels, lunch, and other places as needed.
• Partners with the Athletic Director to coordinate athletic schedules.
• Responsible for development, management and oversight of the school budget under approval of the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the AHOS and the Head of School.
• Approves all purchases in accordance with school budgets, policies and procedures
• Assists with the development of the school’s Strategic Plan and Accreditation Processes
• Ensures a seamless learning pathway effectively preparing High School students in matriculating to college
• Other duties as may be assigned

Academic and Curricular Management

• Ensures that the curriculum is being adhered to and followed in a manner that promotes and delivers excellence of Learning and subject mastery.
• Promotes high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance
• In partnership with the AHOS, observes classes on a regular basis to encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with curricular expectations.

Development of the Faculty and Staff

• Is a role model to the students, faculty, and staff with respect to personal conduct, spiritual leadership, and professionalism
• Is a Leadership member and fully supports the school’s vision and strategies.
• Partner with AHOS in planning effective staff development that address the needs of the instructional program and needs of the staff, including workshops, conferences, visitations, and sessions in which the staff shares successful practices and strategies
• Supervises and appraises the performance of the school staff and makes recommendations for pay promotion.
• Orients and assists new staff members and provides opportunities for their input in the school program
• Along with the AHOS-Academics, recommends to the Head of School the renewal, dismissal, withholding of promotions, or other actions for all personnel assigned to the High School, following established procedures and timelines
• Organize and nurture an effective 5-8 leadership team of Deans, assistants and supervisors, with clear expectations for roles, responsibilities, and performance, holding each individual accountable for the area of assignment
• Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.  Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in learning theory and research, instructional strategies, and classroom management through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organization

Student Management

• Provide and supervise in a fair and consistent manner, effective discipline and attendance systems with high standards, consistent with the philosophy, values, and mission of the school, in accordance with due process and other laws and regulations, ensuring a safe, orderly environment that encourages students to take responsibility for behavior and creates high morale among staff and students.
• File all required reports regarding violence, vandalism, attendance, and discipline matters.

Communication

• Maintains inter-school communication and seeks assistance from office staff to improve performance.
• Maintains good relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Complies with established lines of authority.
• Communicates regularly with parents, seeking their support and advice, to create a cooperative relationship to support the student in the school. Encourage and work with an active parent advisory group that supports the efforts of the school.
• Cooperates with the community in the use of school facilities and maintains communication with community leaders and organizations.
• Notify immediately appropriate personnel and agencies and follow established procedures when there is evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide, or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.

Admissions

• Participates in the Admissions Committee and student selection process.
• Interviews prospective students and families as needed.
• Orients and assists new students and provides opportunities for their integration into the school program.

Other Administrative Duties

• Works with the administrative assistants to coordinate mailings, newsletters, parent meetings, and all communication to parents for the school.
• Maintains inter-school system communication and seeks assistance from central office staff to improve performance. The principal maintains good relationships with students, staff, and parents. The principal complies with established lines of authority.
• Works closely with the administrative team to ensure safe, proper, and well supervised programs
• Supports the Senior Leadership Team for the health, safety, and welfare of students, personnel, and visitors. Communicate procedures and provide regular drills for emergencies and disasters, following state, local, and school guidelines. Disaster preparedness procedures shall include fire, lock downs, accidents, bus accidents and traffic emergencies, civil disturbances, disruptions, death, personal tragedy, and other unusual circumstances.  Provide information to staff, students, and parents as necessary, and establish and follow procedures for dealing with the media.  Notify the HOS immediately of any unusual circumstances.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned