Junior High Principal

Job Description

Job Title: Principal

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Executive
Reports to: Assistant Superintendent Date Revised: 4/28/26
Dept./School: Smithville Junior High School

Primary Purpose:
Responsible for leadership of the campus instructional program, ensuring high standards of instruction
and student achievement, compliance with district policies, application of instructional programs, and
effective operation of all campus activities. Direct and manage overall campus operations.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Master’s degree from accredited university
Texas principal or other appropriate Texas certificate
Certified Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraiser

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Deep understanding of curriculum and research-informed instructional practices
Ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness
Ability to effectively manage budget and personnel
Ability to consistently implement policy and procedures
Ability to interpret and apply data to improve student outcomes
Excellent organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Experience:
Minimum of two years experience as a classroom teacher
Minimum of two years experience in instructional leadership roles
Principal and/or Assistant Principal experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional Management

Monitor instructional processes to ensure that program activities are focused on outcomes and use findings to make adjustments and take corrective actions where necessary.
Secure instructional resources and materials needed to accomplish instructional goals.
Establish and hold clear expectations for staff performance with regard to instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication with the families and the community.
Foster collegiality and team building among staff members. Encourage their active involvement in decision-making impacting the campus.
Solicit regular input from the campus-level committee about planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of campus education program. Include students and community representatives when appropriate.

School or Organization Improvement

Build a common vision for school improvement with staff. Direct planning activities and implement programs to ensure attainment of school’s mission.
Establish campus performance objectives for academic excellence indicators using the campus planning process and involving site-based decision making committee. Demonstrate campus progress using results to promote school improvement.
Support interactive communication with superintendent, staff, students, parents, and community.

Student Management

Support the campus behavioral coordinator in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Work with faculty and students to develop a student discipline management system that results in positive student behavior and enhances the school climate.
Ensure that behavioral expectations are uniformly applied and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
Demonstrate proactive communication and expeditious response to student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions

Comply with district policies, state and federal laws, and regulations affecting schools.
Develop and administer campus budgets based on documented program needs and estimated enrollment ensuring that operations are cost effective and funds are managed appropriately.
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports of maximum attendance to requisition instructional materials.
Manage use of campus facilities. Oversee maintenance of facilities and work collaboratively with the Director of Maintenance to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus.
Direct and manage extracurricular and co-curricular programs including management of multiple activity funds.

Personnel Management

Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment,retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff.
Coach staff and help staff identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals.
Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities.

School or Community Relations

Articulate the school’s vision and mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the goals supporting its implementation.
Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Other

Implement and follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and discipline of staff assigned to campus including
assistant principal(s), teachers, counselor(s), librarian(s), instructional aides, administrative
assistants, and other support staff.