PRINCIPAL

Highland Education Center

SPECIAL EDUCATION BEHAVIORAL DAY SCHOOL in Columbus, KS

25-26 School Year

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose: The Principal of Highland Education Center, a Special Education Behavioral Day School, provides leadership and educational development that is critical to the success of teachers, students, and staff. The Principal ensures the effective delivery of special education services to children and youth with special needs while fostering a healthy learning environment for our students. In addition, the Principal oversees the day-to-day school/building operations and ensures school-wide goals and objectives are achieved.  To accomplish these tasks, the Principal must work closely with parents, public and private agencies, school personnel, staff, and administration of the SEK Interlocal #637.

Responsible to: SEK Interlocal #637 Director

Salary: Salary is based on educational level, certification (s), and years of experience. Employees will be contracted annually and will be renewed according to evaluations and board practice.

Qualifications:           

• Building Leadership License from an accredited college/university.
• Leadership Experience Preferred
• Working knowledge of budgets, purchasing processes, management information and system functions, federal and state regulations, and a fundamental understanding of the special education laws and procedures.
• Special Education background or experience preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
• Commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Must possess excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and support an optimal learning environment in all education settings.
• Ensure compliance by the school with all local and Federal laws and regulations relating to students with IEPs.
• Assist in supervising and coordinating staff to ensure effective and appropriate delivery of both special education instruction and related services as stipulated in IEPs.
• Coordinating with students’ special education team to ensure all documents are completed in a timely manner according to State, local, and school policies and procedures.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues such as changes in federal and local special education policies.
• Maintain a commitment to support a strong system of accountability that supports student learning, instruction, and social/emotional development.
• Supports the development of staff through observation and feedback, coaching and modeling of best instructional practices.
• Conduct regular evaluations of professional licensed staff.
• Provide direct oversight of building management, including but not limited to maintenance, budget management, scheduling, transportation, purchasing, crisis drills, and development of the school calendar. 
• Plan, organize, and direct the implementation of school activities. 
• Assess, plan, and organize staff professional development activities designed to enhance collaboration, maintain legal compliance, improve communication, and encourage best instructional practices.
• Maintain positive relationships with partner school districts to ensure the support of all students. 
• Maintains ongoing effective communication with students, parents, staff, and collaborative partners 
• Understand and implement effective Crisis management and ESI on a day-to-day basis.
• Develop and ensure implementation of Social Emotional Learning, including consistency among the building expectations and staff teaching to students. 
• Stay up to date and implement research-based practices in the area of behavior, day-schools, trauma, and instruction based on need.
• Be able to make immediate decisions related to student crisis and student behavior. 
• Facilitate the development of Behavior and Crisis Plans for students.
• Provide preventative measures to help support staff and students on a daily basis.
• Attend weekly SEK #637 administrative meetings.
• Provide orientation support and training for all new staff members.
• Support the mission and goals of the SEK Interlocal #637.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

• Requires prolonged sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, and carrying.
• Requires extensive travel and the ability to drive
• Must work in a variety of environments including noisy and crowded locations.
• May occasionally be required to work evenings.
• Travel to assigned member districts will be required

General Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director and Assistant Directors in the supervision and coordination of special education services.
• Assist in facilitating special education services in coordination with each district’s continuous improvement plan.
• Support collaboration in sharing services between general education, general education support programs (Title 1, grants, etc), public and private agencies, and special education.
• Represent the special education SEK Interlocal #637 in educational planning meetings as needed.
• Assist teachers and support staff in assuring procedural content and confidentiality of student records.
• Develop an environment of respect, interest, cooperation, trust, and enthusiasm within the special education SEK Interlocal #637.
• Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, and finalization of employee recommendations of Para-educators for the SEK Interlocal #637.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff in effective supervision of Para-educators including orientation in-services, task assignment, and evaluation.
• Assist the Director and Assistant Directors in assessing staffing patterns to accommodate programming needs for children and youth with disabilities.
• Support the provision of special education and related services in the general curriculum and in appropriate developmental activities through a problem-solving method.
• Assist with data management, preparation of reports, and application renewals.
• Oversight of special education staff and programs within multiple member districts and locations.
• Other duties as assigned.