Avoca West Elementary School K-5 Principal

Position Type:
Administration/Principal (K-5)

Date Posted:
3/6/2025

Location:
Avoca West Elementary School

Date Available:
07/01/2025

Closing Date:
03/28/2025
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt; Administrative; Full-Time; 12-Month Position

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

SUMMARY:

The mission of Avoca School District 37 is to inspire curiosity, cultivate academic growth, and nurture diversity. With this in mind, the Principal uses supervisory, administrative, and educational leadership to align school goals to the district's mission while promoting the educational development of each student and the efficient operation of the school program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Instructional Leadership:

• Supervise the instructional programs of the school and observe instruction on a regular basis.
• Develop and implement activities that encourage students to embody the Portrait of a Graduate.
• Direct the development and implementation of school improvement plans within the building.
• Contribute to an effective, comprehensive, district-wide integrated educational and student development program by directing the development and effective implementation of applicable program elements at the elementary level and ensuring a fluid experience for students and parents throughout their varied transitions.
• Establish and communicate high expectations for student academic and behavioral growth.
• Collect and analyze data regarding the needs and achievement of students, including State assessments and other pertinent information affecting the design and implementation of MTSS, using the information to recommend new programs and modifications to existing programs.
• Establish the master schedule for instructional programs, ensuring sequential learning experiences for students that meet and exceed the State Core Curriculum Content Standards.
• Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
• Provide orientation and guidance to new teachers and staff.
• Organize and nurture an effective Building Leadership Team.
• Actively participate as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet to support, problem solve, and address systemic needs.

Human Resources:

• Possess knowledge of district policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibility.
• Comply with all laws, administrative codes, Board policies, and regulations.
• Ensure that evaluation procedures are completed in a fair and consistent manner that encourages accountability, growth, and excellence in accordance with law, Board policy, administrative procedure, and contractual requirements.
• Recommend personnel to fill vacant positions in the school, following district recruitment and selection procedures.
• Conduct staff meetings on district procedures.
• Promote harmonious staff relationships within the building.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and uses discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
• Complete compliance trainings as required by the district.
• Employ methods that foster a non-threatening environment conducive to openness and cooperation and which invites participation in the decision-making process when appropriate.

Building + Business Operations:

• Organize, manage, evaluate, and supervises effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the entire school consistent with the philosophy, mission, values, and goals of the school and district, including extracurricular activities, discipline systems to ensure a safe and orderly climate, financial management, facilities maintenance, program evaluation, personnel management, office operations, emergency procedures, and community relations.
• Assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students, personnel, and visitors. Develop clearly understood procedures and provide regular drills for emergencies and disasters, following State, local, and district guidelines.
• Implement recommendations and current best practices from security assessments to ensure the safety of students and staff.
• Maintain the school budget and supervises the school's financial accounting in accordance with Board policies and Business Office procedures.
• Ensure an effective accounting and inventory system for all school supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the Superintendent or designee.

Climate + Culture:

• Work with the school staff and school community to create a positive context for learning by ensuring equity, fulfilling professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity, and serving as a role model for the professional behavior of others.
• Establish a professional rapport with students and staff based on mutual respect.
• Produce and maintain publications and newsletters for the school that consistently celebrate and inform parents and the community.
• Keep staff informed and seek ideas for the improvement of the school. Conduct monthly staff meetings.
• Communicate regularly with parents, seeking their support and advice to create a cooperative relationship to support students in the school.
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and agencies associated with the school.
• Serve as a role model for students, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating pride in the school, district, community, and education profession.
• Maintain visibility with students, staff, parents, and the community, attending school and community functions regularly.
• Support and work collaboratively with an active Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) that supports the efforts of the school.
• Promote and facilitate positive problem-solving skills in staff and parent meetings.
• Respond to all correspondence in a timely and professional manner.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills
• Ability to collaborate with various stakeholder groups
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills
• Exhibits an overall positive approach and provides good human relations
• Ability to work independently on an assignment and cooperatively as a team member
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze and organize data into meaningful, actionable reports
• Sound understanding of applicable local, state, and federal educational laws, regulations, policies, and requirements
• Deep understanding of instructional pedagogy, curriculum trends, and best practice in professional learning

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Operate computer devices and office equipment
• Standing, bending, walking, talking, and hearing
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 30 lbs.
• Attend after hour meetings or events as required
• Respond to emergencies that may occur 24/7
• Frequent driving

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE:

• Valid ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with General Administrative or Principal Endorsement (required)
• Master's degree in Education or a related field (required)
• Experience as a teacher or certified employment in an educational setting (required)

COMPENSATION + BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary commensurate with degree and experience. Range = $125,000.00 - $135,000.00
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement plan, and paid time off

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Attachment(s):

• Avoca West K-5 Principal.pdf