POSITION SUMMARY:

Assistant principals are an integral part of the leadership team of high school, along with principals, counselors, teachers, media specialists and other support staff.  The assistant principal is primarily responsible for assisting the school principal with the administration of all aspects of the total school program for Harrisonburg City Public Schools by providing educational leadership for students and staff that is consistent with division goals.  In conjunction with the principal, the assistant principal also helps develop and lead instructional programming, hires and trains faculty, and attends to administrative responsibilities such as budgeting and record-keeping. The assistant principal will effectively analyze various data points to identify student needs, guide changes in instruction, and evaluate programs and decisions.  The assistant principal will support the principal with the school improvement process and will assist in leading the school community through this process.  Effectively completes assigned day-to-day responsibilities needed to ensure that a school operates smoothly.  Assists with day-to-day building administration that is focused on student growth as well as the safety and welfare of students, staff, volunteers, and activities.  Maintains professional relationships with staff, parents and students, and may represent the school at community and civic events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess or qualify for a Virginia Postgraduate Professional license with Middle School Principal or Administration and Supervision PreK-12 endorsement.
2. Has a minimum of five years of successful high, middle, or elementary school teaching experience.
3. Proficiency in public speaking and written communication to express and/or exchange ideas.
4. Proficiency in business English: spelling, grammar, and spoken language.
5. Emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to people and their concerns.  Able to handle responsibility, work independently, and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, families, administration, co-workers, and the community.
6. Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
7. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
8. Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks.  Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities.  Respects the worth, dignity and individual differences of others.
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.  
10. Excellent interpersonal skills.
11. Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and email.
12. Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, administrators, and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Effectively assists the principal in the overall administration and instructional supervision of the school.
2. Effectively supervises and evaluates the performance of each member of the instructional staff using school board criteria/policies.
3. Effectively serves as principal in his/her absence.
4. Effectively assists in the development, revisions, and evaluation of the instructional curriculum of the school and the division.
5. Effectively assists in maintaining a positive school climate and appropriate student behavior in the school.  In collaboration with classroom teachers, promptly and effectively navigates student behavior situations to ensure a safe and positive environment for all students and staff.
6. Effectively and efficiently coordinates the in-school gifted program.
7. Effectively plans, coordinates and supervises the summer school program.
8. Effectively assists with coordination of the volunteer program for the school with the assistance of the parent coordinators and the staff.
9. Effectively assists with the supervision of the special education services/programs in the school.
10. Effectively assists with coordination of the staff development program for the school.
11. Effectively leads the coordination and planning for summer school programming.
12. Actively participates as a member of the HCPS leadership team.
13. Responds to telephone, email and in-person requests, inquiries and questions in a professional, polite and responsive manner.
14. Serves as role model by developing and effectively maintaining professional boundaries with students and staff at all times.  Ensures respect for the ethical and legal duties in the staff-to-student and administrator-to-staff relationships.
15. Serves as a role model for others, as an educational leader, by demonstrating good attendance, punctuality, appearance, demeanor, dress and behavior.
16. Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
17. Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
18. Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date.
19. Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
20. Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
21. Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
22. Complies with and supports school division policies, regulations, procedures, and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
23. Effectively performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work, lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.  Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students, staff, and the school community.  Regular contact with staff members is required.  Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative or licensed personnel.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.