The Secondary School Principal is the educational leader of the school unit they administer. This leadership must be exercised at all levels: the students, the teachers, the parents, and the citizens. As chief administrative officer of a school unit, the Principal is charged with the responsibility of providing the best possible environment for teaching and learning. Therefore, they are totally responsible for the entire operation of the building and its administrative, instructional, and non-instructional personnel. This responsibility necessarily involves supervisory and administrative duties, which must be performed on both the formal and informal level with an aim towards efficiency and good morale.

The Secondary School Principal is responsible to the Superintendent of Schools or their designated agent for the organization, administration, supervision of instruction, and discipline of the school unit.

Within the limits of the policies and rules of the School Committee, the Secondary School Principal, with commensurate authority, is responsible for the fulfillment of the duties set forth below. The Principal may delegate to members of their staff appropriate portions of the Principal’s responsibilities together with appropriate authority for their fulfillment; however, the Principal may not delegate or relinquish the overall responsibility or any portion of their accountability.

Responsibilities:

• To execute the rules, regulations, and directives of the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools, which relate to school concerned;
• To provide direction and assistance to all matters pertaining to administration of the school;
• To organize the school in such a way that it will meet all accreditation standards;
• To establish such rules as are necessary for the maintenance of proper discipline of pupils in the buildings and on the grounds;
• To meet with the Superintendent, administrative, and supervisory staffs for discussion, revision, and preparation of program procedure and practices;
• To direct the supervisory program of the teaching, clerical, custodial, and cafeteria staff personnel and activities;
• To assist the Superintendent of Schools in selection of staff and to recommend teachers for reappointment and tenure;
• To be responsible for evaluating the services of each individual on the school staff each year;
• To work with the administration and the teaching staff in establishing a city-wide, coordinated secondary school program;
• To administer the budget appropriation allocated to the school;
• To prepare all reports required by the Superintendent;
• To direct all routine office management and administer the program of records and reports;
• To report to the Superintendent regarding the need of the school with respect to personnel, equipment, supplies, and curriculum;
• To requisition the necessary equipment and supplies for the orderly operation of the school;
• To be responsible for all property of the school department assigned to their care and custody;
• To request the necessary maintenance to keep these facilities in good condition; keeping the new building in the greatest shape for as long as it’s feasible;
• To promote safety in the school by having a systematic program of fire drills, lockdowns, Civil Defense drills, pedestrian traffic control, periodic inspection of buildings and rounds;
• To prepare master schedules of subjects and schedules for teachers and pupils;
• To counsel with and direct the curriculum implementations and innovations of teachers through the Vice Principals, Directors, and Department Heads;
• To develop assembly programs of instructional merit;
• To coordinate and supervise the lunch program;
• To direct the guidance, pupil-personnel, vocational, and instructional programs of the school and work to see that they meet the needs of all pupils;
• To be available at all times to consult with parents and teachers concerning the welfare of any student;
• To admit, to place, to discharge, and to exclude pupils;
• To keep on file a permanent record of all pupils who have attended the school and to make their records available to authorized agencies;
• To organize, to administer a program of extracurricular activities which develop special interests and abilities of pupils, and to provide for direction and supervision (clubs, yearbook, school magazine, proms, Student Council, etc.);
• To maintain general supervision of the entire athletic program and to verify the eligibility of each participant;
• To interpret the school program to the community;
• To act in liaison capacity in their community between pupils, teachers, and parents;
• To cooperate with parent organizations and related educational groups to further the program of the school;
• To develop a program of public relations in order that the community may understand and support the educational program;
• To lead and to encourage the professional improvement of members of the staff;
• To act as the professional leader for members of the staff and direct faculty meetings, in-service training programs, and an orientation program for new staff members assigned to the school;
• To maintain a cooperative and friendly relationship with administrative personnel;
• To develop a program for self-improvement and growth through reading, attending conferences and workshops in order to provide professional leadership of the highest type;
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master's degree;
• Evidence of at least five (5) years of successful teaching and/or administrative experience;
• Must hold or be eligible for Massachusetts Department of elementary and secondary education licensure as a High School Principal, Grades 9-12.

Terms of Employment:

• Twelve (12) month work year (July - June)
• 260 days - 40 hours per week

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.