Principal of Online Academy and Director of Special Programming

UPPER ARLINGTON CITY SCHOOLS

Position: Principal of Online Academy and Director of Special Programming

Reports to: Upper Arlington High School Principal

Employment Status: Regular/Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt - Level IV Administrator

Description: As the OA Principal specializing in innovative opportunities, you will be responsible for fostering a dynamic and progressive educational environment that empowers students to explore, create, and excel beyond traditional boundaries. Your role will involve collaborating with faculty, students, and external partners to investigate innovative programs, initiatives, and resources while maintaining current programs that enrich the educational experience and prepare students for success in the 21st-century workforce.

NOTE: The lists below are not ranked in order of importance

Candidates:

• Strategic leadership, vision, advocacy, and support for creating broad programming and student opportunities
• Forward thinker who strives to provide opportunities to expand, accelerate, and deepen student learning and achievement
• Collaborate with student leadership groups and organizations to empower student-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative problem-solving initiatives
• Collaborates in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of creative programming
• Cultivate partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to provide students with real-world learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and access to cutting-edge resources
• Lead long-range planning efforts to develop a multi-modal learning environment throughout the district
• In addition to leading innovative opportunities within the Online Academy, the OA principal will collaborate closely with the high school administrative team to support student attendance initiatives, promote student engagement, and remove barriers to academic success. The OA principal will provide support in supervising student behavior at Upper Arlington High School.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, research, and best practices in education, innovation, and technology, applying insights to inform decision-making and program development
• Engage parents, guardians, and the wider community in understanding and supporting the school's evolving initiatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership
• Serve as a member of the high school leadership team
• Collaborate with the middle and high school principals to promote online learning and innovative programming
• Embrace a culturally responsive lens regarding curriculum, traditions, and learning environments

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Appropriate State of Ohio Licensure
• Previous experience in educational administration, with a focus on innovation, curriculum development, or program management.
• Strong understanding of educational technology, project-based learning, design thinking, and other innovative pedagogical approaches.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others towards a shared vision of innovation in education.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to changing educational landscapes.
• Passion for empowering students to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and become lifelong learners.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Effective, active listening skills
• Organizational and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Ohio school law
• Ability to lead and motivate staff and students
• Teaching experience at the high school or elementary school level
• Team building skills
• Knowledge of educational administration
• Knowledge of curriculum and successful teaching strategies
• Knowledge of child development and modes of learning

Essential Functions:

• Ensure implementation of new programs to establish pathways and options for students
• Lead team of district and building leaders to ensure coordination and collaboration of college and career supports for all students
• Establish partnerships with outside organizations
• Seek opportunities to create new opportunities for students and look for future pathways
• Ensure the safety of students
• Implement and monitor all Board policies and regulations
• Supervise the operations of the buildings, grounds, and other school property at the assigned school building
• Establish and maintain a positive public relations program to the best of your ability
• Direct, oversee, supervise, and evaluate the instructional programs and the work schedule for all assigned personnel
• Establish guidelines for proper student conduct, attire, and discipline
• Responsible for monitoring and resolving problems with student attendance
• Plan and supervise fire and tornado drills and other emergency preparedness programs
• Recommend to the Superintendent continuation or non-continuation of employment of teaching staff
• Conduct regular staff meetings
• Attend special events and functions of the district as directed by the Superintendent or his/her designee
• Oversee the maintenance of records and controls in the funds of the school activity account
• Arrange for conferences between parents and teachers when appropriate
• Supervise the maintenance of student records
• Supervise and evaluate all certified and classified staff under their supervision in accordance with the negotiated agreements
• Appraise the performance of teachers through class visits and conferences for the purpose of improving instruction and assisting teachers with their instructional problems
• Organize, administer, and direct all student activities as well as supervise extracurricular and co-curricular activities outside of the school day
• Maintain control of all inventories, requisitions, distribution, and accounting for supplies, textbooks, and equipment
• Monitor the expenditure of funds
• Responsible for the registration, assignment, promotion, or retention of all students
• Direct and coordinate the classified staff assigned to the elementary school
• Plan, schedule educational assemblies and school activities for the student population
• Work with the director of curriculum and instruction in overseeing the instructional program
• Enforce the district code of conduct for students
• Oversee staff assignments and develop the master schedule
• Respond to, and appropriately handle, complaints of parents
• Inform teachers and other employees regarding the purposes and policies of the school
• Prepare all reports and maintain such records as required by school law, regulation, or request of the Superintendent
• Assist in the selection, retention, and promotion of certified and non-certified personnel assigned to the elementary school
• Develop and enforce policies regarding proper protection of equipment and property, observance of school laws, and safety procedures
• Assist the curriculum director in developing ongoing curriculum improvement for the elementary school
• Coordinate in-service education programs for the elementary school staff
• Coordinate the work of special teachers who are assigned to the elementary school
• Work cooperatively with the PTA organization
• Encourage and initiate school improvement programs and ideas
• Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy
• Maintain respect at all times for confidential information, e.g., student files, student IEP's, medical records, personnel files, documentation for legal proceedings
• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students, and parents
• Promote good public relations
• Attend meetings and in-services as required

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review teacher lesson plans
• Cooperate with juvenile court authorities and other law and social enforcement agencies
• Ensure that after-school activities are chaperoned and that the building is closed after such activities have concluded
• Report serious accidents, burglaries, and incidents of an unusual nature to the proper authorities as quickly as possible
• Serve as a role model for students
• Respond to routine questions and requests in an appropriate manner
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent

Equipment Operated:

• Telephone
• Fax machine
• Copy machine
• Computer and/or iPad
• Printer
• P.A. system

Additional Working Conditions:

• Frequent weekend/evening/summer work/overnight
• Occasional operation of a vehicle under inclement weather conditions
• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull various items up to a maximum of 25 pounds, e.g., paper boxes, deliveries of supplies and equipment
• Occasional interaction among unruly children
• Frequently move and position oneself as necessary to access and operate equipment
• Frequently move around the workspace and travel throughout the school building

Employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance, use in the workplace throughout his/her employment with the District.

The Upper Arlington City School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and transgender identity, disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its program and activities, including employment opportunities

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties assigned by the incumbent's supervisor and/or appointing authority.