GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY:
To assist in providing leadership for the effective and efficient operation of the educational programs of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Establishes, coordinates and implements a curriculum which meets all state policies, rules and regulations and also meets the individual needs of students enrolled at WVSDB. In collaboration with Vice Principal, directs building level teachers and staff in the implementation of the school’s curriculum and provides necessary supports to these individuals in terms of providing instructional services. Review of WVEIS data to ensure accuracy of entries; analysis of student achievement data to improve educational programming; coordinate the schools’ professional development activities. Serves as Athletic Director for all sports and provides direct oversight to the Career and Technical Education program.
REPORTS TO:
Chief Academic Officer/Superintendent
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:
• Holds or is eligible for a West Virginia Administrative Certificate – Principal required
o Candidates with Professional Teaching Certificate endorsements in Hearing Impaired PK-AD, Visually Impaired PK-AD and/or Multi-Categorical K6/5AD areas preferred
o Must have or acquire a WV endorsement for CTE administrator within two years of hire
• Minimum of a master’s degree in an area of special education or related field required
• At least three years of experience as a school, central office, or state administrator in an area directly related to compliance with the West Virginia Board of Education’s Policy 2419: Education of Students with Exceptionalities required
• Knowledgeable of current state and federal education related policies
• Demonstrates ability to integrate technology in educational leadership, which includes but is not limited to:
o Experience/knowledge of the state database system (currently WVEIS) data elements and experience in developing a Master Schedule preferred
• Maintains or upgrades skills by working toward self-improvement, reacting favorably to constructive criticism, and attending relevant professional learning opportunities
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor
• Must be able to evidence strong organization and planning skills.
• Demonstrated communication skills that reflect clarity, respect, collaboration and yield desired outcomes
• Must hold or acquire requisite ASL and/or Braille skill level as delineated in the WVSDB Communication Policy for job classification
• Must have or acquire Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification and complete a renewal course annually
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computers and multimedia equipment, and use repetitive motions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 50-100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus. The position required the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff members.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Most commonly, the educational setting is indoors with outdoor settings for recess and field trip activities. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate (20-60dB). Exceptions include gymnasiums as well as vocational/technical laboratories where the noise levels may be moderate to loud (60-90 dB).
Work environment is subject to change due to unexpected circumstances as determined by the Chief Academic Officer/Superintendent.
HOURS OF WORK:
37.5 hour work week, 7.5 hour daily work shift, Monday through Friday schedule with other hours as necessary. 1800 hours annually. Exempt position.
EXPECTATIONS:
• The staff member works effectively as a member of the educational team.
• The staff member demonstrates self-control and exhibits an attitude of mutual respect and tolerance.
• The staff member demonstrates ethical conduct and good work habits such as punctuality and attendance.
• The staff member demonstrates self-direction and the ability to use software applications for work productivity and collaboration.
• The staff member is self-motivated and demonstrates the ability to manage multiple tasks/assignments to accomplish high- quality work to meet demanding deadlines.
• The staff member demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills, and excellent presentation skills using current technologies.
• The staff member understands that work assignments may change or be added, as priorities emerge with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and/or division/office.
FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:
• Follow applicable school and departmental policies and procedures as well as State regulations and State Board of Education policies.
• Provides supervision over the health, education and welfare of the students in the assigned schools.
• Responsible for establishing, implementing and evaluating departmental policies and regulations for the schools with the approval of the Chief Academic Officer/Superintendent.
• Responsible for collaboration on developing, implementing, evaluating and revising the curriculum of the schools in collaboration with the Chief Academic Officer/Superintendent, as it aligns with state curriculum standards. This includes necessary scheduling of the instructional program staff during regular school year, as well as, any Summer Camp Experiences or Extended School Year Programs.
• Make assignments for duties and responsibilities for members of the school staff to facilitate effective programmatic outcomes for students.
• Evaluates the performance of assigned staff in accordance with WVBE Policies 5310 and 5314.
• Serve on the Admissions Committee for acceptance of new students after formal and/or informal evaluation. This also involves counseling in conjunction with the WVSDB Outreach Personnel and parents.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with other members of the staff, parents, students and the general public.
• Request, store and issue supplies, instructional materials and equipment as needed by the instructional program.
• Supervise the maintenance of student records, files and other information in accordance with regulations and policies governing confidentiality.
• Recommend persons to fill staff vacancies in accordance with WVBE Policy 5000/WV Code 18A-4-7a for professional staff or WV Code 18A-4-8b for service staff and to secure substitute personnel as needed via SmartFind Express (SEMS).
• Arrange for and direct applicable professional development for faculty and staff in collaboration with Professional Development Committees and the CAO/ Superintendent.
• Serve as a consultant in the areas of the D/HH, B/LV or multi-handicapping conditions as applicable and as directed by the CAO/Superintendent.
• Serve as a public relations person as requested by the CAO/Superintendent.
• Perform activities as outlined in the list of specific duties and responsibilities for the assigned position.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SALARY:
Dependent on salary classification, certification and years of experience. Principal’s Salary Schedule, 240 day annual contract. Additional compensation available for ASL proficiency demonstrated within two years of employment date as detailed in the WVSDB Communication Policy.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION:
Administrator
SPECIFIC POSITION:
Principal – Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
Examples of specific duties and responsibilities:
• Review teachers’ weekly lesson plans to ensure appropriate content and delivery of instruction.
• Obtain substitutes, professional and service, as needed per WVSDB policies/procedures.
• Interview applicants in accordance with WVBE Policy 5000/WV Code 18A-4-7a for professional position vacancies and WV Code 18A-4-8b for service personnel vacancies.
• Evaluate job performance of employees in accordance with WVBE Policy 5310 and 5314.
• Responsible for Career & Technical Education program with regard to staffing needs, teacher evaluations, programmatic decisions and teacher/student performance outcomes.
• Conducts school staff meetings as necessary.
• Monitor the development, implementation and evaluation of Individual Educational Programs for each student.
• Review and monitoring of student report cards to assure accuracy and graduation requirements are met.
• Arrange for professional development opportunities to directly benefit instructional practices within the department.
o For new teachers, requests a mentor teacher assignment
Provides oversight of new teacher induction process within instructional program to make sure that new teachers have the necessary tools and guidance to be successful
• Review of all WVEIS data on an ongoing basis, including but not limited to, attendance, disciplinary, student and teacher schedules, teacher certification as it aligns with course code requirements and that teacher schedules are equitable.
o Checklist of reviewed items must be submitted to the CAO/Superintendent within 10 days of the close of the grading period.
• Approve purchase orders and submit for processing to the CAO/Superintendent.
• Complete and submit work orders through School Dude for maintenance and/or technology issues, as necessary.
• Act as a public relations person for the school and WVSDB.
• Carries out directives from the Chief Academic Officer/Superintendent.
• Disseminate information from the department, as requested.
o Responsible for departmental information to be distributed to parents on an on-going, regular basis.
• Attend student Eligibility/IEP meetings.
• Execute and monitor efficient evacuation of building during required monthly disaster/fire drills and maintains proper documentation of these drills.
• Ensure that all staff are aware of school safety policies and procedures.
• Adheres to WVBE Policy 5902 – Employee Code of Conduct and assures that all staff are aware of and following this policy.
• Attend Administrative Team Meetings, as scheduled.
• Provides oral reports and/or written summaries regarding the status of curriculum and instruction for the school to the CAO/ Superintendent.
• Collaborates with the CAO/Superintendent on curriculum alignment in order to meet all rules, regulations, and requirements set forth by the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia State Board of Education.
• Seeks grants and other sources of funding to improve the quality of learning, start new programs and provide additional educational opportunities in the school system.
• As requested by the CAO/ Superintendent, research best practices in educational programming and makes recommendations on how to apply those practices within the school system.
• Analyzes students’ educational data, including standardized tests, and make recommendations to the CAO/ Superintendent on ways to improve student learning and educational programming based on the analysis of data.
• Coordinates the adoption of instructional materials, e.g., text and supplementary materials for the school system with the CAO/ Superintendent.
o Serves on the textbook adoption committee.
o Make recommendations to the CAO/Superintendent regarding curriculum materials and activities.
• Provides oversight of special projects as they relate to curricula and instruction within the school assigned.
• Maintains good public relations with the community and utilizes fully the community resources to enrich the learning programs.
• Reviews WVDE policies and administrative procedures related to curriculum and instruction in order to ensure compliance at the school level with current policies and procedures. Reports of any irregularities are to be provided to the CAO/ Superintendent.
• Conducts surveys of professional development needs within the assigned department.
• Serves as Athletic Director for all campus sports
o Evaluates coaches per WVBE Policy 5310
o Schedules athletic events
o Attends all athletic association meetings through the school year (i.e. WVSDAA, EAAB, WVSSAC)
o Attends athletic events routinely
• Completes special projects as requested by the CAO/Superintendent.
• Reviews all transcripts of students anticipating receipt of a regular diploma in the fall of their junior and senior years and advises of the completeness of the transcript.
• Other duties as assigned.
The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed drugs while in the workplace. Alcohol and controlled substances which effect employee productivity, safety, or judgment in the workplace will not be tolerated.
Reviewed: November 2020
