Title:   Elementary School Principal

                                                 

Classification:   Administrative -Exempt

 

Reports to:   Assistant Superintendent

 

Location:   Russell Elementary School

 

Terms of Employment:   12 Months

 

Start Date:   August 3, 2026

 

 

Position Summary

 

The Elementary Principal serves as the instructional leader of the school and is responsible for creating and sustaining a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous learning environment where all students can thrive. The Principal works collaboratively with staff, students, families, and district leadership to foster a positive school culture, ensure high-quality instruction, support continuous improvement, and advance the district's mission, vision, and goals.

The successful candidate will possess a strong background in elementary education, instructional leadership, staff development, data analysis, special education best practices, and systems management. The Principal must be a visible and approachable leader who values relationships, promotes a culture of learning, and demonstrates a commitment to educational excellence for all students.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality instructional programs aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards and district curriculum.
• Promote evidence-based instructional practices that improve student achievement and support the diverse learning needs of all students.
• Lead building-level efforts related to curriculum implementation, assessment practices, data analysis, and instructional improvement.
• Monitor student achievement data and collaborate with staff to establish goals, identify areas for growth, and implement action plans.
• Support the effective implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and ensure appropriate interventions are available for students requiring additional academic or behavioral support.
• Facilitate professional learning opportunities that strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
• Conduct teacher observations and evaluations in accordance with district procedures and applicable state regulations.

School Culture and Climate

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and student-centered school culture that promotes academic excellence, respect, responsibility, and belonging.
• Establish and communicate high expectations for students and staff.
• Develop and maintain systems that support student attendance, engagement, behavior, and social-emotional well-being.
• Build strong relationships with students and maintain a visible presence throughout the school community.
• Promote practices that support equity, access, and opportunity for all students.

Personnel Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate professional and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth, innovation, and shared leadership.
• Utilize coaching and feedback processes to support continuous improvement among staff members.
• Facilitate faculty meetings, leadership team meetings, and professional development activities.
• Promote positive staff morale and cultivate an environment of trust, accountability, and teamwork.

Operations and Management

• Ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the school.
• Develop and oversee building procedures related to student supervision, safety, security, and emergency preparedness.
• Manage building resources, schedules, and operational systems to maximize instructional effectiveness.
• Collaborate with district departments regarding transportation, facilities, food services, technology, and student services.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with district policies, state regulations, and federal requirements.

Family and Community Engagement

• Develop strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with parents regarding school programs, initiatives, and student success.
• Foster meaningful opportunities for family involvement in the school community.
• Collaborate with parent organizations and community groups to support school improvement efforts.
• Represent the school and district in a professional manner within the broader community.
• Attend, facilitate, and engage with the school community at school and district functions, as scheduled.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required; Doctorate preferred.
• Valid Pennsylvania Principal Certification (PK-12).
• Minimum of five years of successful teaching experience, preferably at the elementary level.
• Prior administrative experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success in instructional leadership and school improvement efforts.
• Strong understanding of curriculum, assessment, data analysis, MTSS, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania Academic Standards, special education regulations, and school operations.
• Experience leading professional learning and supporting adult learners.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to lead continuous school improvement initiatives.
• Ability to analyze and utilize multiple sources of data to inform decision-making.
• Strong understanding of effective instructional practices and elementary child development.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, students, families, and community members.
• Ability to manage complex systems while maintaining focus on teaching and learning.
• Strong conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively; sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the school building and campus; attend meetings; observe classroom instruction; and utilize technology and office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and/or assist students or classroom materials as needed, consistent with district expectations.
• Ability to supervise students in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, buses, playgrounds, and community-based settings if applicable.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Pennsylvania administrative certification
• Demonstrated knowledge of school operations, instructional leadership, and staff supervision
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and capacity to manage complex responsibilities with initiative and integrity
• Experience as a school building administrator preferred

Work Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some fine finger dexterity.  In general, the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing, and some travel between District buildings and County meetings.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

• Employee works primarily in a climate controlled environment except when traveling to other buildings, meetings, training locations and other areas.
• Frequent sitting and walking,
• Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.
• Occasional pushing/pulling, stooping, kneeling, using stairs, bending, reaching and twisting.

 

Terms of Employment: In accordance with the MNAA Agreement

 

The Marple Newtown School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, ancestry, disability or other legally protected classification.  This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Inquiries may be directed to Human Resources at 610-359-4380.