Elementary Principal

Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026

• Designated by the Superintendent of Schools as the building administrator, responsible for planning, organizing, directing, staffing, and maintaining the daily operation of the building. Provide instructional leadership to staff including curriculum planning, review, and implementation. Responsible for day‑to‑day building administration, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and activities. Ensures a safe, pleasant, and effective educational atmosphere; provides discipline as necessary, and enforces school policy.
  
  Able to exercise a high degree of initiative and professional, independent judgment in accomplishing the aims of education and in carrying out the policies and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, the School District Superintendent, and the State of Montana. Skill in delegation of authority is essential.

• The principal shall be responsible for the supervision of the teachers under his/her jurisdiction and shall submit reports, as required to the Superintendent on the status of each teacher relative to achievement, performance, and fitness for the position held.
• The principal will have direct supervision of the instructional program, arrangement of class schedules, and shall cause to be kept records of enrollment attendance and the students’ permanent record files.
• The principal will be responsible for the assignment of teachers for various duties such as playground, lunchroom, bus, and hall supervision.
• The principal will be responsible for overseeing the substitute teachers and informing the Superintendent of teacher absences. Only those individuals on the Board approved substitute list issued by the Superintendent of Schools may be used, and the Superintendent must be informed of such action.
• The principal shall have the authority to excuse any pupil on request by parent or guardian if he/she deems it advisable to leave the school premises before regular dismissal time.
• Principals shall cause the doors to be open for all students to enter the building at least thirty (30) minutes before the time of opening each session in the morning. Earlier opening of the building during inclement weather is left to the discretion of the principal. The students are the prime concern, and their interest and welfare should be taken into consideration in all cases.
• The principal shall promote health and safety education, conform with fire regulations, and hold periodic safety drills. Safety equipment must be in operating order at all times.
• The principal shall work with staff to prepare building‑level budgets and monitor spending to conform to budget restrictions, supervising allocation of equipment, educational materials, and supplies in conformance with approved expenditures.
• The principal shall not have the authority to dismiss the school before the regular dismissal hour without the approval of the Superintendent, except in an emergency that concerns the welfare of the students.
• The principal supervises preparation of attendance reports, test results, and other reports as required by the Office of Public Instruction and other reporting agencies.
• The principal shall meet with the Superintendent for conferences as often as he/she may require and carry out other policies necessary for the proper operation of the school.
• The principal monitors classroom instruction and evaluates the performance of all staff.
• The principal shall perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
• The principal acts as a liaison between parents and staff in operating programs for students with learning disabilities, physical or psychological limitations, and other special needs.
• The principal is responsible for the control and discipline of students.

• Have five (5) years minimum teaching and at least one (1) year administration experience.
• Be certified in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education and hold all the proper certification and credentials.
• Hold a valid Class III Certificate with an Elementary Principal’s Endorsement.
• Hold other qualifications that the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees may demand at the time of the selection.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.