Principal, Alternative Education Campus

Primary Purpose:

The Kilgore Pathways Academy Principal will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Kilgore ISD’s Dropout Recovery School (DRS) and the district’s secondary Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP) program. The DRS is a specialized educational environment focused on re-engaging and supporting students who are at-risk of dropping out. The principal will lead the DRS campus committed to providing individualized learning plans, addressing barriers to academic success, and facilitating pathways for students to transition into the workforce or higher education. The principal will work closely with students, staff, families, and community partners to ensure students receive the support they need to complete their education and graduate successfully.

Qualifications:

Education

Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field

Texas Principal or other appropriate Texas Mid-Management certificate

Certified Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-Tess) evaluator/appraiser

Knowledge/Skills

Strong leadership and management skills.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to motivate and inspire at-risk students.

Proficiency in data analysis and using student performance data to drive decision-making.

Experience working with diverse student populations and understanding of the challenges they face.

Knowledge/Skills - Preferred

Strong knowledge of graduation requirements, including credit recovery, state-mandated assessments, and alternative pathways to earning a high school diploma.

Familiarity with instructional platforms, online learning tools, and digital programs designed to help students gain or regain credits toward graduation.

Experience with individualized learning plans and personalized educational strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.

Knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding dropout recovery programs and graduation requirements.

Experience with counseling services and career planning to support students in their academic and post-graduation goals.

Proven ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders to support student success.

Experience

Five years experience in educational leadership

Secondary leadership experience

High School experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Student Recruitment and Enrollment:
• Actively identify, recruit, and outreach to students at risk of dropping out.
• Conduct intake interviews and assessments to evaluate individual student needs.
• Develop personalized learning plans based on the needs of each student.
• Oversee the enrollment process and ensure timely and accurate data collection for all students.
2. Staff Leadership and Development:
• Lead and manage a team of teachers, counselors, and support staff dedicated to the success of at-risk students.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development to staff focused on dropout prevention and recovery strategies.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and supportive school culture that prioritizes student success.
3. Curriculum Development and Adaptation:
• Design and implement a flexible, individualized curriculum that addresses academic gaps and incorporates life skills, college readiness, and workforce development.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with state standards and meets the diverse needs of returning students.
• Incorporate both online and in-person learning models to accommodate student needs and preferences.
4. Student Support Services:
• Coordinate with community agencies and organizations to provide wraparound services such as mental health counseling, job placement assistance, transportation, and family engagement initiatives.
• Address non-academic barriers to student success, including social, emotional, and financial challenges.
• Monitor student well-being and provide intervention and support as necessary.
5. Data Analysis and Reporting:
• Monitor student progress and analyze academic data to identify trends, successes, and areas of concern.
• Use data to make informed decisions, adjust instructional strategies, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Report on school performance metrics related to student progress, graduation rates, and dropout recovery.
6. Parent/Guardian Engagement:
• Establish strong communication channels with parents/guardians and regularly update them on student progress.
• Involve families in the educational process and encourage their active participation in student success.
• Plan and lead parent meetings and workshops to build stronger home-school partnerships.
7. Collaboration with District Leadership:
• Work closely with district administrators to ensure the alignment of the dropout recovery school’s objectives with district goals.
• Advocate for resources and support for the school and its students.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations, district policies, and accreditation standards.
8. Advocacy and Community Partnerships:
• Represent the school in community events and work to build partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and postsecondary institutions.
• Advocate for student needs and support community initiatives that help students transition into postsecondary education or the workforce.

1. Budget Management and Financial Oversight:
   • Develop and manage the school’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and effective resource allocation.
   • Monitor and track expenditures, ensuring adherence to the approved budget while adjusting as needed to address changing school priorities.
   • Identify funding needs and advocate for resources, including grants and external funding opportunities.
   • Ensure financial resources are allocated appropriately to support student programs, staff, instructional materials, and student services.

1. Needs Assessment and Resource Allocation:
• Regularly assess the needs of students, staff, and the community using data-driven strategies to inform decision-making.
• Analyze academic and non-academic data to identify areas requiring additional support and allocate resources accordingly.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to identify resource gaps and implement strategies for addressing those needs to ensure student success.
2. Student Discipline and Behavioral Management:
• Oversee the implementation of individualized behavior intervention plans for students.
• Enforce school-wide discipline policies and promote a positive school culture focused on respect, accountability, and responsibility.
• Monitor student behavior and ensure appropriate interventions are in place for students facing behavioral challenges.
• Lead and facilitate conflict resolution sessions and restorative practices.
3. Other
• Develop professional skills appropriate to job assignment
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible
• Comply with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations
• Adhere to the district’s safety policies and procedures
• Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned to campus, including assistant principal(s), teachers, counselors, librarian, instructional aides, clerical, support staff, and custodians

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.

Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather), exposure to noise; occasional districtwide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Employees with disabilities are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

All federally funded incumbents of this position must comply with time and effort reporting requirements through personnel activity reports or periodic certification, as appropriate.