Principal Position Available In Alachua, Florida

Principal Constellation Charter School of Gainesville 14450 NE 148th Avenue, Waldo, FL 32694

Position:

School Principal Reports to:

Board of Directors Position Type:

Full Time/ Exempt Begins:

June/July 2025 •Constellation follows the District’s Calendar. There is onboarding and preplanning prior to the start of school, as well as important summer Professional Development in July. Job Summary Constellation Charter School is an initiative member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education (APWE). The Principal is the head of school in an innovative charter school. In August 2023, Constellation opened its doors for the first time to students, therefore the person in this role will be instrumental in helping to develop and establish the foundational systems of the school. The Principal of [School Name], a Charter Waldorf School, will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure the effective operation of the school and the successful implementation of the Waldorf educational philosophy. As the primary leader of the school, the Principal will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of school operations, including academic programs, staff management, student services, and community engagement, while ensuring compliance with state and district regulations. The Principal works collaboratively with the board of directors, faculty and staff and with the parents, to ensure a School climate that is nurturing, respectful, and safe for all students. The Principal works under the statutes governing Florida charter schools and the district authorizer, as well as the guidance set forth by Constellation’s Board to maintain the integrity of the school as a place for high achieving students that incorporates multiple intelligences and a creative education. The principal is responsible for ensuring compliances – district and state. The Principal is also responsible for school safety. They support and facilitate the educational process within the school system by providing a safe and secure environment, proactively interacting with the school community and preventing, detecting, or cooperating with any crime investigations in order to maintain safety. Essential Duties and Responsibilities School Culture Develop a climate of openness, fairness, mutual respect, and support in the school and school community. Listen and interact effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and community members, respecting diverse perspectives. Demonstrate respect for students, staff, teachers, and parents. Model and reinforce self-discipline and responsibility, while engaged in self-study and self-improvement. Promote both independent and collaborative work ethic. Provide professional leadership to establish an environment conducive to learning and welcoming of student diversity. Work effectively with school colleagues, parents, and the community to support students’ well-being and in so doing, student’s learning. Participate in establishing and maintaining a safe and secure environment. Should the situation arise in the course of work, manage student misconduct promptly and appropriately according to Constellation’s guidelines; resolve conflict and crises appropriately and effectively. Encourage students when opportunities arise in interactions with students, to demonstrate appropriate progress toward school expectations: responsible individual, effective communicator, problem solver, collaborative team worker, and self-directed learner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & Vision:

Strategic Planning Develop and implement the school’s mission, vision, and strategic goals in alignment with Waldorf educational principles and Florida state requirements, with the Board of Directors. Lead the development and execution of the school’s annual and long-term strategic plans.

Educational Leadership:

Promote and support Waldorf teaching methods and ensure that the curriculum is delivered effectively across all grade levels. Foster a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Provide guidance and support to teachers to ensure effective instructional practices and professional development.

Administrative and Operational Management:

Daily Operations:

Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, facilities management, and resource allocation. Ensure a safe, healthy, and productive learning environment for students and staff.

Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure the school meets all Florida state and district compliance requirements, including those related to student achievement, health and safety, and financial management. Prepare and submit required reports, including state and federal compliance documents, to the relevant authorities.

Budget and Finance:

Develop and manage the school’s budget, ensuring effective use of resources and adherence to financial policies. Oversee the allocation of funds, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with financial regulations and grant requirements.

Staff Management and Development:

Recruitment and Supervision:

Determine staffing needs including selection, supervision, staff development and evaluation of all school personnel. Recruit, hire, and retain qualified staff, including teachers and support personnel. Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback and professional development opportunities for staff.

Team Building:

Foster a collaborative and supportive school culture by encouraging teamwork and professional growth. Organize and lead regular staff meetings and professional development sessions.

Student Services and Support:

Student Achievement:

Monitor and assess student performance and academic progress to ensure all students are meeting their educational goals. Implement and oversee programs and interventions to support students who are at risk or require additional assistance.

Discipline and Well-being:

Develop and enforce school policies related to student behavior, discipline, and well-being. Address and resolve student and parent concerns in a timely and effective manner.

Community and Parent Engagement:

Communication:

Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, guardians, and community members, ensuring open and effective communication. Organize and participate in school events, parent meetings, and community outreach activities.

Partnerships:

Build and maintain positive relationships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to support school initiatives and programs. Compliance with

State and District Regulations:

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure adherence to Florida Charter School regulations, including the Charter School Law and Florida State Standards. Comply with district policies, including those related to curriculum, assessments, special education, and student services.

Accreditation and Evaluations:

Oversee the school’s accreditation process and ensure compliance with all relevant accrediting bodies. Prepare for and participate in audits, evaluations, and assessments conducted by state and district agencies.

Program Development and Evaluation:

Curriculum and Instruction:

Oversee the development and implementation of the school’s curriculum, ensuring alignment with Waldorf principles and state standards. Evaluate and improve instructional programs based on student performance data and feedback from stakeholders. Planning, implementing, supervising, and evaluating all other programs, i.e. Athletics, Extra-Curricular, Co-Curricular.

Innovation and Improvement:

Promote innovation in teaching and learning, incorporating new strategies and technologies to enhance educational outcomes.

Safety and Security Management:

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

Emergency Planning:

Develop, implement, and regularly review the school’s comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plans, including procedures for various scenarios such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security threats. Coordinate with local emergency services, such as police, fire departments, and health services, to ensure readiness and effective response in case of emergencies.

Drills and Training:

Organize and conduct regular emergency drills, including fire drills, lockdown drills, and evacuation exercises, to ensure staff and students are familiar with safety procedures. Provide ongoing training for staff and students on emergency procedures, safety protocols, and first aid.

Physical Security:

Facility Safety:

Oversee the maintenance and improvement of school facilities to ensure they meet safety standards and are free of hazards. Ensure that all entry and exit points are secure and that access control measures are in place, such as visitor check-in procedures and security cameras.

Security Measures:

Implement and monitor security measures, including surveillance systems, alarm systems, and security personnel, to protect students, staff, and school property. Develop and enforce policies regarding access to school premises, including procedures for handling unauthorized visitors and addressing security breaches.

Student and Staff Safety:

Behavioral Safety:

Implement and enforce policies and procedures related to student conduct and behavioral expectations to ensure a safe and respectful school environment. Address and manage incidents of bullying, harassment, or violence promptly and effectively, working with students, parents, and staff to resolve issues.

Health and Wellness:

Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including those related to sanitation, food safety, and medical emergencies. Coordinate with school health services to manage student health records, administer medications, and address health concerns that may impact safety.

Crisis Management:

Crisis Planning:

Develop and maintain a crisis management plan that includes strategies for dealing with various types of crises, such as severe weather, accidents, or critical incidents. Establish a crisis response team and define roles and responsibilities for managing crises effectively.

Communication:

Maintain clear communication channels with students, staff, parents, and the community during and after a crisis, providing timely updates and information. Coordinate with media and public relations to manage communication and maintain a positive school image during emergencies.

Safety Audits and Compliance:

Regular Audits:

Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of school facilities and procedures to identify and address potential safety issues or vulnerabilities. Review and update safety policies and procedures based on audit findings, regulatory changes, and feedback from stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure the school complies with all federal, state, and local safety regulations and standards, including those related to school safety, emergency preparedness, and student security. Qualifications and Requirements Florida Must pass a Level 2 Background check. Constellation Ability to work collaboratively, flexibly, and nimbly as is necessary in the launch year of a charter school. This includes faculty and school meetings as we finetune and improve our processes. Carry out all procedures and responsibilities in accordance with the school’s policy and guidelines; the district, state and federal guidelines. Florida certification as either School Principal or Educational Leadership required within the first year of employment. Five (5) years of related professional experience required. Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in education) required, but Master’s Degree (or currently enrolled in) is preferred. Strong organizational skills and ability to function independently and collaboratively. Ability to communicate warmly, directly when needed, and with a sense of what style or method is effective for a given situation, one on one or with a group.

Professional Development:

Must have an openness to participate in relevant Waldorf admin training and mentorship, both in house and through approved external training. Participate in self study and professional development. Participate in activities that are outside of school instructional hours and part of the school’s Life. This may include but not be limited to: celebrations and seasonal festivals, school performances, drop-off and pick-up, and meetings if needed. Uphold high ethical standards for oneself, for the students’, and for the school’s flourishing. Physical Demands Willingness to participate with physical engagement in the classroom and outside on school grounds. Physical activity with students through the school year to prepare for school sports days. Responsible for daily normal care of Administrative space, ensuring an environment that is calm and healthy. Salary and Benefits Salary schedule and amounts are set annually by the Board of Directors.

Tangibles:

Salary range $65,000 and above, based on (in increasing importance) education level, certifications, work experience. We value our staff and their remuneration and are committed to maximizing this within our budget. This position requires a minimum of 8 hours a day, arranged as needed for functioning of school (1.0 FTE). Consistent with the requirements of Florida statute, Constellation uses a performance based salary schedule whereby pay increases are based on teacher evaluation results from the previous year. The school offers an array of benefits for employees, including Professional Development in Public Waldorf Education Principles as well as membership to Direct Primary Care services. Teachers are allowed 80 Personal Time Off hours per year (full time FTE)with a substantial vacation package. If more than 80 PTO hours are taken (full time FTE), staff may repay with extra work hours, or commensurate decrease in pay during that pay period.

Intangibles:

Integral member of Constellation team bringing innovation and dedication to improve the educational outcomes for ALL students. The administrative coordinator’s voice and perspective is essential and valued at all levels of school functioning.

Supportive working environment:

respectful communication, collaborative leadership, shared responsibility. Active school community with varied opportunities to make deep connections with colleagues, students, and their families. Time outside, time in nature. Job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$65,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year

Schedule:

After school Day shift Monday to

Friday Work Location:

In person