Galena Elementary & Middle School (GEMS) Principal

The Illinois Association of School Administrators; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Galena Unit School District #120 seeks a principal for Galena Elementary & Middle School (PK-8) to begin July 1, 2027, working with the Associate Principal in a PK-8 setting in Galena, Illinois. The district serves about 800 students and emphasizes data-driven improvement and staff development.

The role oversees curriculum, budgeting, personnel, student discipline, and community engagement, with strong collaboration across administrative teams and the Board of Education.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in School Administration or Educational Leadership required.
• General Administrative Certification on Professional Educator’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Structure and conduct regular classroom observations to improve teacher effectiveness.
• Provide leadership and supervision of certified and noncertified staff.
• Develop and monitor the School Improvement Plan based on data and best practices.
• Prepare and submit the school budget and monitor expenditures.
• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and dismiss staff as outlined by policy and negotiated agreement.
• Communicate with Superintendent about personnel, curriculum, budgeting, and facilities.

Skills

Administrative leadership

Communication skills

Team leadership

Data-driven improvement

Education

Master’s Degree in School Administration or Educational Leadership

General Administrative Certification on Professional Educator’s License

Job description

Galena Elementary & Middle School (GEMS) Principal

Duties

In coordination with the GEMS Associate Principal:

• Structure and make use of regular and systematic classroom observations to increase teacher effectiveness demanding high quality of performance from all staff members.
• Provide leadership and supervision of both certified and noncertified staff and encourage creative and innovative instruction.
• Assume responsibility for the implementation and observance of all Board policies and regulations by the school’s staff and students.
• Create the master teaching schedule and any special assignments.
• Responsible for keeping the Superintendent’s office informed of all pertinent information regarding all phases of the school operation.
• Report to the superintendent regarding the needs of the school with respect to personnel, curriculum, budgeting needs, and facilities.
• Assist in the recruiting, screening, hiring, training, assigning, in-service orientation, evaluating, and dismissal of the school’s professional staff and classified staff as outlined by the Board Policy and negotiated agreement.
• Assist in the development, revision, and evaluation of the curriculum and interpret school goals and objectives to students, teachers, and parents.
• Assist in the general supervision and maintenance of the physical plant and grounds.
• Develop and guide the in-service orientation and training of teachers, with special responsibility for staff administrative procedures and instructions.
• Lead the development of the School Improvement Plan based on data and best practices.
• Prepare and submit the school’s budgetary requests, and monitor expenditures and funds.
• Conduct meetings of the staff as necessary for proper functioning of the school.
• Participate in principals’ meetings, negotiations meetings, and such other meetings as are required or appropriate.
• Supervise the maintenance of accurate records on the progress and attendance of students.
• Maintain high standards of student conduct and enforce discipline as necessary, affording due process for the rights of students.
• Assist the Activities’ Director with the supervision, evaluation, and direction of the school’s extracurricular programs.
• Supervise the preparation of reports, records, lists, and all other paperwork required or appropriate to the school’s administration.
• Act as liaison between the school and the community, interpreting activities and policies of the school and encouraging community participation in school life.
• Keep the public informed through good public relation techniques.
• Help coordinate building use by school personnel or outside groups.
• Keep abreast of changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field.
• Develop professional support and a good working relationship with all staff members.
• Participate in administrative groups at the local and state levels.
• Participate in Administration Team meetings and activities.
• Maintain confidentiality in the school operation.
• Adhere to applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations, board policies and administrative rules.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in School Administration or Educational Leadership.
• General Administrative Certification on Professional Educator’s License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• An administrative leadership style based on effective human relations and a continuous improvement model.
• Visible accessibility.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and listening skills.
• The vision, compassion and enthusiasm for effective team leadership to motivate high standards and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in working with a diverse student population.

Salary/Benefits

Terms of Employment:

12 month position less school calendar breaks (240 work days)

73% of health, vision, dental insurance

Salary expected to be $110,000 plus Board-paid TRS.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated annually by the superintendent.

Additional Notes

Galena Elementary & Middle School (GEMS) Principal Position Description

The Galena Unit School District #120 announces the commencement of a search for a new Principal for Galena Elementary & Middle School (PK-8) who will assume responsibilities on July 1, 2027 in coordination with the Associate Principal. This is an outstanding professional opportunity for a qualified and dynamic leader at a PK-8th grade school located in the historic and scenic city of Galena, Illinois. District 120 houses approximately 800 students and GEMS serves approximately 550 students. Galena Elementary & Middle School is supported by a highly qualified and talented faculty and by a committed Board of Education.