The Principal of Pulaski Road Elementary School provides visible, professional leadership to foster a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environment. This role requires a leader who models professionalism and drives continuous school improvement while supporting high academic achievement and student well-being. The Principal leads instructional supervision, student support services, staff development, community engagement, and school operations. Central to this role is cultivating a school culture aligned with the Northport–East Northport Profile of a Graduate, ensuring that all students develop the core competencies of Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Perseverance and Citizenship. Through innovative instructional leadership and a strong commitment to the district’s comprehensive academic and social-emotional goals, the Principal prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Engage in continuous dialogue with the Superintendent regarding school goals, objectives, and matters of significance
• Develop annual professional goals in collaboration with the Superintendent and present them prior to the start of each school year
• Provide regular informal updates on progress and consult on significant issues affecting the school community
• Conduct evaluations of instructional staff in accordance with NYSED regulations, district policy, and applicable collective bargaining agreements
• Observe instruction and provide timely, constructive feedback to teachers, collaborating with instructional leaders to support effective teaching practices
• Support teacher performance related to co-curricular activities, duty assignments, and administrative responsibilities
• Evaluate non-instructional staff performance while fostering positive working relationships among staff, students, and the broader school community
• Promote and facilitate professional development for all staff, including sharing information on workshops and encouraging growth aligned with school goals
• Participate in the selection, recommendation, onboarding, and mentoring of staff members
• Interview and assess candidates for co-curricular and extracurricular roles, prioritizing alignment with the school’s mission and values
• Support personnel decisions, including tenure recommendations, through well-documented, evidence-based evaluation
• Actively engage parents/guardians and community members through open, transparent communication
• Contribute to school communications and participate in school events, including PTA meetings and Open House
• Meet with parents and community representatives to address student concerns, share information, and collaborate on solutions
• Respond professionally and effectively to inquiries, complaints, and feedback, coordinating with the Superintendent as appropriate
• Foster a supportive environment that promotes positive student behavior, academic growth, and social-emotional well-being
• Establish and communicate clear behavioral expectations and oversee intervention strategies when necessary
• Utilize responsive and restorative practices when addressing conflict among students or between students and staff
• Collaborate with staff to support students with diverse learning needs, including participation in referral and support processes
• Encourage student voice and participation in school activities, providing appropriate avenues for expression and leadership
• Support sound fiscal management, including oversight of budgets for student activities and school programs
• Audit student activity fund reports and manage co-curricular and extracurricular budgets in collaboration with appropriate district personnel
• Ensure proper maintenance of school facilities by coordinating with custodial and operations staff
• Implement and oversee safety procedures, including fire, bus, and emergency drills, in compliance with district and state requirements
• Provide clear communication and direction during drills and emergency situations
• Respond appropriately to incidents involving student or staff injury or emergencies
• Ensure compliance with DASA, SAVE, and all other applicable state and federal mandates
Additional Roles and Responsibilities:
• Oversee instructional and non-instructional staff, ensuring a supportive and effective learning environment
• Advocate for an inclusive and welcoming school culture that respects and supports diverse backgrounds and needs
• Attend to inherent responsibilities of the position, including but not limited to:
- Hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and supervision of staff
- Supporting academic programming and assessment, including development of a master schedule aligned with student needs and staff strengths
- Coordinating the administration of state and local assessments
- Overseeing curricular and enrichment activities such as field trips and extracurricular programs
- Coordinating security staffing and procedures for after-hours school events
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent, including assuming responsibilities of the Superintendent’s designee when appropriate
Minimum Training and Experience:
• Evidence of educational leadership, including leading teams, initiatives, or programs with proven effectiveness
• Evidence of successful classroom teaching experience at the elementary or middle level
• Commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for all students
• Extensive knowledge of New York State learning standards and best instructional practices
• Experience analyzing academic and behavioral data to inform decision-making
• Knowledge of and experience supporting Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
Qualifications and Requirements:
• Valid New York State School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA) certification
• Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred
• Prior administrative experience preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish advantageous
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Embraces innovation
• Ability to work effectively as the member of a team
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive relationships across varied roles and constituencies
• Experience supervising and evaluating staff effectively
• Proficiency with instructional technology and data systems
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans
• Experience leading instructional initiatives and supporting high-quality teaching practices
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
Reports to:
The Superintendent of Schools.
Supervises:
All teaching and support staff within the building
Length of Year:
Full-time (11 months)
Salary:
Commensurate with the Northport Association of School Administrators (NASA) contract