Duties
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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)
20 vacation days, 3 personal days, 15 sick days, 12 paid holidays
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.
How to Apply
Timeline:
Application window-The posting will be open from September 1, 2026 to December 18th, 2026.
Interviews will begin the week of January 11, 2027.
The successful candidate will be approved at the January or February 2027 Board of Education meeting.
Start date is July 1, 2027.
Interested candidates should email application, cover letter, resume, and 3 letters of recommendation by December 18th, 2026 to:
Anne Heim, Galena School District
anneheim@gusd120.k12.il.us
Questions may be directed to Tim Vincent, Superintendent. (815) 777-6681 or tvincent@gusd120.org