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 School Principal (Startup Year) Job Description

 Reports to: Superintendent
 Department: School Leadership
 Location: Horizon Science Academy Saint Paul (HSASP), Minnesota
 Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

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ABOUT CONCEPT SCHOOLS

Concept Schools is a high-performing charter management organization (CMO) committed to providing rigorous, STEM-focused, college-preparatory public education in underserved communities. We believe in high expectations, data-driven instruction, student-centered learning, and strong school culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and community partnership.

In a startup school, the Principal serves as the chief architect of the school's culture, academic program, operational systems, and stakeholder relationships. Research consistently shows 

that founding principals play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term success and sustainability of new charter schools.

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POSITION OVERVIEW

The School Principal for the startup year at Horizon Science Academy Saint Paul leads the planning, opening, and first year of operations. This role demands entrepreneurial leadership, strategic planning, strong instructional expertise, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

The Principal is responsible for:

• Establishing the instructional vision
   
  
• Designing systems, structures, and staffing
   
  
• Creating and sustaining a positive, inclusive culture
   
  
• Managing startup operations and community outreach
   
  
• Ensuring academic excellence, safety, and compliance
   
  

This role requires adaptability, innovation, and resilience to navigate the complexities of launching a new school.

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CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Founding Responsibilities & School Launch

1. Facility Preparation & Operational Readiness

• Collaborate closely with Concept Schools' Operations, Facilities, and IT teams.
   
  
• Participate in on-site walkthroughs and readiness tasks.
   
  
• Anticipate and problem-solve startup-related operational challenges.
   
  
• Ensure all procedures, safety systems, and structures meet CMO standards.
   
  

2. Financial Leadership

• Partner with the Superintendent and Treasurer to develop and manage the school budget.
  
  
  
• Maintain strict fiscal oversight and comply with financial policies.
  
  
  
• Support grants, compliance requirements, and financial reporting processes.
   
  

3. Student Recruitment & Enrollment

• Lead student recruitment to meet enrollment benchmarks.
   
  
• Conduct outreach events, school tours, and community-engagement initiatives.
   
  
• Utilize Concept Schools branding, tools, and enrollment systems.
   
  

4. Founding Staff Recruitment & Development

• Recruit, hire, and onboard the school's founding instructional and support staff.
   
  
• Lead induction and professional development aligned with Concept curriculum and culture.
   
  
• Establish strong collaborative structures, including PLCs and coaching cycles.
   
  

5. Culture Building & Vision Setting

• Articulate and build a mission-aligned school culture from day one.
   
  
• Implement consistent schoolwide routines, rituals, and SEL supports.
   
  
• Model transformational leadership through empowerment, transparency, and collaboration.
  
  
  

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II. Instructional Leadership

• Promote high expectations for student achievement, character, and engagement.
   
  
• Ensure consistent implementation of research-based instructional practices.
   
  
• Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs, formal observations, and feedback cycles.
   
  
• Analyze NWEA/MAP and Minnesota state assessment data to drive decisions.
   
  
• Monitor School Improvement Plan (SIP) goals and adjust strategies as needed.
   
  
• Build teacher leadership capacity through mentorship and distributive leadership practices.
  
  
  

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III. Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Professional Growth

• Supervise, evaluate, and support all instructional and non-instructional staff.
   
  
• Provide timely coaching, actionable feedback, and clear performance expectations.
   
  
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional excellence.
   
  
• Ensure compliance with Concept Schools and state evaluation frameworks.
  
  
  

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IV. Organizational Leadership & Compliance

• Implement district, state (MDE), federal, and CMO policies and reporting requirements.
   
  
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and compliance with authorizer guidelines.
   
  
• Serve as the primary liaison with authorizers, the school board, and CMO departments.
   
  
• Oversee safety protocols, crisis response, discipline systems, and student services.
  
  
  

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V. Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the public face and ambassador of Horizon Science Academy Saint Paul.
   
  
• Build trust through consistent, transparent communication with families.
   
  
• Facilitate family engagement events, community partnerships, and positive outreach.
   
  
• Promote a welcoming environment that values all cultures and backgrounds.
  
  
  

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QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or related field.
   
  
• Valid Minnesota Administrative License (K12 Principal) or eligibility to obtain.
   
  
• Demonstrated success in school leadership; startup experience strongly preferred.
   
  
• Strengths in relationship-building, community outreach, and operational leadership.
   
  
• Strong instructional coaching skills and experience leading data-driven instruction.
   
  
• Ability to lead in a culturally diverse environment and build inclusive school culture.
   
  
• Elementary or K8 instructional/leadership experience required; special education background or endorsements preferred.
  
  
  

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CONCEPT SCHOOLS VALUES

Startup principals exemplify:

• High Expectations
   
  
• Student-Centered Decisions
   
  
• Integrity & Accountability
   
  
• Innovation
   
  
• Collaboration
   
  
• Community Partnership
   
  

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ADDITIONAL NOTES

This job description outlines essential functions but may be adjusted based on organizational needs or school-specific requirements as HSASP launches and grows.