School Principal
Join Our Team and Make a Difference Every Day
Position: School Principal
Pay: $76,000 - $85,000
Location: Amherst, NY
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 37.5 hrs./week
The Summit Center is Western New York’s leading provider of evidence-based services for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. Our team is dedicated to helping every individual we serve achieve their highest level of independence. If you're passionate about making lives better and in search of a good job with dedicated supervisors, great benefits, and a supportive environment become a #DifferenceMaker and join our team.
Why Work With Us?
Up to 42 days of paid time off
14–16 paid holidays annually
Potential for annual raises and profit sharing
Tuition Reimbursement
Health, dental, and vision insurance/Medical opt-out payment (up to $1,000/year)
401K with up to 4% employer match
Life and long-term disability insurance
Your Impact as a School Principal
The Principal of Summit Academy Creekside is responsible for supervision of the day-to-day administrative functions of the school and works closely with the Superintendent, director of curriculum, instruction and training, and clinical coordinator of behavior support to ensure that staff are performing according to established standards. They are acting administrator of the Creekside Academy building. Their primary duties are related to the selection and assignment of professionals and support staff in academy classrooms, the placement of students in classrooms, and the development and monitoring of systems required for the general functioning of the school.
1. Staff Development and Support
Oversee staff training and development initiatives at the building level.
Assess and address staff support needs by developing initiatives to improve morale, employee engagement, and appreciation, in conjunction with other building leaders
Ensure the timely completion of performance evaluations.
Supervise all direct care staff including teachers, TAs/CAs, behavior support consultants, technicians, etc.
Supervise activities of educational coordinator and supervising clinician
Oversee the teacher mentor program, providing coaching and support when needed.
Support the nursing department at the building level.
Conduct formal teacher, TA/CA observations to ensure standards are followed.
Conduct observations of behavior support staff in conjunction with supervising clinicians.
2. Student Support and Curriculum Management
Oversee the activities of the educational coordinator and supervising clinician to ensure modeling, coaching, and support is provided to ensure that classroom and behavior standards are implemented
Monitor student progress in relation to their IEP goals through progress report process; work with educational coordinator and teams when lack of progress occurs
Ensure the quality of reports and reevaluations, providing training as needed.
Oversee the annual NYSAA and state testing processes
Ensure student programming meeting structure is being followed.
3. Parent and Community Engagement
Foster parent engagement and inclusion in school activities.
Utilize established communication platforms and strategies with families.
Address parental concerns at the building level
Support parent observations as needed and conduct school tours for parents and district representatives.
Attend and participate in parent meetings as needed.
4. Safety and Crisis Management
Coordinate building-level Emergency Response Team (ERT) activities.
Must adhere to the Emergency Preparedness Manual guidance.
Conduct and lead monthly Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee meetings
Monitor safety protocols and collaborate with the facilities department to manage evacuation and lockdown drills, etc.
Manage crisis situations in conjunction with other building leaders
Investigate incidents with support from Superintendent, HR, and QA as needed.
5. Operational Management
Develop and manage building-level schedules, including team meetings, playground, gym, cafeteria, faculty, and department meetings.
Oversee the building-level budget.
Ensure smooth operations of bussing and transportation services.
Ensure compliance with Individualized Education Program (IEP) mandates and staff familiarity with IEPs.
Manage the building-level report card process.
Approve field trips, ensuring they align with the budget and established processes.
Assist with admissions and discharge processes.
6. Administrative Responsibilities
Ensure safe staffing levels, manage time and attendance and collaborate with HR to interview and hire.
Ensure Academy policies and procedures are being followed.
Ensure effective communication with districts at the building level. · Administer warnings, terminations, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) in conjunction with APs and Human Resources.
Lead the annual review process and associated training efforts.
Develop class lists in collaboration with the superintendent and building leadership team.
Analyze data related to team performance and injuries and develop actionable plans.
7. Event Coordination
Organize and oversee special events at the building level
8. Strategic Planning and Leadership
Facilitate building level strategic planning with the leadership team.
Lead faculty and building-level meetings to ensure effective communication and planning.
9. Code of Ethics
Adheres to The Summit Center Core Agency Values of Adaptability, Accountability, Collaboration, Integrity, Optimism, and Respect.
Adheres to The Academy policies, and Summit Center employment policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook including, but not limited to dress code, attendance and punctuality, and Paid Time Off.
Perform any other duties as requested by your supervisor.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Education, Special Education, Psychology or related field
Minimum of five years administrative experience, preferably in an education setting
Direct clinical experience with children and/or adults with developmental disabilities preferred
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: School Administrator/Supervisor or School Building Leader Certificate required
At The Summit Center, you’ll be part of a compassionate, highly trained team committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Let your next job be the one that truly makes a difference.
Apply now to become a #DifferenceMaker!