Description
The Watertown High School House Principal serves as the building-level instructional and administrative leader for Watertown High School (Grades 9–12), under the leadership and direction of the Executive Principal. The House Principal directly supervises the administrators assigned to Watertown High School and is responsible for the building's daily operations, student management, staff supervision, and instructional leadership, ensuring alignment with district goals and Board-adopted policies across the connected Watertown High School–Case Middle School campus and the broader Grades 7–12 program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Leadership and Curriculum Alignment
Implements curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices aligned vertically across Grades 7–12, in coordination with the Executive Principal and building-level instructional coaches.
Monitors classroom instruction directly and regularly to drive high levels of student achievement and timely instructional intervention.
Implements district and building-level improvement plans and reports progress to the Executive Principal.
Leads implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Academic Intervention Services (AIS), and behavioral intervention programming.
Leads building-level implementation of the NYS NY Inspires initiative and alignment of instruction, course pathways, and graduation requirements to the New York State Portrait of a Graduate.
Serves as the building-level administrative liaison to Jefferson Community College for the EDGE concurrent enrollment program, overseeing annual enrollment, eligibility, and faculty qualification processes, and promoting EDGE participation as part of the district's college-access strategy.
Building Operations, Student Discipline, and Safety
Oversees all daily building operations, including schedules, supervision, and logistics for Watertown High School.
Directs and oversees the implementation of student discipline by the administrators assigned to the building, ensuring enforcement of the Code of Conduct and DASA requirements with due process afforded to students, and serves as the building's primary disciplinary authority.
Implements attendance initiatives and interventions to improve student attendance, consistent with district attendance goals.
Ensures building-level compliance with Project SAVE and the district's Building-Level Safety Plan, including emergency response protocols, safety drills, and participation in the building's threat assessment team.
Coordinates crisis response and mental health referrals in partnership with school counselors and the school psychologist.
Implements restorative practices as an alternative or complement to traditional discipline where appropriate.
In collaboration with the Case Middle School House Principal and the Executive Principal, coordinates shared-campus responsibilities arising from the physical connection between Watertown High School and Case Middle School, including supervision, safety drills, and scheduling logistics.
Maintains a consistent, visible, and active administrative presence at school-sponsored athletic events, evening programs, extracurricular activities, and community-facing events associated with the building, as a core expression of relationship-building and visible leadership rather than an occasional or optional commitment.
Special Education, ENL, and Student Support
Ensures full implementation of and compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans for students with disabilities.
Collaborates with the Director of Student Empowerment and Success and the district's CSE administrative team to monitor compliance timelines, service delivery, and progress monitoring for students with disabilities.
Supports the instructional and programmatic needs of English as a New Language (ENL) students in alignment with NYSED requirements.
Partners with school counselors, support staff, and student services to address student social-emotional, academic, and postsecondary planning needs.
Staff Supervision and Development
Directly supervises, mentors, and evaluates all administrators assigned to Watertown High School, collaborating with the Executive Principal and the Case Middle School House Principal as appropriate for any positions shared across both buildings.
Supervises and evaluates assigned instructional and non-instructional staff in accordance with district procedures.
Provides feedback, coaching, and support for staff professional growth.
Implements Teacher Improvement Plans, Administrative Improvement Plans, and other staff improvement plans as needed.
School Culture, Family, and Community Engagement
Models and actively cultivates a professional school culture characterized by high expectations, mutual respect, student-centered decision making, and collaborative leadership; sets the behavioral and professional tone for Watertown High School and is accountable for the climate that results.
Establishes and leads a Building Leadership Team comprised of administrators, teacher representatives, and support staff to drive continuous school improvement and build shared ownership of the school's goals and culture.
Actively supports the establishment and ongoing development of a building-level parent organization (PTO/PTA) and serves as the administrative liaison to that body.
Communicates effectively and proactively with families regarding student progress, expectations, and concerns.
Promotes strong partnerships with parents, community organizations, and stakeholders, including postsecondary partners such as Jefferson Community College.
District Collaboration and Strategic Alignment
Collaborates closely with the Executive Principal to ensure consistency of practice, expectations, and culture across Grades 7–12.
Works with the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and building-level instructional coaches on curriculum initiatives.
Supports implementation of district goals and priorities as outlined in the Board-adopted Strategic Plan and as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.
Serves on district committees and building/district leadership teams as assigned.
Maintains accurate records related to attendance, discipline, and student performance, and ensures adherence to Board of Education policies, NYSED regulations, and federal and state mandates.
Performs all other duties consistent with the role as directed by the Executive Principal and/or Superintendent of Schools, recognizing that the needs of students and the school community may require responsibilities beyond those specifically enumerated herein.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS, BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
New York State certification as a School District Administrator (SDA), School District Leader (SDL), or School Building Leader (SBL).
A minimum of one year of building-level administrative experience (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, or Principal), in or outside the district; two or more years preferred, ideally with high school experience.
Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, including secondary and postsecondary pathway planning.
Strong skills in student management, school operations, and staff supervision.
Demonstrated, sustained record of visible leadership and engagement beyond the instructional day, including consistent attendance at athletic contests, evening programs, and extracurricular activities, reflecting a genuine commitment to building relationships with students, staff, and families across the full life of the school.
Experience with student discipline systems and Code of Conduct enforcement; experience supervising or mentoring other administrators is a plus but not required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively within an administrative leadership team and across a shared, connected campus.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Twelve (12) months, salary and benefits per contractual agreement, Watertown Administrative and Supervisory Association (WASA)-affiliated position.
