POSITION: Principal – Cougar Elementary School

LOCATION: Cougar Elementary School

SALARY: Managerial Scale - Grade 19

HOURS: 7.5 hours per day

POSITION LENGTH: 247 Days

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR(S): Executive Director of Student Achievement

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 20, 2026

JOB SUMMARY:

Manassas Park City Schools is seeking a dynamic and visionary Principal for Cougar Elementary School, a Title I school serving students in grades PreK–2. Cougar Elementary School serves a diverse student population, including a large number of multilingual learners receiving English Language services, and is committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.

As a key member of the division’s leadership team, the principal will work collaboratively with other school leaders and central office staff to develop and implement a shared vision for high-quality teaching, learning, and student success. The principal will lead efforts to foster a strong school culture, support instructional excellence, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

If you are a passionate instructional leader who is ready to make a meaningful and lasting impact, Manassas Park City Schools is the place for you.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Must hold a Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement or eligible for endorsement in administration and supervision preK-12,
Minimum of six years teaching experience and three years administrative experience preferred,
Must possess extensive knowledge of the curriculum and instructional program including content and methodologies, and the integration of technology into the instructional program,
Organizational skills required to plan, implement, and evaluate the school program and lead the teaching and support staff in achieving the school division’s required goals,
Must possess supervisory skills that include delegating work, monitoring staff development and evaluating staff effectiveness,
Highly developed communications skills to interact with community members, parents, students, teachers, and other administrators required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee curriculum implementation, instructional programs, staff selection and retention, evaluation, and student services, ensuring high-quality education and effective discipline,
Promote a positive, inclusive school culture that supports student well-being, safety, and academic success, while providing leadership to ensure the elementary school program operates in alignment with district and state regulations,
Prepare and administer the school's budget, ensuring responsible management of financial resources,
Supervise and develop programs of study that meet the needs of students and the community, with approval from the Division Superintendent and School Board,
Maintain responsibility for the security, safety, and maintenance of the school building,
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned by the Division Superintendent and Executive Team.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Directs and manages the human, material, and financial resources necessary for the effective operation of the school in accordance with school division policies and applicable legal requirements.
Maintains effective student discipline and fosters a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment for students and staff.
Demonstrates instructional leadership by aligning, coordinating, and implementing required programs and curriculum to promote excellence, continuous improvement, and achievement of division goals.
Oversees the collaborative development and implementation of school improvement plans, and plans, supports, and evaluates instructional programs to enhance student learning.
Recruits, selects, inducts, supports, evaluates, and retains high-quality instructional and support personnel.
Provides and supports professional development opportunities aligned with program evaluation results and school instructional improvement goals.
Identifies, analyzes, and resolves problems using effective decision-making and problem-solving strategies.
Promotes effective communication and positive relationships with students, staff, families, and community members, and collaborates with stakeholders to secure resources that support the success of a diverse student population.
Models high standards of professionalism, ethics, integrity, and accountability in all interactions.
Works collaboratively with administrators, faculty, staff, and community partners to advance and support the mission and goals of the school division.
Participates in ongoing professional learning and leadership development to enhance student outcomes and contribute to the profession, the division, and the community.
Performs other related duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the school and the success of students.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in a professional school environment that includes classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, and outdoor learning or recreational areas. The work environment involves noise levels that may range from low to moderate and requires frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the school day. Occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching may also be required. Periods of sitting are common while preparing lessons, grading assignments, or completing administrative tasks.

The position may require lifting or moving instructional materials, classroom supplies, or equipment weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally up to 25 pounds or more. Regular use of computers, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers, and other instructional technologies is required to support teaching and learning.

Clear verbal communication, active listening, and visual attentiveness are essential for delivering instruction and ensuring student safety. The role involves daily interaction with students and regular collaboration with colleagues, administrators, and families. Occasional travel between school sites or participation in supervised field trips may also be required.

Teachers must be able to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to the demands of a dynamic, fast-paced educational environment.

CLEARANCES (Conditions for employment):

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
Tuberculosis Screening

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Manassas Park City School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion, retention or and other personnel actions affecting employees or candidates for employment. Therefore, discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, military status, genetic information or disability is prohibited, as required by federal and state laws and regulations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is intended to reflect the general nature and level of work performed by the employee. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary.

Principal - Cougar Elementary School