Principal (TOP) - Maine Connections Academy

School Summary

Maine Connections Academy (MCA) is a tuition-free, virtual public charter school for students in grades 7–12 statewide. MCA is authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission and is governed by an independent Board of Directors. MCA is accredited by the Cognia.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Overview:

● Enrollment/Withdrawal Oversight:

○ Manage enrollment processes including ITR (Intent to Return) and principal flags.
○ Ensure student retention and provide options for students considering withdrawal.

● Staffing:

○ Oversee the Career Ladder process, ensuring compliance and recommending positions annually.
○ Coordinate the hiring process for teachers and support staff.
○ Serve as a liaison for substitute services.

● Staff Supervision and Evaluation:

○ Supervise a team of 12 staff members, including administrative assistants and various HS subject area teachers (1 Administrative assistant, 3 HS Math teachers, 3 HS Eng teachers, 3 HS SS teachers, 2 HS Science teachers)
○ Provide oversight for the Career Ladder positions, ensuring progress and adherence to standards.
○ Support state testing planning and implementation.
○ Conduct PEPG (Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth) training during back-to-school and before both mid-year and end of year reviews.

● Professional Development/School Timeline Planning and Preparation:

○ Work with school leader on Professional Development (PD) Scope and Sequence.
○ Communicate and update deadlines and school calendar in Google Calendar.
○ Organize and lead weekly leadership team meetings.
○ Send weekly email updates, reminders, and upcoming task schedules.
○ Organize Back to School weeks schedule.
○ Create and update start-of-year, mid-year, and end-of-year task sheets for teachers.
○ Ensure all timeline tasks are planned and completed, such as welcome calls or end-of-year calls.
○ Construct monthly caretaker/learning coach call topics and update regularly.
○ Create and update Live Lesson schedules each semester.
○ General Summer School Planning and Oversight (non grant)
○ Create agenda for and facilitate weekly Staff Meetings.

● Events and Meetings

○ Attend Pod meetings and assist in disseminating information and tasks.
○ Attend monthly school leaders meetings with Pearson representatives.
○ Attend board meetings, presenting school principal reports and coordinating teacher presentations.
○ Attend the annual School Leaders Conference
○ Attend the annual Leadership Conference
○ Attend all academic summits
○ Assist with special populations meeting facilitation

● Student Support and Attendance:

○ Implement the Most Improved Student of the Month process.
○ Handle disciplinary actions and student issues as needed.
○ Facilitate meetings related to student needs or concerns.
○ Oversee school-wide attendance process

● Data Tracking and Planning

○ Oversee school-wide attendance process, weekly editing, and sending
○ Make CBA list/reminders, track completion
○ Track and Share welcome call, end of year call, and other data throughout the year

● Policy and Budget:

○ Facilitate processes to identify schoolwide needs, such as mid-semester surveys.
○ Review and approve/deny school trips and clubs.
○ Work within the approved budget set by school leadership.
○ Explore and research educational programs to align with school goals, making recommendations to school leadership.
○ Implement all school policies and procedures.

● Administrative Communication:

○ Provide reports and updates as requested by school leadership to charter commission and the school board.
○ Conduct monthly meetings with learning coaches on school topics.
○ Write monthly principal's message for the Plugged In! Newsletter.

● And all other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Maine State Certification as a school principal or eligible for certification.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in K-12 education, with a proven track record of leadership and administration.
• Experience with online or blended learning environments preferred.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Dedication to meeting the diverse needs of students and families in a virtual setting