Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School Principal Search

Leadership Profile for Principal: Jefferson-Houston Prek-8 IB School

1. Purpose

This LEADERSHIP PROFILE defines the specific attributes for the next principal of Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School. The profile reflects input from several stakeholder groups to include staff, parents, and community residents. Applicants and selection panels will use this profile to assess the candidate qualities of the position.

2. Introduction and Background

The Alexandria City Public Schools initiated a search for the position of principal of Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School in August 2024, to replace the principal who resigned.

ACPS gathered information for the leadership profile from a community online survey with staff, parents, and community members. The online survey was open to the public. The survey requested participant comments about strengths of the school, challenges facing the school and qualities/attributes desired in a new leader. The survey enlisted comments from approximately forty-five parents, community, and staff members.

As there was no requirement for participants to provide personal identifying information, there may have been some duplication of survey responses. There were, as will be evidenced later, several consistent themes in the survey responses.

Note, the data provided are not a scientific sampling, nor should they necessarily be construed as representing the majority opinion of the respective groups providing feedback.

As search consultant, I have reviewed the comments made and provided a summary of consistent themes in a concise manner to support the application, interview, and selection process for the new principal. This report, by its nature, cannot include all comments made. However, the detail of all feedback is available and will be maintained for an appropriate period.

The strengths, challenges and traits noted will be used to inform panelists about candidates to be interviewed. The successful candidate will be one who, through the interview and selection process, best fits the leadership profile. The selected principal will be a school leader who can provide excellent educational, social, and personal outcomes for students, staff, parents, and the community.

3. Consistent Themes from the Online Survey

Strengths of Jefferson-Houston School

• Diversity of the school and community.
• A beautiful new building.
• Small size.
• Sense of community.
• Caring and competent staff.
• Warm, welcoming, and supportive environment.
• An engaged PTA.
• Academic program.

Challenges for Jefferson-Houston School

• Staff turnover, recruitment and retention to include leadership turnover.
• Academic expectations, focus, and success.
• Communications.
• Student conduct
• Funding/resources particularly for items not budgeted.
• Reputation.
• Policy and resource support.

Desired Personal Qualities/Attributes of Principal

• Someone who listens and communicates well.
• Decision maker.
• Trustworthy and honest.
• Fair, kind and caring.
• Accountable, responsive, and respectful.
• Self-aware and reflective.
• Enjoys students.
• A welcoming and warm relationship builder.
• Visionary.

Desired Professional Qualities/Attributes of Principal

• Experienced teacher and administrator who has a positive record with a diverse demographic.
• Strong leader.
• Communicator.
• Sets clear goals and expectations.
• Someone who is invested in the school/plans to stay.
• Knowledgeable and supportive of school’s programs (SPEC/Title I/IB/AVID)
• Supportive of others (staff, students, and parents)
• Has academic focus.
• Collaborative and willing to take risks.
• Organized.

4. Sample Comments from the Online Survey.

Many of the comments centered around the leadership, staff, and students at Jefferson-Houston. The following comments provide a brief commentary in this area:

           “Excellent communication skills. Willingness to go the extra mile.” —Parent

           “Someone who has created positive working conditions in challenging environments.” —Staff

           “A leader who can inspire all students and their families at Jefferson-Houston.” —Parent

The following statements provide an overview of feedback from the online survey relative to attributes desired in the new principal:

• “Committed to staying at the school for five years.”
• “Cares about teachers input and well-being.”
• “Strong organizational and leadership skills.”
• “Academic achievement should be the main focus of the next principal.”
• “A person who is going to put in the work to connect with students and parents…”
• Someone who will “excite, attract, and retain teachers.”
• “Able to cater to a range of abilities and provide a challenge for those kids who are ready.”
• “Commitment to IB education.”

5. Instructions to Applicants.

A candidate should use this profile to make a self-assessment and determine how she/he best fits the qualities sought by the school community. These characteristics should be reflected in the content of the application. Should the applicant be selected for an interview, the candidate must demonstrate these qualities in the screening process. A strong principal should demonstrate leadership and management skills, inspire trust, and build support in the school and across the community. We seek a principal who can do adapt these qualities for the Jefferson-Houston School community.

6. Closing.

I extend my thanks to all who provided feedback via the online survey. Your time, effort and concern are most appreciated. We look forward to the selection of the best candidate as your next principal.
 

Sincerely,
John Porter

School Principal Search Consultant
Department of Human Resources, ACPS 

Search Timeline

August 2024

• August 5, 2024—Post Job Description/Announcement.  Communicate process to stakeholders
• August 5, 2024—Post online survey for staff, parents, students, and community members.  
• August 12, 2024—Online survey closes.
• August 15, 2024—Post Leadership Profile online to accompany job description.
• August 5-August 21, 2024—Paper application review to select five to seven candidates for first round panel interviews.
• August 28 and 29, 2024—First Round Panel Interviews. The goal is to narrow the field for second panel interviews.

September 2024

• September 4, 2024—Second Round Panel Interviews.  The goal is to narrow the field to two finalists.  
• September 9, 2024—Finalists meet and greet with staff and PTA/Community in two separate virtual meetings.  The community virtual forums are posted online for three days for viewing/feedback.
• September 10-12, 2024—Staff and parents/community provide feedback on finalists from virtual meet and greet sessions.
• September 13, 2024—Individual interviews of two finalists with the Superintendent of Schools.

October 2024

• October 2024—Alexandria City School Board approval.