School Principal

Agency

Adult Correction

Division

COO - OPS - Institutions Operations

Job Classification Title

School Principal (NS)

Position Number

Grade

ED27

About Us

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervise sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!

Description of Work

This position is located within the academic school at Foothills Correctional Institution, Morganton, NC (Burke County).

The principal leads and manages the school’s daily operations, staff supervision, academic programs, and budget. The role ensures compliance with district, NCDAC, and NCDPI policies while monitoring instructional quality and student performance.

The principal collaborates with institutional leadership and community college partners to support joint programs and expand student access to educational and vocational courses. The role oversees both the Youth School (up to age 22) and Education Services (22 and older) and reports to the Assistant Warden of Programs and the Assistant Superintendent of Education.

Job Responsibilities

• Conceptualizes and upholds the mission, vision, and belief statements of the school district and broad goals of the school. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the effectiveness of educational programs to best meet student and staff needs, ensuring alignment with the School Improvement Plan and district goals.
• Serves as an instructional leader responsible for the teaching and learning process school-wide.
• Provides and supports appropriate professional development for staff that encourages professional growth, enhances the quality of instructional programs on campus, and provides opportunities for staff participation in the school program.
• Establishes, implements, and evaluates procedures used to carry out the daily routine of the school.
• Ensures that the school program aligns with the school district’s legal, financial, and organizational structure.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities / Management Preferences

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) / Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Experience in ensuring the school is a safe and welcoming place for all students, staff, custody/program staff, and stakeholders, creating high morale among staff and students. Implements effective discipline and attendance systems with high standards, consistent with the philosophy, values, and mission of the school district and agency, encouraging students to take responsibility for their behavior.
• Experience in supervising and appraising the performance of school staff through observation and evaluation processes aligned with North Carolina state requirements. Provides coaching and support focused on growth of educators performing at all levels.
• Experience in evaluating student progress in the instructional program through maintenance of up-to-date student data, aggregating, disaggregating, and interpreting standardized tests and other assessment results accurately and effectively.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with subordinates, colleagues, institution personnel, supervisors, leadership, and community college partners that encourages and promotes respect.
• Experience in communicating effectively with all pertinent stakeholders in both oral and written formats, including making oral presentations before large groups of people.

State Benefits Information

• Health Insurance options
• Retirement Plans
• NCFlex Supplemental Benefits
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Community Service Leave
• Paid Parental Leave

Minimum Education and Experience

The successful applicant must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a master’s degree or above (from an appropriately accredited college or university) in an area relevant to this position and must hold a current (non‑expired) State of North Carolina Professional Educator’s License (Class Code M, S, or D) with certification in the area of School Principal or be eligible to obtain Provisional Certification in the aforementioned certification area(s).

In addition to the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities, applicants must also demonstrate that the minimum education and experience requirements have been met.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

About the Department of Adult Correction (DAC)

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is responsible for the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced after conviction for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes State Prisons, Correction Enterprises, the Division of Community Supervision, and the Division of Rehabilitation & Reentry.

Foothills Correctional Institution

Foothills Correctional Institution is located in Morganton, NC (Burke County). Opened in 1994, Foothills Correctional Institution houses close‑custody male offenders, primarily between 18 and 25 years of age, in 712 single cells. Offenders in close custody are housed at the main institution while the detached Minimum Custody Unit, located behind the main unit, houses adult minimum custody offenders; close custody is the highest security level a prison in North Carolina can have. The facility offers a wide variety of programs, including educational and vocational programs, as well as a variety of job assignments; Foothills Correctional is home to one of the prison system’s four schools for younger offenders.