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

Please Note: This TOP position will be from October, 2025 through January, 2026.

Accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

Working from home and in office, the interim Principal of Maine Connections Academy will be the administrative leader of a vibrant online school community serving students across the state of Maine in grades 7-12. With a commitment to personalized learning and academic excellence, they will oversee the day-to-day operations, support student success, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. This role requires a dynamic leader with a passion for education, strong management skills, and a dedication to meeting the diverse needs of students in a virtual environment.

Overview:

● Enrollment/Withdrawal Oversight:

○ Manage enrollment processes

○ 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 student contact lists 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 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.