Position Type:
Administration/Principal

Date Posted:
9/2/2026

Location:
Vernon Johns Middle School
Job Title: School Turnaround Principal

Minimum Salary: $102,942-$189,958 (Commensurate with experience) sign-on bonus $13,000

Supervisor: Director of School Leadership

Job Classification: Exempt

Contract Length: 12-months (260 days)

Job Summary

Petersburg City Public Schools seeks a dynamic, experienced educational leader to serve as the transformational turnaround principal. This role requires a visionary to lead initiatives to create an inclusive, innovative, and student-centered learning environment. The principal will be responsible for driving school improvement efforts, enhancing student achievement, and empowering faculty and staff through collaborative leadership. Hiring a strong teaching and support staff. A strong commitment to data-driven decision-making and active engagement with the school community is essential for success. Please refer to the full job description below for a detailed description of responsibilities and qualifications.

Essential Job Functions

Develop and implement a vision for school transformation that aligns with district goals, focusing on academic excellence.

Lead strategic initiatives to raise student achievement and create a student-centered environment that prioritizes teaching and learning and builds a culture of excellence and accountability for all.

Inspire and motivate staff, students, and the community to embrace change, setting clear, ambitious goals to drive continuous improvement.

Instructional Leader - Being visible in classrooms and learning spaces to observe instruction and provide impactful feedback to teachers.

Oversee the curriculum to ensure rigor, relevance, and alignment with state standards, encouraging innovative teaching practices.

Utilize data-driven decision-making to identify trends in student achievement and create action plans that address performance gaps and improve student outcomes.

Partner with instructional staff to introduce and support effective teaching methods, integrate technology, and ensure that all students have the resources to succeed.

Ability to make and enforce difficult decisions.

Lead a dynamic, skilled team by recruiting, developing, and retaining high-quality teachers and support staff committed to the school's transformation.

Implement a robust professional development plan that equips faculty with skills to support a growth-oriented school culture and builds the professional capacity of all staff members.

Foster a collaborative, accountable work environment where faculty are encouraged to innovate, reflect, and continuously improve their practice with a focus on results.

Build strong relationships with parents, community members, and local organizations to garner support and create partnerships that benefit the school.

Engage families in the school's transformation process by facilitating open communication, providing regular updates, and inviting feedback.

Organize community events and opportunities that reinforce the school's mission, promote transparency, and strengthen community trust.

Oversee budgeting and resource allocation to ensure that funding is strategically aligned with the school's transformational goals.

Manage operational processes such as scheduling, facilities upkeep, and student behavior and services to support a conducive learning environment that is free from disruption.

Ensure compliance with district policies, state regulations, and safety protocols, maintaining high standards for student and staff welfare.

Job Specifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required)

Visionary and innovative thinker with a passion for positive, lasting change.

Exceptional communicator with the ability to build rapport across diverse stakeholders.

High level of emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability.

Committed to the principles of equity, inclusivity, and integrity in education.

Strategic planning, transformational leadership, data analysis, communication, collaborative problem-solving, and proficiency in educational technology.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to take independent initiative, while committing to collaboration

Demonstrated cultural proficiency and ability to lead others in conversations of race and culture.

Deep knowledge and understanding of, and demonstrated ability to connect with the ethnic background of students and families served.

Stays informed of developments and research pertaining to effective schools.

Possess knowledge and effective skills in curriculum development, instructional practices, and interpretation of test data.

Possess the ability to assist with administering and managing the operation of a middle school.

Possess the ability to plan and supervise the work of others.

Possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:Masters degree in School Administration, Educational Leadership or closely related field from an accredited college/university and licensure as a building level principal

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in school leadership roles, including a proven track record of successfully implementing school-wide change or improvement, preferred.

Certification and License: Virginia Postgraduate Professional License or eligibility for Virginia licensure is required

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The duties are primarily performed in an office environment, with no unusual physical demands. The physical requirements described are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.