Principal of Online Academy and Director of Special Programming

Principal of Online Academy and Director of Special Programming
Upper Arlington City Schools – Columbus, Ohio.

Job ID: 5734629. Application Deadline: Posted until filled. Posted: May 22, 2026 7:01 PM (UTC).

Job Description
Upper Arlington City Schools

Position:

Principal of Online Academy and Director of Special Programming

Reports to:

Upper Arlington High School Principal

Employment Status:

Regular/Full-time

FLSA Status:

Exempt - Level IV Administrator

Description:

As the OA Principal specializing in innovative opportunities, you will be responsible for fostering a dynamic and progressive educational environment that empowers students to explore, create, and excel beyond traditional boundaries. Your role involves collaborating with faculty, students, and external partners to investigate innovative programs, initiatives, and resources while maintaining current programs that enrich the educational experience and prepare students for success in the 21st‑century workforce.

NOTE:

The lists below are not ranked in order of importance.

Candidates

Strategic leadership, vision, advocacy, and support for creating broad programming and student opportunities

Forward thinker who strives to provide opportunities to expand, accelerate, and deepen student learning and achievement

Collaborate with student leadership groups and organizations to empower student-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative problem‑solving initiatives

Collaborates in the evaluation, selection, and implementation of creative programming

Cultivate partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to provide students with real‑world learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and access to cutting‑edge resources

Lead long‑range planning efforts to develop a multi‑modal learning environment throughout the district

In addition to leading innovative opportunities within the Online Academy, the OA principal will collaborate closely with the high school administrative team to support student attendance initiatives, promote student engagement, and remove barriers to academic success. The OA principal will provide support in supervising student behavior at Upper Arlington High School

Stay abreast of emerging trends, research, and best practices in education, innovation, and technology, applying insights to inform decision‑making and program development

Engage parents, guardians, and the wider community in understanding and supporting the school's evolving initiatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership

Serve as a member of the high school leadership team

Collaborate with the middle and high school principals to promote online learning and innovative programming

Embrace a culturally responsive lens regarding curriculum, traditions, and learning environments

Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.

Appropriate State of Ohio Licensure.

Previous experience in educational administration, with a focus on innovation, curriculum development, or program management.

Strong understanding of educational technology, project‑based learning, design thinking, and other innovative pedagogical approaches.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others towards a shared vision of innovation in education.

Demonstrated ability to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to changing educational landscapes.

Passion for empowering students to explore their interests, develop critical‑thinking skills, and become lifelong learners.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to work effectively with others

Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Effective, active listening skills

Organizational and problem‑solving skills

Knowledge of Ohio school law

Ability to lead and motivate staff and students

Teaching experience at the high school or elementary school level

Team building skills

Knowledge of educational administration

Knowledge of curriculum and successful teaching strategies

Knowledge of child development and modes of learning

Essential Functions

Ensure implementation of new programs to establish pathways and options for students

Lead team of district and building leaders to ensure coordination and collaboration of college and career supports for all students

Establish partnerships with outside organizations

Seek opportunities to create new opportunities for students and look for future pathways

Ensure the safety of students

Implement and monitor all Board policies and regulations

Supervise the operations of the buildings, grounds, and other school property at the assigned school building

Establish and maintain a positive public relations program to the best of your ability

Direct, oversee, supervise, and evaluate the instructional programs and the work schedule for all assigned personnel

Establish guidelines for proper student conduct, attire, and discipline

Responsible for monitoring and resolving problems with student attendance

Plan and supervise fire and tornado drills and other emergency preparedness programs

Recommend to the Superintendent continuation or non‑continuation of employment of teaching staff

Conduct regular staff meetings

Attend special events and functions of the district as directed by the Superintendent or his/her designee

Oversee the maintenance of records and controls in the funds of the school activity account

Arrange for conferences between parents and teachers when appropriate

Supervise the maintenance of student records

Supervise and evaluate all certified and classified staff under their supervision in accordance with the negotiated agreements

Appraise the performance of teachers through class visits and conferences for the purpose of improving instruction and assisting teachers with their instructional problems

Organize, administer, and direct all student activities as well as supervise extracurricular and co‑curricular activities outside of the school day

Maintain control of all inventories, requisitions, distribution, and accounting for supplies, textbooks, and equipment

Monitor the expenditure of funds

Responsible for the registration, assignment, promotion, or retention of all students

Direct and coordinate the classified staff assigned to the elementary school

Plan, schedule educational assemblies and school activities for the student population

Work with the director of curriculum and instruction in overseeing the instructional program

Enforce the district code of conduct for students

Oversee staff assignments and develop the master schedule

Respond to, and appropriately handle, complaints of parents

Inform teachers and other employees regarding the purposes and policies of the school

Prepare all reports and maintain such records as required by school law, regulation, or request of the Superintendent

Assist in the selection, retention, and promotion of certified and non‑certified personnel assigned to the elementary school

Develop and enforce policies regarding proper protection of equipment and property, observance of school laws, and safety procedures

Assist the curriculum director in developing ongoing curriculum improvement for the elementary school

Coordinate in‑service education programs for the elementary school staff

Coordinate the work of special teachers who are assigned to the elementary school

Work cooperatively with the PTA organization

Encourage and initiate school improvement programs and ideas

Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy

Maintain respect at all times for confidential information, e.g., student files, student IEPs, medical records, personnel files, documentation for legal proceedings

Interact in a positive manner with staff, students, and parents

Promote good public relations

Attend meetings and in‑services as required

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Review teacher lesson plans

Cooperate with juvenile court authorities and other law and social enforcement agencies

Ensure that after‑school activities are chaperoned and that the building is closed after such activities have concluded

Report serious accidents, burglaries, and incidents of an unusual nature to the proper authorities as quickly as possible

Serve as a role model for students

Respond to routine questions and requests in an appropriate manner

Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent

Equipment Operated

Telephone

Fax machine

Copy machine

Computer and/or iPad

Printer

PA system

Additional Working Conditions

Frequent weekend/evening/summer work/overnight

Occasional operation of a vehicle under inclement weather conditions

Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue

Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull various items up to a maximum of 25 pounds, e.g., paper boxes, deliveries of supplies and equipment

Occasional interaction among unruly children

Frequently move and position oneself as necessary to access and operate equipment

Frequently move around the workspace and travel throughout the school building

Employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non‑prescribed controlled substance use in the workplace throughout his/her employment with the District.

Upper Arlington City School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation and transgender identity, disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its program and activities, including employment opportunities.

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties assigned by the incumbent's supervisor and/or appointing authority.

Position Type
Full time

Job Categories
Administration > Director/Coordinator/Manager

Administration > Principal/Dean/Head of School

Seasonal/Other Opportunities > Online/Remote

Job Requirements
Contact Information

Lisa Happ, Executive Assistant – Human Resources

1619 Zollinger Road

Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Phone: (614) 487-5000

Email: lhapp@uaschools.org

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