All job descriptions will indicate which job duties are essential to the position.
PRINCIPALS
Qualifications
The Board, by local policy, shall adopt qualifications for principals. Education Code 11.202(c)
Certification
State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules establish the requirements for receiving a principal certificate and for first-time principals in Texas. 19 TAC Ch. 241
Principals are required to:
- Successfully complete the appropriate examinations required under 19 TAC 230.;
- Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the Higher Education Coordinating Board;
- Hold a valid classroom teaching certificate, Principal, Mid-management Administrator, Administrator, or Superintendent certificate according to SBEC rules; certification endorsement in Visually Handicapped, certification as Orientation and Mobility specialist, or Board-approved equivalent;
- Have two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher, as defined by 19 TAC Chapter 153 and Education Code 5.001 (2); and
- Successfully complete a principal preparation program that meets the requirements of 19 Administrative Code 241.10 (Preparation Program Requirements), 19 Administrative Code 241.15 (Standards Required for the Principal Certificate), 19 Administrative Code Chapter 227 (Provisions for Educator Preparation Candidates), and 19 Administrative Code Chapter 228 (Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs).
19 TAC 241.20
In addition, Principals must possess:
- Three years of classroom teaching experience, plus demonstrated administrative ability.
- Knowledge of curriculum, instructional methods and resources.
- Ability to provide leadership and direction to improve teacher effectiveness and quality instruction.
- Ability to foster effective communication among instructional staff, parents, and other professional staff.
Supervisor
The Principal is supervised by the Superintendent.
Supervises
The Principal supervises teachers and aides, Assistant Principal(s), the Residential Director, clerical staff, and instructional support personnel assigned.
Responsibilities
The role of the Principal is to coordinate and direct the efforts of the School and residential program in the achievement of program objectives. The Principal works to improve staff effectiveness, provide administrative support and ensure provision of appropriate instructional programs for students.
Duties
The principal shall be the instructional leader of the School and shall be provided with adequate training and personnel assistance to assume that role. Education Code 11.202(a)
A Principal shall:
- Assign, evaluate and promote all personnel assigned to the program. [See Policy DK]
- Set specific education objectives for the program, through the planning process.
- Plan for the organization and assignment of campus resources for the instructional program, including personnel, facilities, materials, and schedules.
- Regularly consult with the Schoolwide Committee in the planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of the educational program. [ Policy BQ series]
- Each year, with the assistance of the Schoolwide Committee, develop, review, and revise the campus improvement plan. [See Policy BQ series]
- Keep the Superintendent fully informed with respect to conditions and needs of the School.
- Communicate with faculty, students, and parents to disseminate School information, coordinate team efforts for instruction, and promote positive staff and community relations.
- Observe classroom performance of teachers, evaluate the effectiveness of staff performance, and plan staff development activities for improvement in accordance with TSBVI and state requirements, and in cooperation with staff development personnel.
- Maintain adequate and accurate documentation upon which recommendations for contract decisions are based.
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of Assistant Principal(s), the Residential Director, teacher aides, instructional support staff, and clerical staff (or may provide for supervision and evaluation of some staff by an assistant principal or the Residential Director).
- Recommend to the Superintendent the termination, suspension, or nonrenewal of an employee assigned to the program.
- Keep informed of, and comply with, all public education regulations and policies of the School, state, and campus concerning curriculum, student management, and personnel.
- Provide for proper supervision and discipline of students in all curricular and extracurricular activities.
- Plan for budgetary needs and manage budgets in assigned areas.
- Provide reports and information requested to the Board and Superintendent.
- Assume administrative responsibility and instructional leadership, under the supervision of the Superintendent, for the discipline and behavior management program.
- Provide for assessment, psychological services, and/or counseling and guidance services as appropriate.
- Provide attendance data to Superintendent, as required.
- (For high school principal only) Serve, or appoint someone to serve, as deputy voter registrar for Travis County where the School is located. Election Code 13.046; 1 TAC 81.7
Education Code 11.202(b),.253(c), (h), [See also Policy DMA]
Principal’s Report to Superintendent
Educators
A Principal must notify the Superintendent not later than the seventh business day after the date:
- Of an educator’s termination of employment or resignation following an alleged incident of misconduct under Education Code 26.001(b); or
- The Principal knew about an educator’s criminal record under Education Code 21.006(b)(1).
Education Code 21.006(b-2); 19 TAC 249.14(e) [See Required Reports at Policy DHB]
Non-certified Employees
A Principal must notify the Superintendent not later than the seventh business day after the date of a non-certified employee’s termination or resignation following allegations that the employee:
- Abused or otherwise committed an unlawful act with a student or minor; or
- Was involved in a romantic relationship with or solicited or engaged in sexual contact with a student or minor.
Education Code 22.093(e) [See Principal Notification at Policy DHC]
Sanctions and Administrative Penalty
SBEC determines whether to impose sanctions, including an administrative penalty, against a Principal who fails to provide notification to the Superintendent. Education Code 21.006 (f);22.093(i) 19 TAC 249.14(e),(h)
If the Principal is required to notify a Superintendent about an educator’s criminal record or alleged incident of misconduct and fails to provide the notice by the required date, SBEC may impose an administrative penalty of not less than $500 and not more than $10,000. SBEC may not renew the certification of an educator against whom an administrative penalty is imposed until the penalty is paid. Education Code 21.006 (j)
Criminal Offense
A Principal required to notify the Superintendent about an educator’s criminal record or alleged incident of misconduct commits a state jail felony if the Principal fails to provide the notice by the required date with the intent to conceal an educator’s criminal record or alleged incident of misconduct. Education Code 21.006(b-2)j; 22.093(k)
CERTIFIED SCHOOL COUNSELOR
TSBVI (with fewer than 500 students enrolled in elementary school grades) shall provide guidance and counseling services to elementary school students by any of the following methods:
- Employing a part-time certified school counselor.
- Employing a part-time teacher who is also certified as a school counselor.
- Entering into a shared services agreement with one or more school districts to share a certified school counselor.
Education Code 33.002
Note: Education Code 33.006 applies to all school districts that employ school counselors.
School Counselor Duties
The primary responsibility of a school counselor is to counsel students to fully develop each student’s academic, career, personal, and social abilities. In addition, a school counselor shall:
- Participate in planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive developmental guidance program to serve all students and to address the special needs of students who are:
- At risk of dropping out of school, becoming substance abusers, participating in gang activity, or committing suicide; or
- In need of modified instructional strategies;
- Consult with students’ parents or guardians and make referrals as appropriate in consultation with parents or guardians;
- Consult with school staff, parents, and other community members to help them increase the effectiveness of students’ education and promote student success;
- Coordinate people and resources in the school, home, and community;
- With the assistance of school staff, interpret standardized test results and other assessment data that help a student make educational and career plans;
- Deliver classroom guidance activities or serve as a consultant to teachers conducting lessons based on the school’s guidance curriculum; and
- Serve as an impartial, non-reporting resource for interpersonal conflicts and discord involving two or more students, including accusations of bullying under Education Code 37.0832.
Nothing in item 7, above, exempts a school counselor from any mandatory reporting requirements imposed by other provisions of law.
Education Code 33.006
NON-PHYSICIAN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
TSBVI may employ or contract with one or more non-physician mental health professionals.
In this section, “non-physician mental health professional” means:
- A psychologist licensed to practice in this state and designated as a health-service provider;
- An RN with a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing;
- A licensed clinical social worker;
- A professional counselor licensed to practice in Texas; or
- A marriage and family therapist licensed to practice in Texas.
Education Code 38.0101
Note: For information about mental health treatment, including counseling, see Policy FFEA.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) has authority over the delivery of school psychological services in public schools. Recognizing the purview of the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in safeguarding the rights of school children in Texas, the TBHEC adopts and enforces rules that reflect the occupational distinctions between the delivery of school psychological services in public schools and psychological services in the private sector. 22 TAC 465.38(a)
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)
Licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP) means a person who holds a license to engage in the practice of psychology under Occupations Code 501.260. Occupations Code 501.002(2)
School psychological services may be provided in Texas public schools only by an LSSP or other individual authorized by TBHEC in accordance with TBHEC rules. 22 TAC 465.38(e)
Scope of Practice
An LSSP is trained to address psychological and behavioral problems manifested in and associated with educational systems by utilizing psychological concepts and methods in programs or actions that attempt to improve the learning, adjustment and behavior of students. These activities include, but are not limited to:
- Addressing special education eligibility;
- Conducting manifestation determinations;
- Assisting with the development and implementation of individual educational programs (IEPs);
- Conducting behavioral assessments; and
- Designing and implementing behavioral interventions and supports.
The assessment of emotional or behavioral disturbance, solely for educational purposes, using psychological techniques and procedures is considered the practice of school psychology.
An LSSP may not provide psychological services in any context or capacity outside of a public or private school.
22 TAC 465.38(b), (c)
Standards
The delivery of school psychological services in Texas public schools shall be consistent with nationally recognized standards for the practice of school psychology.
Occupations Code 501.260(c); 22 TAC 465.38(b)(3)
Notice of Assignment or Subcontract
An LSSP who contracts with TSBVI to provide school psychological services must notify the School of any intent or plan to subcontract or assign those services to another provider prior to entering into the agreement. An LSSP shall be responsible for ensuring the school psychological services delivered comply with TBHEC standards. 22 TAC 465.38 (e)(3)
Compliance with Applicable Education Laws
LSSPs shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws affecting the practice of school psychology, including, but not limited to:
- Texas Education Code;
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g;
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.;
- Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552;
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 42 U.S.C. 12101.
22 TAC 465.38 (f)
Adopted: 1/11/80
Amended: 3/13/81, 7/12/85, 9/22/89, 1/25/91, 8/26/94, 1/26/96, 5/21/98, 5/25/00, 5/25/04, 1/25/19, 5/27/21, 8/6/21
Reviewed: