Principal in Residence

Notice of Vacancy

Principal in Residence (PIR) - Central High School

2026-27 School Year

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Little Rock School District (LRSD) is seeking an exceptional educational leader to serve as Principal in Residence at the historic Little Rock Central High School - a national symbol of courage, equity, and academic excellence.

This unique leadership opportunity is designed for an experienced, visionary, and equity-minded educator who will work alongside the current principal during a structured transition period. The Principal in Residence will transition into the principal position of Little Rock Central High School upon the retirement of the current principal.

The goal of the PIR is to build the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary during the transition period to lead a school that ensures high levels of student achievement, equitable opportunities, and positive outcomes for all students, while advancing LRSD's mission of "One Team, One Dream, One LRSD."
ABOUT LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Designated as a National Historic Site, Little Rock Central High School stands as a beacon of resilience, excellence, and progress in American education. The school continues to honor its legacy as the epicenter of the 1957 desegregation crisis by striving for academic rigor, inclusivity, and innovation, preparing every student to thrive in a global society.

Little Rock Central High School serves a richly diverse student body. It remains one of Arkansas's most academically competitive and culturally vibrant schools - a place where history, scholarship, and social responsibility intersect daily.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

*Twelve (12) month (245 days) contract, Range 123 ($67,433 -$117,165) or 124 ($70,804-$123,023), plus a benefits package. Salary Range: NOTE: Precise placement within the salary range will be determined based on education and experience. FLSA: Exempt

Note: *Contract lengths may change for the 2026-27 school year due to budget restraints.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. At least ten (10) combined years of successful teaching and school administrative experience.
2. Minimum of five years of successful administrative experience, including experience leading diverse urban schools.
3. A master's degree or higher with Arkansas certification as a building-level administrator (or eligibility for licensure).
4. Proven ability to lead with equity, cultural responsiveness, and instructional excellence.
5. Demonstrated record of improving student outcomes and narrowing achievement gaps.
6. Ability to manage fiscal, physical, and human resources to successfully carry out the functions and programs of the school by communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
7. Deep appreciation for the historic and social significance of Little Rock Central High School.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

• A courageous, visionary leader committed to advancing the academic and social-emotional success of ALL students.
• A reflective practitioner who leads with empathy, integrity, and transparency.
• Skilled in engaging students, families, alumni, and community partners in a shared vision of excellence.
• A builder of teacher capacity and collective efficacy.
• Passionate about honoring the school's legacy while leading it confidently into the future.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements of duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position.

1. Student Achievement Leadership:

• Support data-driven decision-making to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of academic programs and interventions.
• Collaborate with instructional staff to analyze student performance and implement strategies to enhance learning.
• Promote a culture of high expectations and academic rigor for all students.

2. Organizational Leadership:

• Participate in developing and sustaining a positive and inclusive school culture that aligns with district values.
• Assist in setting clear goals and expectations for staff and students.
• Help coordinate school-wide initiatives and policies to ensure consistency and alignment with district priorities.
• Support the current principal in staff recruitment, retention, and professional growth.

3. Instructional Leadership:

• Participate in classroom observations and provide feedback to teachers to enhance their instructional practices.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities focused on effective teaching strategies.
• Promote the use of research-based instructional methods and continuous learning for staff.
• Support curriculum implementation and alignment with state and district standards.

4. Management:

• Assist with daily school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Help manage student discipline procedures to ensure fair and consistent enforcement.
• Support compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Participate in safety and crisis management planning and implementation.

5. Community Partners:

• Represent the school in community meetings and events.
• Collaborate with external partners to provide additional resources and opportunities for students.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders through various channels to build trust and engagement.
• Foster relationships with families, community organizations, and local businesses to support student success.

6. Ethical Leadership:

• Model ethical behavior, integrity, and transparency in all aspects of leadership.

• Promote equity, inclusion, and respect throughout the school community.
• Advocate for the needs of all students and staff with fairness and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to district policies and legal requirements.

Requirements represent the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must possess the necessary skills and aptitudes to perform each duty effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications should be submitted online through the Little Rock School District Employment Portal.

In addition to completing the online application, interested candidates MUST also submit the following in the online portal:

1. A letter of interest highlighting their qualifications and leadership philosophy.
2. A current résumé or CV.
3. Current licensure and certifications.
4. Three professional references.

Mental Functions, Physical Requirements, and Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, go up and down stairs, operate foot and hand controls, use a telephone, and write. Occasionally, employees must lift and/or move up to twenty (20) pounds or more. This position requires accurate perception of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational materials and/or objects, and providing oral information. Must have the ability to work for the duration of the daily contracted time period, and to be physically present and at assigned work, with only infrequent unexcused absences, during the contract year. Additional technical skills, knowledge, and abilities may be recommended by the immediate supervisor and approved by the Human Resources Director.

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