Start Date: The role officially begins with the 2026–2027 school year. Ideally, the selected candidate will engage in an early onboarding and transition period to ensure a seamless handoff and continued momentum.

Location: Tampa, Florida

School Mission:

To educate, inspire, and empower students by providing a mutually transformative educational environment that integrates 21st century knowledge and skills with personalized and innovative instruction, school/community partnerships, and focuses on social responsibility and leadership.

School Vision:

We will be a model for transformative teaching and learning, demonstrating methods and techniques that are replicated in high quality public high schools across the state and the nation.

School History:

Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (PHS) opened in August 2019 with its inaugural class of ninth-grade students and has added one grade level each subsequent year. Founded by a group of passionate community leaders, the school was established to bring an innovative and future-focused educational model to Hillsborough County. PHS combines Project-Based Learning with the AICE Cambridge Program, offering students both hands-on, real-world experiences and rigorous academic preparation. The school is an A-Rated institution and has been recognized as Hillsborough County’s top-performing high school, maintaining a 100% graduation rate since its first graduating class. Further details can be found at https://patelhighschool.org/.

The Position:

The Principal leads the implementation of the School’s mission and vision, upholding high academic standards across curriculum design, instructional practices, and student achievement. In addition to overseeing school facilities and financial performance, the Principal fosters a stable, supportive environment for both faculty and students. The Principal provides strong organizational and instructional leadership in order to assure high student outcomes. Building on the school’s historical roots in Project-Based Learning practices, the Principal strives to cultivate a culture of rigorous learning with increased outcomes for all students. The Principal promotes the professional growth of every teacher and ensures that professional development, feedback, and coaching are aligned with formal and informal evaluation systems. The Principal is responsible for ensuring compliance with the School District of Hillsborough County and The Florida Department of Education.

Qualifications:

• Florida Certification in Educational Leadership, School Principal, or Administration/Supervision (required)
• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or related field (required)
• Minimum 10 years of combined teaching and school leadership experience (required)
• Proven record of success in a high-performing or independent charter school (preferred)

Terms: The Principal reports to the Governing Board; this is a twelve (12) month position.

Core Competencies

• People Leadership: Cultivates a cohesive culture of trust, collaboration, and high performance. Empowers and motivates staff, students, and families through clear communication, recognition, and support.
• Instructional Leadership: Builds teacher capacity through coaching, data analysis, and continuous improvement cycles.
• Strategic Operations: Aligns the school calendar, staffing, and budget to ensure sustainable growth and mission fulfillment.
• Innovative Program Development: Designs, enhances, and scales forward-thinking academic and extracurricular programs—expanding opportunities such as Project-Based Learning, AICE Cambridge, dual enrollment, and partnerships that prepare students for college and career success.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses academic and operational metrics to drive results and report progress to the Board.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensures the school meets all local, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Community & Family Engagement: Strengthens relationships with parents, community organizations, and business partners.
• Talent Development: Hires, retains, and evaluates high-performing staff; builds leadership pipelines and fosters accountability.
• Deep Knowledge of Academic Frameworks: Demonstrates a strong understanding of Project-Based Learning and the AICE Cambridge Program.
• Commitment to Excellence: Upholds the school’s mission through an unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Essential Responsibilities

The Principal serves as the school’s chief executive and instructional leader, responsible for all aspects of academic performance, operations, compliance, and culture. The Governing Board entrusts the Principal to provide the educational expertise, professional judgment, and day-to-day leadership necessary to ensure the success and sustainability of the school.

1. Governance, Finance, and Compliance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Governing Board, providing data-informed recommendations and ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and charter.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal integrity and transparency.
• Lead all compliance reporting, state submissions, and audits with accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain oversight of all legal, safety, and regulatory obligations, ensuring the school remains in good standing at all times.

2. Instruction, Curriculum, and Student Achievement

• Drive the academic vision of the school and ensure fidelity to instructional excellence across all classrooms.
• Establish and monitor goals for student achievement, growth, and college readiness.
• Direct curriculum alignment, instructional coaching, and assessment implementation.
• Oversee all student support systems, including MTSS, ESE, 504, and ELL programs, to ensure equity and access for all learners.

3. Staffing and Professional Development

• Build and sustain a high-performing team through strategic recruitment, selection, and retention practices.
• Lead all evaluation and professional growth systems for instructional and non-instructional staff.
• Design and implement professional development that advances teacher practice and aligns with school priorities.

4. Operations, Safety, and Facilities

• Oversee the school’s daily operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and mission-aligned execution.
• Manage all facilities, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness systems.
• Coordinate scheduling, technology infrastructure, and resource allocation to maximize learning outcomes.

5. Student and Family Engagement

• Create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and achievement-oriented school culture.
• Engage families as partners through transparent communication, meaningful involvement, and shared accountability.
• Oversee student discipline, attendance, and support systems to promote well-being and academic success.

6. Marketing, Enrollment, and Community Relations

• Lead strategic recruitment and retention initiatives to maintain enrollment and community trust.
• Represent the school publicly, cultivating partnerships with universities, local businesses, and community organizations.
• Serve as the face of the school’s mission and accomplishments to all external stakeholders.

7. Continuous Improvement and Accountability

• Set annual goals, track key performance indicators, and report progress to the Governing Board.
• Use data to inform decision-making and maintain a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Anticipate challenges, implement solutions, and ensure the long-term success of the school.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $120,000 – $150,000 (commensurate with experience)Benefits include: Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and Paid Time Off