The 10 Essential Tasks Principals Should Prioritize in May and June to Ensure School Success

As the academic year draws to a close, principals find themselves at a crucial juncture, with a myriad of responsibilities on their shoulders. May and June are pivotal months for educational leaders to focus on essential areas that will ensure the seamless operation and preparation for the upcoming academic year. Here are the key areas that demand the attention of principals during this critical period:

1. End-of-Year Assessments 

Principals play a vital role in overseeing the completion of assessments, exams, and grading processes for students. Your vigilance ensures accuracy and fairness in the evaluation, culminating the academic year on a strong note.

2. Graduation and Transition

As the school CEO, aka Principal, you shoulder the responsibility of planning and organizing graduation ceremonies and transition activities for students. These events mark significant milestones for students moving to the next grade level or graduating from the school, and principals ensure that celebrations and farewell events are orchestrated with precision and warmth.

3. Staff Evaluations and Professional Development

Conducting performance evaluations for teachers and staff is a critical task for principals. Providing constructive feedback and planning professional development opportunities for the upcoming year not only supports staff growth but also enhances overall instructional quality. Websites like edWeb.net, ASCD, and Learning Forward offer online courses, webinars, and resources tailored to school leaders’ professional development needs. If you are accredited through an agency like Cognia, use their built-in tools, accessible directly from your phone, to streamline the evaluation process.

4. Budget Planning and Review

The review of the current year’s budget and planning for resource allocation for the next academic year falls within the purview of principals. Your strategic considerations encompasses priorities and goals for school improvement, ensuring that resources are thoughtfully and purposefully directed. You should begin by reviewing the current budget, analyzing expenditure patterns, and collaborating with stakeholders to identify priorities for school improvement. By aligning budget allocations with these priorities, principals can ensure strategic use of resources to support teaching and learning outcomes. Regular monitoring and adjustments throughout the process ensure fiscal responsibility and support the school’s mission and vision.

5. Facility Maintenance and Upgrades

Principals are tasked with assessing facility needs, scheduling maintenance and repairs, and planning necessary upgrades or renovations during the summer break to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students and staff.

6. Curriculum Review and Planning

Reflection on the effectiveness of current curriculum and instructional practices falls under the ambit of principals. Identifying areas for improvement and planning curriculum revisions or enhancements for the next school year is instrumental in maintaining academic rigor. ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), offers a variety of resources, including books, articles, webinars, and professional development opportunities focused on curriculum design and implementation.

7. Student Enrollment and Registration

Overseeing student enrollment and registration processes for the upcoming academic year is a key responsibility for principals. Their diligence ensures the accuracy of records and compliance with enrollment requirements. For student enrollment and registration, principals can benefit from utilizing comprehensive enrollment management systems, and online registration platforms. One such resource is PowerSchool, a cloud-based enrollment solution designed to streamline the student registration process for schools and districts. It offers online forms, document uploads, parent communication tools, and integrates with SIS for efficient enrollment.

8. Professional Collaboration

Engaging in collaborative planning and meetings with school leadership teams, teachers, and stakeholders is critical for principals. These interactions facilitate discussions on school improvement initiatives, goals, and strategies, fostering a culture of shared vision and partnership. Membership in professional organizations such as the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) or the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) can provide access to resources, webinars, and networking opportunities.

9. Community Engagement

Principals strive to strengthen partnerships with parents, community organizations, and other stakeholders in the educational ecosystem. Seeking input and feedback on school programs and initiatives, they ensure that the school remains an integral part of the community it serves. Leveraging community resources such as local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and parent volunteers can provide additional support for school initiatives, enrichment programs, and student services.

10. Self-Reflection and Planning

By prioritizing these tasks, principals can effectively navigate the challenges and demands of the end of the school year, setting the stage for a smooth transition into the next academic year. Their diligent attention to these essential areas ensures that the school community remains on track for continued success and growth. Seeking mentorship or coaching from experienced school leaders or educational consultants, like JAG Consulting, can offer personalized support, guidance, and feedback tailored to individual professional development needs.

Whether it’s overseeing assessments, planning graduation ceremonies, conducting staff evaluations, or engaging in community partnerships, principals play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience of students and fostering an environment of excellence.

As educational leaders, principals are well-positioned to lead their schools towards success by dedicating themselves to these ten tasks during May and June. By doing so, they lay a solid foundation for the upcoming academic year and set the stage for continued growth, innovation, and achievement within their schools.

Need Help? Let JAG Consulting help you organize and complete your busy tasks, as you finish off the year and prepare for the 2024-25 school year. Book a complimentary call today and let us show you the first steps you can take to ensure the success of your school.