Understanding Principal Contracts

A: The type of contract issued to a new principal depends on his or her experience and employment history as a district employee. Individuals who are new to the district can be hired on a probationary contract. However, the district has the option to forego the probationary contract and employ the person on a term contract if he or she is an experienced principal.

An individual currently employed by the district on a term contract must continue to be employed on a term contract, even when placed in a new position (e.g., when a teacher becomes a principal). He or she cannot be returned to a probationary contract due to lack of experience in the new assignment.

A former district employee who was employed on a term contract can be rehired on a probationary contract providing there is a two-year break in service.