Expert: Patricia Ireland-Williams - 10/20/2009

Question
Hi:

There is a principal who runs our high school in New York who has a second job as a CEO of a company. I know for a fact that he is doing his second job while at school.

Are principals forbidden to have second jobs...really it is a second career? It seems impprobale that one can do another job as you have said that being a good principal requires 12-14 hours per day.

Are principals exempt employees?

Do they operate under contract?

What do you suggest I do to handle this matter? I think he is close buddies with the Superintendent of the District.

Thank you,

John

Answer
John,

Being a high school Principal is definately a full time job but obviously, this individual is choosing to spend his time doing another job as well.  I imagine that if he is a close buddy of the Superintendent, he has his blessing as well.  

I do not know how the state of New York regulates Principals (I have worked only in Colorado and Arizona).  Here Principals are contract employees, have no tenure and not considered exempt. Principals are evaluated annually by the Superintendent.  There are no restrictions on having other employment.  

If you are this Principal's immediate supervisor, you need to discuss your concern with him and indicate what deficiencies you have observed as a result of your on-going documentation.  If you are not in this position you might consider speaking to the Superintendent and School Board about your concern.  Be sure that you have a lot of documentation to back up your allegations.  

Best wishes,

Patricia