Principal Selection Process

Planning to become a school principal? Review the new process.

Steps to becoming a principal: Application Screening, Screening Interview, On-Site Central Office Screening, Principal Pool, School-Specific Panel Interview, Region Interview, Superintendent Interview

The Department of Human Resources worked with Region Offices and other departments on the development of a new principal selection process. The most significant change is the introduction of a candidate pool, or Principal Pool, as the initial step. The new process still includes several elements of the existing process such as school-community input and school-specific interviews.

Implementing a Principal Pool will help increase and diversify FCPS' candidate pool, and ensure greater transparency around how FCPS selects its schools' leaders. It will also allow additional leadership development opportunities for aspiring principals. The pool model aligns with FCPS’ Strategic Plan, Ignite.

FCPS rolled out the new Principal Pool process in September 2017. Eligible candidates will be invited into the pool after having successfully participated in a series of rigorous assessments demonstrating their leadership qualifications. Starting in  2018, when a principal vacancy is determined, only candidates in the Principal Pool will have an opportunity to express interest. Current FCPS principals will automatically be considered candidates in the pool.  

Information Sessions

Candidates interested in learning more about the principal selection pool process are encouraged to attend an information session. Sign-ups for the information sessions for current employees are through MyPLT. Click on Course Offerings and search “Principal Selection Process.”  For all others interested in attending please email HRPrincipalPool@fcps.edu to sign up for a session. Window 1 (Fall) information sessions are held in August and Window 2 (Spring) information sessions are held in January.

Annual Pool Process Windows

Window 1 (Fall) Application

  • April through Early September: FCPS Principal Pool Advertises 
  • Mid-September through Mid-October: Screening of Qualified Applicants 
  • End of October: Principal Candidate Pool Determined

Window 2 (Spring) Application

  • November through Mid-February: FCPS Principal Pool Advertises
  • February through March:  Screening of Qualified Applicants
  • April:  Principal Candidate Pool Determined

Learn more about the principal selection process.

Portrait of a Graduate

Portrait of a Graduate moves FCPS students and staff members to look beyond the high-stakes testing environment and to help our students develop skills so they can be successful in the workforce of the future.

School-based Administrator Performance Evaluation Program

Performance standards, key elements, and matrices for school-based administrators.

Principal Pool Application

The application window for Fall 2019 is now open. It will close on September 6, 2019.
Apply today!

Do you have questions about the principal selection process?

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