Principal – Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School

General Responsibilities

The principal serves the school in a professional manner and acts in accordance with Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings. The principal ensures that the school is integral to the mission of evangelization of the parish/archdiocese by giving witness to Gospel living, spiritual and educational development, and a deepening of the faith in all members of the local community.

Catholic Identity and Culture

• Promotes and facilitates an environment which fosters the Catholic identity of the school.
• Ensures that the faculty is well established, able to teach and witness to the Catholic faith, and meets all catechetical requirements.
• Fosters a positive, welcoming school culture that encourages Christian treatment and communication amongst stakeholders.
• Encourages active participation of stakeholders in prayer, liturgies, service, and the greater life of the parish.
• Promotes parent/guardian partnerships in advancing the mission of the school and the ministry of Catholic education.
• Models’ professionalism and Catholic values

Academic Excellence

• Ensures all students are engaged in appropriate and rigorous academic learning.
• Ensures that instruction meets archdiocesan standards.
• Oversees the recruitment, onboarding, development, and evaluation of all teachers and staff.
• Develops and implements school improvement goals.
• Ensures accuracy of student performance (through various forms) and that assessment data is utilized to promote quality teaching and learning.
• Fosters practices to ensure quality learning for students of diverse backgrounds, including various socio-economic groups, students with defined learning needs, and English language learners.
• Oversees co-curricular activities (extended school day, sports, activity clubs) ensuring that the programs are compliant with local and archdiocesan policies.

School Viability

• Ensures that the school meets all compliance requirements set forth by the Archdiocese and any/all other relevant agencies, e.g., ISBE, etc.
• Works with a local business manager/Operations Director to develop, implement, and monitor the school budget.
• Works with the local business manager/Operations Director to implement scholarship programs and the Archdiocesan financial aid tool.
• Constructs and implements a targeted marketing and enrollment plan for the school.

General Administration

• Develops appropriate handbooks for school families and school staff.
• Ensures the presence, quality, and functionality of the local school board.
• Maintains a positive relationship and open lines of communication with the pastor and OCS staff.
• Ensures that all staff and volunteers adhere to archdiocesan child protection policies.
• Identifies, encourages, and mentors future school leaders.
• Maintains accurate local files and records for each student and employee.
• Ensures the school environment is safe, clean, and healthy.
• Attends archdiocesan and local meetings, as required.

Requirements

• Active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Master’s degree (or higher) in school administration or related field.
• State certification in school administration.
• Archdiocesan Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE).
• At least three years (full-time) prior experience in education as a teacher or administrator (Catholic school preferred).