Seeking Principal for Independent Catholic Elementary School

Opening for Principal Position at Kingswood Academy, Darien, Illinois

Start date negotiable, position currently open

www.kingswoodacademy.org

 

Appeal for Principal Candidates

Applications are currently being accepted for an educator with a faith-first philosophy to serve as the principal of Kingswood Academy.  A successful candidate must be a devout and practicing Catholic who upholds the teachings of the faith and leads with Christlike humility and love.

About Kingswood

Kingswood Academy is an independent Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Joliet, with over 150 students and a waiting list for several grades. Our central mission is to aid parents in fulfilling their role as the primary educators of their children by providing for their moral, spiritual, and intellectual formation, so that they may grow to be competent, responsible men and women who live by Christian principles. In addition to academic excellence and good character formation, our family atmosphere helps develop a strong sense of leadership in our students and respect for the dignity of each person.

Roles and Responsibilities

As the primary leader of Kingswood Academy, the Principal’s roles include overall school administration, curriculum development, faculty and staff oversight, and interaction with students and parents. Specific responsibilities include:

School Administration

• Implement the strategic direction of the school according to its mission
• Coordinate with the Administrative Council in leading the school’s programs, behavioral guidelines, and expectations consistent with each individual’s proper roles
• Implement school policies and procedures, and revise when necessary
• Prepare and manage school class schedule and calendar, including summer school programs
• Administer and manage the school budget
• Manage all school communications with teachers and parents
• Serve as the school liaison to the Board of Directors and attend regular meetings
• Maintain educational standards established by the State of Illinois and the school’s accrediting agency, as well as catechesis standards established by the Diocese of Joliet
• Serve as substitute teacher when necessary
• Provide daily support throughout school year and during summer; unlock school in the morning, lock up at night
• Assist Business Manager with administration of enrollment and registration process

Curriculum Development

• Work constructively with the Administrative Council to articulate the school’s mission, goals, academic objectives, curriculum materials, methods and manner of assessment

Faculty and Staff Oversight

• Hire and evaluate staff, conduct yearly evaluations and manage school personnel records
• Manage and schedule substitute teachers when needed
• Create and implement development/improvement plans for faculty and staff
• Coordinate in-service training for faculty and staff
• Assist Business Manager with yearly staff contract updates

Student Oversight

• Monitor student achievement, maintain student records, oversee report card distribution
• Administer student discipline when escalated
• Provide issue resolution and mentorship to students when escalated

Parent Interaction

• Provide issue resolution between the school and parents when escalated
• Encourage parent involvement
• Meet with prospective families
• Represent the school at various school and community functions as needed

Building Maintenance

• Manage maintenance and repairs of school building and property
• Evaluate and hire building service contractors
• On call for emergency issues big and small, from building flooding to cleanup after sick kids, including after hours and weekends.

Marketing/Fundraising

• Assist in development of marketing materials and implementation of fundraising efforts
• Maintain relationships with parents, alumni and prospective donors through databases, newsletters and programs to keep families engaged with the school’s mission
• Coordinate and attend events including Catholic Schools Week and Open Houses
• Maintain Kingswood’s presence with community businesses, parishes and local government.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Bachelor or Masters in School Administration degree preferred
• 2-3 years’ experience in school administration preferred
• 2-3 years’ experience in teaching preferred

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically:

• Letter of introduction
• Resume
• Three to five professional references (names, email addresses, and telephone numbers)
• A brief written essay answering the following question:

There are many models for elementary education being advanced today due to the failures of the public school model. Kingswood’s unique blend of a classically-based curriculum and virtue training has proven to be a successful model of independent Catholic education for over 25 years. This is borne out by a low rate of turnover in our teachers, as well as good retention of families. How do you see yourself successfully carrying this heritage forward into the next decade, helping Kingswood to grow and prosper while maintaining its distinctive character and mission?

Send application materials electronically to:  leadership@kingswoodacademy.org

Application packets are reviewed immediately upon receipt; candidates will be notified before any references are contacted.