Grammar School Principal

TITLE: Principal (elementary)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

LOCATION: Detroit, MI

REPORTS TO: President

WHO WE ARE AS A DETROIT CHARTER SCHOOL

A community seeking to transition to classical charter schools in order to achieve our mission to live the Complete Life.

OUR MISSION

I seek for myself to live the Complete Life, a virtuous life, a life of excellence, in the unfolding of the American promise. As the Rev. Dr. King, Jr. has taught, a complete life is of length, to live for a purpose born; of breadth, to be a person for others; and, of height, to know God. On this journey I will carry with me humility, curiosity, courage, self-discipline, patience, perseverance, prudence, forgiveness, joy….and love. We will then discover and love those things that are true, good, grace-filled, and beautiful.

OUR NAMING CONVENTION

Our Founders and Civil Rights Leaders took steps to fulfill the American Promise.  Therefore, we name our schools after them: Jefferson-Douglass Academy (K-8), Washington-Parks Academy (K-8), Madison-Carver Academy (K-5), Adams-Young Elementary School (K-5), Adams-Young Middle School (6-8), and Lincoln-King High School (9-12).

OUR HISTORY AND OUR FUTURE

With a broad and beloved community of friends we have been doing our work in Detroit for more than 30 years. We seek to transition to classical charter schools that will help make the living of a Complete Life possible for ourselves, our students, faculty, staff, and families. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW

An experienced classical school leader who can transform one of our K-5 schools into a high quality classical school and teach our other Principals how to replicate such success.

WHY BE THIS PRINCIPAL AT CORNERSTONE RIGHT NOW?

• Create a successful transition of one school and help transform the full system
• Make real a mission that is unlike any other public school in the country
• Tackle a great challenge
• Learn and grow as a person and as a leader

WHAT WE OFFER

• A rare challenge in the heart of Detroit that can be the beginning of a larger change
• Great people
• Safe quality facilities that are conducive to quality learning
• Competitive compensation and benefits

JOB OVERVIEW

This Principal will be responsible to transform one of our K-5 schools into a successful classical charter school aligned with our mission and vision. The Principal will develop, implement, and manage all academic and administrative policies, procedures, and practices that promote student achievement, academic excellence, and student engagement as a classical charter school. This individual will work collaboratively with the school’s leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives that support the growth and success of a classical charter school.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Provide leadership and vision for the school in all aspects of operations
• In collaboration with the Cornerstone leadership team, transition the school to a classical charter school utilizing effective change management practices
• Lead and evaluate faculty and staff, ensuring that they are meeting the school’s expectations for excellence in teaching and learning
• Develop and maintain a positive school culture that fosters student engagement and a sense of community among students, faculty, and families
• Ensure that the school is aligned with the school’s mission, and that all programs and initiatives support these objectives
• Work collaboratively with the school’s leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives that support the school’s growth and success
• Support the design of classical education at Cornerstone, leveraging classical school models and Cornerstone’s history and mission
• Build an understanding of the complementary nature of the Complete Life and the American Promise for yourself and in turn for teachers, staff, students, and parents
• Build an understanding of our “Cornerstone Leadership Model” (Self-Aware Strategist, Creative Problem-Solver, Restorative Relationship-Builder, Collaborative Team-Member, Centered Soul, Courageous Role Model) for yourself and in turn for teachers, staff, and students
• Develop, implement, and manage academic and administrative policies and procedures that promote student achievement and academic excellence
• Ensure that the school is in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with parents, community members, and other stakeholders
• Under the direction of network leadership, the school’s budget, resources, and facilities to ensure that they are effectively and efficiently used to support student achievement and academic excellence

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Commitment to learn and pursue Cornerstone’s mission
• Desire and mindset to learn and grow as a person and professional
• Master's degree in classical education or related field
• At least five years of experience as a principal or other school leadership position; some or all of the experience in a classical school
• Strong knowledge of best practices and trends in classical education
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with staff, students, parents and others
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Experience with budget management and resource allocation
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements