POSITION: Elementary Principal

LOCATION: Kenowa Hills Central Elementary

START DATE: August 18, 2025
STARTING SALARY: $100,123BENEFITS: A generous and comprehensive annual salary and fringe benefit package is authorized by the Board of Education.

SUMMARY: The Central Elementary Principal serves as a key instructional and strategic leader in Kenowa Hills Public Schools. This position is responsible for building and sustaining a culture of high expectations and inclusive excellence, aligned with our district's vision to provide meaningful learning experiences for every student, every day.

The ideal candidate will build strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families; maintain a safe and welcoming school climate grounded in Capturing Kids' Hearts; and ensure rigorous academic instruction through data-informed, culturally responsive practices. The principal must demonstrate the ability to lead and support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in data cycles, oversee curriculum implementation, and collaborate closely with other building and district leaders.

Central Elementary is home to four Kent ISD regional self-contained programs (ASD and MiCI), so proficiency in supporting students with IEPs is essential. In addition, the principal serves as the school's 504 coordinator. The principal plays a key role in hiring and retaining high-quality staff, coordinating building safety practices, overseeing benchmark and state testing, and ensuring fidelity to the district's instructional frameworks, including the 5D evaluation model and SHINES character expectations.

This position serves as an integral part of the superintendent's administrative team and is a full-time, 215-day per year commitment. Elementary school principals are required to report at least three weeks prior to the start of the school year and work at least two weeks following the end of the school year. Elementary school principals are not required to work during student and staff breaks.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Michigan Administrative Certificate required. Candidates without an Administrative Certificate must be enrolled in a program by November 1, 2025 and obtain an Administrative Certificate within 3 years.
• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required; advanced degree is preferred.
• Educational leadership experience(s) required. Candidates lacking previous administrative position(s) should be able to cite highly successful leadership roles (such as a department, grade level, or school improvement chair positions).
• Minimum five (5) years of successful teaching experience required.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Knowledge and leadership experience with MTSS, PBIS, and data-informed intervention systems that support academics, mental health, and behavior.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build relationships and foster a positive, collaborative school culture with all stakeholders.
• Knowledge of School Improvement (SI) processes, state requirements, benchmark/state assessments, and curriculum implementation.
• Experience with grant funded programs (Title I Part A or Section 31a) preferred.

PRIMARY PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Create and sustain a safe, positive, learner-centered environment aligned with SHINES character traits and Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH).
2. Champion student academic, social, and emotional well-being-especially for underserved and marginalized learners-through strong Tier 1 instruction and targeted support.
3. Lead and support PLCs in data cycles that improve instruction, using the 5D instructional framework and district curriculum.
4. Foster strong relationships with staff, students, families, and the community through trust, communication, collaboration, partnerships, and shared purpose.
5. Serve as a collaborative instructional leader and partner with other building and district administrators to ensure alignment, equity, and innovation.
6. Collect and analyze data related to student achievement, discipline, and other factors affecting equity. Use data to identify disparities and develop targeted interventions to address them. Lead the analysis of benchmark and state assessment data to inform instructional decisions and monitor student progress.
7. Lead the development and monitoring of a building School Improvement Plan aligned to the District Strategic Plan and instructional goals.
8. Supervise, coach, and evaluate certified and support staff using the 5D framework; ensure continuous growth and accountability. Implement all tenants of instructional coaching and participate in coaching cycles.
9. Systematically seek and utilize feedback from students, staff, parents, district administrators, and community partners.
10. Collaborate with families, community organizations, and stakeholders to build partnerships that support equity and create a welcoming school environment. Foster open communication and ensure all families feel heard and valued.
11. Organize and direct annual reflection and review of school programming and systems to identify areas of improvement.
12. Hire, support, and retain high-quality certified and support staff; build a culture of excellence and inclusion.
13. Oversee efficient use of building-level resources and maintain fiscal responsibility.
14. Ensure compliance with all required state and federal reports, including special education, Title funding, and safety protocols.
15. Implement and uphold all district policies, procedures, and board expectations.
16. Annually identify and pursue areas for personal and professional growth aligned with the administrative evaluation process. Engage in professional learning aligned with district priorities.
17. Support and promote extracurricular and enrichment programs as vital extensions of student learning.
18. Communicate clearly and proactively with students, staff, and families to support understanding, transparency, and trust.
19. Attend and contribute to all required district and administrative meetings.
20. Assume responsibility for the general supervision and appearance of the grounds and buildings. The building should be safe, clean, and a welcoming facility environment for students, staff, and families.
21. Promote the school through events, social media, and community engagement in alignment with district messaging.
22. Actively serve on district leadership teams and cross-functional committees as part of our collaborative leadership model, as requested.
23. Collaborate with external partners (e.g., law enforcement, social services) to ensure student safety and well-being. This may include after hours and weekend availability.
24. Carry out additional responsibilities as directed by the superintendent or their designee.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk or hear. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Interested candidates should apply online at https://khps.schoolspring.com.

A complete application will include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Transcripts
• Certifications
• Three (3) current letters of reference

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 31, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Note to New Employees: Pursuant to PA 131, the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to the offer of employment. The candidate is responsible for the background check fee.

It is the policy of the Board that no staff member or candidate for a position in this District on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, creed or ancestry, age, gender, marital or family status, height, weight, military status, genetic information, political belief or disability which does not impair an individual's ability to perform adequately in the individual's particular position or activity, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which the Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.