Summary
We are seeking an experienced and student-centered educational leader to serve as Principal at Chippewa Middle School. This position provides instructional leadership and is responsible for the overall administration, safety, and effectiveness of the school. The Principal fosters a positive, inclusive, and high-performing learning environment that supports academic achievement and the social, emotional, and behavioral development of all students. This role works collaboratively with staff, families, and the community to advance district goals and ensure continuous school improvement.

Reports to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned.

Instructional Leadership & School Improvement

• Provide visionary leadership aligned with district priorities, the Strategic Plan, and Equity Plan.
• Lead curriculum planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional practices.
• Utilize data to inform decisions, monitor student progress, and improve outcomes.
• Support and implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for academics and behavior.
• Facilitate school improvement planning in collaboration with staff, families, and the School Improvement Team.
• Coordinate and lead professional development aligned with instructional goals.

Culture, Climate & Student Support

• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
• Promote positive student behavior and enforce school policies consistently and fairly.
• Facilitate problem-solving to address students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Interact with students in a constructive manner that encourages high levels of achievement.
• Provide general supervision of students and oversee extracurricular activities.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, evaluate, and support certified and support staff.
• Hire, assign, and retain staff; assign teachers to classrooms and students to classes.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing professional culture.
• Address personnel matters including performance management, discipline, and conflict resolution.

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily building operations, including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Develop and manage the school budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements (e.g., accountability systems such as MI School Data/EdYes).
• Implement Board policies and administrative procedures at the building level.
• Coordinate with central office departments to ensure efficient school operations.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, parent groups, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding student progress, school initiatives, and accountability measures.
• Participate in district-wide committees, initiatives, and administrative team collaboration.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of school personnel.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with district policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, evaluating, and disciplining staff as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field (required).
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience (required); five (5)+ years of K-12 experience with leadership responsibilities preferred.

Certifications

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (required).
• Michigan School Administrator/Principal Certification (required or actively in progress with completion timeline).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and school improvement processes.
• Demonstrated ability to use data to drive decision-making.
• Knowledge of MTSS, school accountability systems, and state reporting requirements.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team while fostering collaboration and trust.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.
• Proficiency in technology for instruction, communication, and school management.

Additional Requirements

Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports and correspondence; and effectively present information to staff, families, and the community.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions; interpret complex instructions and manage multiple variables.

Other Skills and Abilities
Ability to apply current educational research, use technology effectively, and maintain awareness of district and Board policies.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and communicate. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, and depth perception.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a school environment with noise levels ranging from quiet to loud depending on daily activities.