Principal - Lower School - Fredericksburg Christian School : Job Details

Job Type Full-time Description The Principal at the Lower School supports and advances the mission of FCS by directing the program and special activities of the preschool, kindergarten, afternoon kindergarten, first through fifth grade classes, and before and after school daycare, overseeing the building, grounds and play areas to make sure they are secure and well-maintained; coordinates the use of the building; is directly responsible to the Head of School; and works closely with the Superintendent, other department Principals, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Finance Director and Operations Director. Responsibilities of the Elementary PrincipalA. With Administrators 1. Functions as an active member of the administrative team, keeping the Head of School, Dean of Instructional Leadership, Upper School Principals, Finance Director, Director of Student Development, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Operations Director informed of the needs and activities of the department and development of student programs 2. Works closely with the Upper School Principal to assure a smooth transition for students from Lower School to Upper School; assures a smooth transition from preschool to Kindergarten; coordinates scheduling of shared faculty members 3. Leads the process of the interviewing potential new staff members and the hiring of a qualified team for the department; gets approval from Head of School before final hire 4. Meets regularly with other administrators to reinforce unity of purpose and help plan school events 5. Works with the Head of School, Upper School Principal, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction to plan teacher training in-service programs that assure the quality of the educational program and inspires teachers and staff toward excellence 6. Prepares a yearly budget and works closely with the Finance Director and Head of School to stay within that budget B. With Teachers 1. Works closely with Grade Level Leaders, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Head of School to build and maintain a strong Christ-centered academic program which meets state requirements and is integrated biblically 2. Observes and assists teachers in strengthening instruction; conducts teacher and staff evaluations; prepares a written evaluation for each according to evaluation policies 3. Makes sure that new teachers are trained in curriculum objectives and specific methods in conjunction with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction 4. Coordinates a schedule of weekly meetings where a spirit of unity and commitment can be built, and where activities and schedules are planned and reviewed; coordinates in-service instruction with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction 5. Supports Director of Curriculum and Instruction with any needs related to weekly teacher lesson plans 6. Plans teacher assignments, and assigns students to classes 7. Assesses needs for texts, supplies, and equipment and ensures the order of these items 8. Coordinates scheduling for all activities such as morning duty, recesses, library, computer, P.E., music, art, chapels, arrival and dismissal 9. Leads spiritually throughout all programs; assigns and oversees Prayer and Share time, making sure that all teachers attend at least one per week 10. Oversees preparation of report cards and reads and edits formal written communication that goes to parents C. With Students 1. Builds a positive relationship based on mutual respect with as many students as possible 2. Oversees the movement of students in and out of the building and between classes; is highly visible 3. Oversees the general discipline of students along with the Assistant Principal to document significant discipline situations; enforces school and department policies on dress code and classroom behavior; communicates with the Superintendent on special situations 4. Plans chapel programs and other special programs, emphasizing salvation, worship, growth in Christian character and ministry to others 5. Maintains awareness of those students who need extra help academically or an extra challenge, and coordinates efforts with teachers and Resource Center Coordinator to see that these needs are being met; maintains awareness of students with special spiritual and emotional needs and disciples one-on-one or refers student for professional counseling 6. Oversees preparation of report cards and reads and edits all report cards before they are sent home 7. Checks to make sure student records are complete and up-to-date 8. Develops ways to build a positive spirit among students through Spirit Week and other special activities; models a spirit of praise and encouragement D. With Parents 1. Develops partnership with parents, meets often with them and encourages close communication between parents and teachers 2. Writes or edits orientation notes for parents and regular parent communications throughout the year 3. Participates in teacher-parent conferences as necessary 4. Participates in making decisions regarding enrollment; consults with faculty and other administrators for any challenging admissions decisions 5. Plans yearly orientation meetings and Back-to-School Night 6. Plans Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day in cooperation with the Development Department 7. Oversees parent volunteer program E. With Office Staff 1. Works with secretaries and nurse to see that student and staff needs are served appropriately; coordinates activities such as picture day, Field Day, chapels, etc. 2. Oversees assignments given to other office staff and office volunteers and helps prioritize work that needs to be accomplished 3. Keeps informed of the information that flows through the office 4. Encourages warm, welcoming, yet business-like environment in the office F. Other Responsibilities 1. Functions as a building CEO, overseeing the opening and closing and has the overall responsibility for the operation and appearance of the building, in coordination with Operations Director 2. Oversees bus operation and the arrival and departure procedures, working closely with the Transportation Coordinator and Operations Director, to ensure a safe environment 3. Makes sure all positions are adequately covered daily 4. Works with the Operations Director, Facilities Supervisor, maintenance staff, and cleaning crew to make sure the building is cleaned, well maintained and set up is prepared for events 5. Maintains awareness about church or other programming through the Operations Director who oversees facility usage for outside groups 6. Plans room usage and storage of materials 7. Assures appropriate technology readiness of faculty and support staff in conjunction with the technology team 8. Works with Operations Director to conduct emergency drills (such as fire, tornado, lockdown and active shooter drills) according to state and local guidelines Requirements The Principal at the Lower School should have the following qualifications: 1. Committed Christian with a close personal walk with the Lord, maintained through personal routines (such as prayer and reading the Bible) and in the school setting (through regular participation in Prayer and Share devotional times and other spiritual development opportunities at the school) (1 Thessalonians 5:11) 2. Possesses Christian character qualities to serve as a role model for young people and readiness to share faith in Christ with students as part of our school's mission (1 Timothy 4:12) 3. Regular in attendance at a Christian, protestant, Bible-believing church, whose fundamental beliefs are not contrary to the FCS Statement of Faith (Hebrews 10:25) 4. Commitment to a Biblical lifestyle, not promoting or engaging in actions, beliefs, or lifestyles contrary to biblical standards, such as premarital, extramarital, transgender, or homosexual behavior (Romans 12:1-2, I Corinthians 6:9-20, Ephesians 4:1-11, 5:3-5, I Thessalonians 4:3-8, I Timothy 4:12, II Timothy 2:19-22, I Peter 1:15-16, 2:15-17, I John 3:1-3) 5. If married, a solid commitment based on Mark 10:9 and positive marital relationship 6. Strong commitment to Christian education 7. Master's Degree in Education, School Administration, or related field. 8. Broad classroom experience and preferrable 2+ years experience as a principal or school administrator. 9. Committed to keeping ACSI or state certification current according to FCS guidelines; ACSI certificate in administration required 10. Ability to inspire and motivate teachers and administrators and to encourage their growth as Christian professionals 11. Understanding of the spiritual, emotional, social, physical and academic needs of young people 12. Strong interpersonal skills 13. Professional, reliable, committed to excellence in self and others 14. Able to maintain confidentiality 15. An effective leader who is able to take initiative to solve problems while also working closely and cooperatively with others 16. Ability to communicate sensitively with students, staff, parents and the general public and to communicate a vision for Christian education 17. Teachable, servant spirit 18. Must be eligible to work in the United States. FCS does not reimburse for relocation expenses.