Principal

PRINCIPAL OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School in Waterford, Michigan, a school accredited by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools, seeks an educational leader who possesses a strong commitment to the Catholic faith and Catholic education. The new principal should be prepared to work closely with the moderator of the family parishes, faculty, staff, and parents, as well as working with the Archdiocesan Department of Catholic Schools to ensure the vitality of our school. Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School educates a diverse group of students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The school is part of a Christ-centered parish community; however, many students come from areas outside the parish boundaries to receive the benefit of a Catholic school education.

Mission: Guided by the Holy Spirit, under the Mantle of Mary, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School forms disciples through tradition, personal discipline and academic excellence.

The principal serves as the institutional leader for Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School. The school is a ministry of the parish, and the principal ensures that the policies, decisions, and directives of the school are realized. The principal’s role involves leadership, planning, vision, and advancement.

Qualifications & Requirements

• A faith-filled practicing Catholic who will embrace and promote the Catholic identity of the school.
• Master's degree in educational administration.
• K-12 teaching experience in Catholic schools.
• Educational leadership experience.
• A relational, collaborative servant-leader who will connect joyfully and genuinely with all students, parents, colleagues, and other key stakeholders and is adept at building relationships.
• Adept at building and growing an organization/institution.
• A mentor who will recognize the critical role of all faculty and staff and celebrate their achievements in fulfilling the vital mission of the school.
• Proven skill in recruiting, supporting, developing, and motivating high-quality faculty and staff.
• Experience with critical areas of school leadership including development, enrollment management, school finances, program development, faculty, and staff support.
  
  

Performance Responsibilities

Catholic Identity

• Promotes and facilitates an environment that ensures the Catholic identity of the school.
• Cultivates parent/guardian partnerships to advance the mission of the school and the ministry of Catholic education.
• Implements conflict management procedures as necessary with Catholic underpinnings.
• Promotes a culture of dignity and respect for each member of the school community.
  
  

Academic Excellence

• Identifies, implements, and monitors annual goals and strategies to ensure the overall quality of the academic program.
• Implements academic standards consistent with state and national guidelines.
• Remains current in educational research and best practices.
• Recruits, screens, hires, and assigns certified teachers and other qualified personnel.
• Supervises and evaluates faculty and staff on a regular basis.
• Develops and implements quality professional staff development programs.
• Assists faculty in researching, designing, and implementing principles of effective instruction and assessment.
• Maintains a continuous plan of assessment/evaluation of the instructional program and the religious, academic, social, and emotional growth of the students.
• Designs and implements communication strategies to ensure that school families are informed about the school.
• Develops appropriate handbooks for students, parents, and school staff.
• Maintains accurate local files and records for each student and employee.
• Oversees co-curricular activities (extended day, athletics, activity clubs) ensuring that the programs follow local and diocesan policies.
• Attends required Archdiocese of Detroit Department of Catholic Schools meetings.
  
  

School Operations

• Reviews and assures compliance of the total school program with state accrediting requirements.
• Communicates effectively and in a timely manner with internal and external constituencies.
• Establishes and coordinates school calendar and schedules.
• Participates in the planning of the annual school budget.
• Ensures the maintenance and safety of the school plant according to local, state, Archdiocesan and the Department of Catholic schools’ policies, procedures, and directives.
• Develops plans for the safety and well-being of the students and staff including response to emergencies and unforeseen events.
• Creates and maintains an aesthetically pleasing school environment.
• Informs appropriate constituencies of changes in Archdiocese of Detroit policies and procedures.
• Protects the rights of and maintains confidentiality and discretion regarding school personnel, students, and general school matters.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement pension, paid vacation, sick and personal time off, and optional life insurance.

Please send your application materials to Fr. Scott Thibodeau at moderator@ollonline.org and to Eric Haley at haley.eric@aod.org.