Middle School Principal (Grades 5-8)

Job Description:
Independence Local School District is seeking a visionary, dynamic, and dedicated Middle School Principal to lead our grades 5-8 school community. This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative educational leader to positively impact the academic, social, and emotional growth of our middle school students. The Principal will create a collaborative and inclusive environment that fosters student success, supports staff development, and partners with families and the community. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, a relationship builder, and a champion for students, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Vision: Provide strong, forward-thinking leadership to the school, ensuring alignment with district goals and values. Develop and implement a shared vision for academic excellence, student development, and school culture.
• Student-Centered Focus: Advocate for and promote student success by overseeing academic programs, extracurricular activities, and student support systems. Foster a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
• Staff Development: Mentor, support, and empower teachers and staff through professional development opportunities, coaching, and regular feedback. Create a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among faculty.
• Curriculum and Instruction: Work closely with teachers to ensure curriculum alignment and effective instructional practices that meet the needs of all students. Encourage innovation in teaching methods, technology integration, and differentiated instruction.
• Behavior and Discipline: Create and maintain a positive school culture by implementing and enforcing school-wide behavior policies (PBIS). Support restorative practices and conflict resolution strategies that help students develop social-emotional skills.
• Family and Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with families and the broader community to create a sense of partnership and shared responsibility for student achievement. Communicate regularly with parents and community members, keeping them informed and engaged in school activities.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Analyze student achievement data and other key performance indicators to inform instructional decisions, identify areas for improvement, and ensure accountability for student success.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee day-to-day school operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting, and facilities management. Ensure compliance with all district, state, and federal regulations and policies.
• Crisis Management and Support: Lead the school in responding to crises, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. Provide support during challenging situations and maintain a calm and effective approach to problem-solving.
• Innovative Programs: Develop and implement programs that promote student engagement, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Support extracurricular activities that provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and talents.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration
• Valid administrative certification for the state of Ohio
• Proven experience in school leadership, preferably in a middle school setting, with a track record of improving student outcomes and fostering a positive school culture.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum and instruction, including best practices for middle school education.
• Expertise in managing student behavior, promoting social-emotional learning, and creating a safe, inclusive school environment.
• Ability to lead staff through change and foster a collaborative, high-performance team.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• A passion for working with middle school students and a deep understanding of adolescent development.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate with primary and high school principals.

Preferred:

• Experience with PBIS, innovative instructional models, and curriculum/instruction.
• Familiarity with data-driven decision-making and using assessment data to guide instruction.
• Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and operational leadership in a school setting.

Why Independence?

At Independence, we believe that every student deserves a supportive and enriching middle school experience that prepares them for high school and beyond. As the Middle School Principal, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the educational experience of our students, foster a positive school culture, and collaborate with an exceptional team of educators and community partners. We are looking for a passionate leader who is dedicated to ensuring that all students are given the tools and opportunities to succeed both academically and personally.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should complete the application process in Frontline or by visiting our website https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/personnel by the application deadline.
 

Independence is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued, and every student is empowered to thrive.