Principal, Cornerstone Academy

Position Summary

The Principal assumes authority, responsibility and accountability for development and support of the educational process at Cornerstone Academy. The Principal is a visible leader of the school and the Chief Executive Officer of the 501(c)3 organization. This person reports to the Board of Directors and serves on the Board, the Executive Committee, and any other Board Committees as warranted.

Responsibilities

Academic Affairs

• Coordinates development and monitoring School Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP)

• Ensures development and ongoing evaluation of school curriculum consistent with the mission

  of the school, needs of the students and their communities, and current educational trends

• Determines faculty assignments for teaching schedule; participates in teaching schedule as

  needed

• Oversees and approves annual school calendar and master school schedule, including all field

  trips, school-sponsored events, and coordination of parent-teacher conferences

• Approves use and purchase of resources, including textbooks and educational services

Personnel Management and Development

• Participates in recruitment, interviewing, selection, hiring, and termination of all faculty/staff

• Responsible for orientation of all new school faculty/staff

• Supervises the work of all school personnel

• Sets clear expectations for and supports professional growth; helps develop and facilitate

  faculty/staff meetings and in-service programs

• Approves appointments of interns, volunteers, and aides

Student Achievement and Success

• Active in student recruitment efforts

• Approves admission of new and returning students

• Monitors standardized student assessments

• Ensures disciplinary standards are enforced and develops additional standards as necessary

• Oversees Student Work-Study program

• Collaborates with the Board to create and maintain strategic school plans, develop and steward

  financial resources appropriately, create and update policies and procedures as needed, and

  ensure 501(c)3 viability

• Ensures completion of reports required by accrediting agencies and the state of Illinois

• Manages school facilities (with Boulevard Presbyterian Church) and budget accounts

• Reviews and ensures excellent communication to potential and current families, students, and

  donors, including all published materials and electronic content (website, social media)

• Raises funds from personal and corporate donors; available to meet with donors as needed

• Maintains a leading presence at school events

• Delegates and/or undertakes duties as needed

Skills

• Ability to engage, educate, and discipline high school students

• Maturity/Professionalism; ability to maintain healthy personal boundaries

• Willingness to engage donors and actively participate in raising funds for the school

• Ability to demonstrate flexibility

• Ability to lead and develop personnel; delegation of authority

• Basic budgeting and project management

• Mentoring/Coaching skills

• Conflict-resolution and problem-solving

• Knowledge of legal regulations and best practices in high school education

• Organizational skills; coordinating resources and personnel

• Stress management skills

• Time management skills

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret various forms of communication

  Good interpersonal skills are a necessity, including an ability to work well with the variety of ages, cultures, and temperaments represented among Cornerstone Academy staff, students, families, and donors

  Commitment to demonstrating personal integrity through punctuality, honesty, an ability to follow instructions, proper attention to detail in all work matters, and a willingness learn from others.

  Mission Statement:

  Cornerstone Academy exists to provide students who are not succeeding in other schools a second chance. We are an intentionally small Christian high school experience designed to provide them a personalized and comprehensive education leading towards a diploma, a Christian moral understanding, and tools for self-sufficiency.

  Vision:

  Our vision is that students at Cornerstone Academy will develop into lifelong learners who are confident, competent, contributing members of society and God’s Kingdom.

  www.cornerstonechicago.org
  Please Reply to: boardchair@cornerstonechicago.org