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Horizon Science Academy New Bedford

Reports To: Superintendent

Department: School Leadership

Location: Horizon Science Academy, New Bedford, Michigan

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

ABOUT CONCEPT SCHOOLS

Concept Schools is a nationally recognized charter management organization committed to providing high-quality, college-preparatory, STEM-focused public education. Our mission is to prepare students to become responsible, productive citizens through academic excellence, character development, innovation, and meaningful partnerships with families and communities.

The School Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the school, responsible for ensuring high levels of student achievement, developing effective educators, maintaining a safe and positive school culture, and leading continuous school improvement aligned with Concept Schools' mission, strategic priorities, and performance expectations.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal provides visionary leadership to all instructional and operational aspects of the school. The Principal is responsible for creating an environment where every student is supported to achieve academic success, every staff member is developed through coaching and accountability, and every family feels welcomed as a valued partner.

Working collaboratively with the Superintendent, Concept Schools Central Office, and the School Board, the Principal leads implementation of school improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, authorizer, and Concept Schools policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Instructional Leadership

The Principal shall:

• Establish and communicate a clear instructional vision aligned with Concept Schools' educational philosophy.
• Promote high expectations for academic achievement, student engagement, and character development.
• Ensure consistent implementation of Concept Schools curriculum, instructional frameworks, and assessment systems.
• Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs, formal observations, and coaching conferences.
• Provide timely, actionable feedback that improves instructional effectiveness.
• Develop teacher leadership capacity through coaching, mentoring, PLCs, and collaborative planning.
• Monitor curriculum implementation, instructional rigor, and student engagement across all grade levels.
• Ensure effective implementation of MTSS, intervention programs, special education services, and English Learner supports.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts through data analysis and evidence-based instructional decision making.

II. Student Achievement and Accountability

The Principal shall:

• Analyze local, state, and national assessment data to improve student outcomes.
• Monitor progress toward School Improvement Plan goals and organizational performance targets.
• Utilize multiple data sources to identify achievement gaps and implement targeted interventions.
• Ensure implementation of student progress monitoring systems.
• Develop schoolwide action plans based on achievement data.
• Maintain accountability for state accountability measures, authorizer expectations, accreditation requirements, and Concept Schools performance metrics.
• Lead preparation for state assessments, accreditation reviews, audits, and monitoring visits.

III. School Culture and Student Success

The Principal shall:

• Foster a positive, safe, inclusive, and academically focused school culture.
• Establish consistent expectations for student behavior and attendance.
• Implement positive behavior supports and restorative practices when appropriate.
• Promote student leadership, engagement, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Ensure implementation of school safety procedures and emergency preparedness plans.
• Support social-emotional learning and student wellness initiatives.
• Maintain a climate of mutual respect, professionalism, and high expectations.

IV. Staff Leadership and Human Capital

The Principal shall:

• Recruit, supervise, evaluate, coach, and retain high-quality instructional and support staff.
• Build a collaborative professional culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Conduct employee evaluations in accordance with Concept Schools policies and applicable state requirements.
• Develop professional learning aligned with school priorities and staff needs.
• Monitor staff performance and implement improvement plans when appropriate.
• Support succession planning and leadership development within the school.
• Promote staff accountability while recognizing and celebrating excellence.

V. School Operations and Organizational Leadership

The Principal shall:

• Ensure efficient day-to-day operation of the school.
• Collaborate with Concept Schools departments regarding facilities, technology, transportation, food service, finance, human resources, and compliance.
• Implement organizational policies, procedures, and operational expectations.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting required by state agencies, authorizers, and Concept Schools.
• Oversee student discipline processes, attendance systems, scheduling, and daily operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and authorizer regulations.
• Coordinate school safety planning and crisis response procedures.

VI. Financial Management

The Principal shall:

• Collaborate with the Superintendent and Finance Department in developing and managing the annual school budget.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of school resources.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Utilize financial resources strategically to maximize student achievement.
• Support grant implementation and compliance requirements.

VII. Family and Community Engagement

The Principal shall:

• Serve as the primary educational leader and public representative of the school.
• Build positive relationships with students, parents, families, and community stakeholders.
• Promote meaningful family engagement opportunities.
• Communicate regularly regarding school goals, student achievement, and school initiatives.
• Develop partnerships with higher education institutions, community organizations, and business partners.
• Represent the school positively within the community.

VIII. Continuous Improvement

The Principal shall:

• Lead implementation of the School Improvement Plan.
• Establish measurable annual goals aligned with Concept Schools strategic priorities.
• Monitor progress through regular leadership team meetings and data reviews.
• Utilize continuous improvement cycles to improve academic and organizational performance.
• Participate actively in regional leadership meetings, professional development, and Concept Schools leadership initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or closely related field.
• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Minimum three years of successful administrative experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success improving student achievement.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, MTSS, and school improvement.
• Experience supervising and evaluating instructional staff.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and make evidence-based decisions.
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse educational communities.

Preferred:

• Experience leading a charter school.
• Experience with STEM-focused educational programs.
• Experience with Cognia accreditation, school accountability systems, and continuous improvement processes.
• Experience using instructional coaching frameworks and professional learning communities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate demonstrates:

• Visionary instructional leadership
• Strategic planning and organizational management
• Strong coaching and talent development skills
• Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Data-driven decision-making
• Financial and operational management
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
• Commitment to equity, student success, and continuous improvement
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic educational environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to:

• Frequently stand and walk throughout the school.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Operate standard office technology.
• Attend evening and weekend school events as needed.
• Travel occasionally for regional meetings, professional development, and organizational activities.

CONCEPT SCHOOLS LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

School Principals are expected to embody the core values of Concept Schools by demonstrating:

• Student-Centered Leadership
• High Expectations
• Integrity and Accountability
• Continuous Improvement
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Equity and Inclusion
• Family and Community Partnership
• Professional Excellence

DISCLAIMER

This job description identifies the primary responsibilities and expectations of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned as organizational needs evolve. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.