High School Turnaround- School Leader (Principal)

Every day, it is the great people at KIPP that prove the possibility. The School Leader (Principal) is responsible for setting a powerful vision for student achievement and motivating others to follow that vision. Additionally, the School Leader is tasked with strategically implementing the school’s mission through effective leadership and management of the school’s students and staff, resulting in an instructional environment that prepares every student for success in college and in life. The School Leader is a full time, exempt, school-based position supporting a student Thapopulation of 425 and reports to the VP of Schools. 

Position type: Full time, 12 months, exempt 

Salary starting at $150,000; Total compensation details below

Who we are:

KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis city. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission, vision, and equity statement.

Mission:

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

Equity Statement: KIPP St. Louis is committed to becoming an anti-racist and anti-sexist organization by confronting inequities, barriers, and oppressive policies and systems.

KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students and at full growth, we will educate nearly 3,600 students and hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of two middle schools, three elementary schools, and a high school. 

On the day-to-day basis, you can look forward to the following:

The School Leader oversees all functions at the individual school level, including the following duties: 

Leadership and Turnaround Expertise

• Ability to lead transformational change and drive school improvement initiatives.

• Demonstrated evidence in successfully leading turnaround efforts in a high school setting, resulting in significant academic gains.

• Proven track record of setting and achieving rigorous academic standards aligned with school and district goals.

• Skill in fostering a positive school culture that promotes excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to lead and navigate in a collective bargaining environment.

• Ability to recruit, hire, lead, and develop a team of exceptional educators to become future leaders as teacher leaders and school leaders.

• Ability to articulate a vision for and operationalize the development of a healthy and productive school culture.

Organizational Leadership 

• Lead teachers in developing a healthy school culture aligned with the mission, vision and values of the school and the region. 

• Create a culture of excellence, teamwork and collaboration among the staff, teachers, students and families.

• Foster a school climate that supports both student and staff success and promotes respect and appreciation for all students, staff and parents. 

• Oversee all programs, services, and activities to ensure that program objectives are met. 

• Manage student recruitment and enrollment process to ensure that the school achieves its targeted enrollment projections. 

• Ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, visitors, and public and private property. 

• Address any disciplinary issues fairly and immediately. 

• Other duties as assigned.

Instructional Leadership

• Capacity to lead, mentor, and support instructional staff for improved teaching and learning.

• Skill in evaluating and providing feedback to enhance instructional practices and student engagement.

• Ability to facilitate professional development sessions on effective teaching methods and curriculum alignment.

• Experience in implementing differentiated instruction and personalized learning for diverse student needs.

• Expertise in instructional coaching.

• Coaching and development of instructional leaders, preparing individuals for future leadership roles.

• Background in STEM with knowledge or experience in AP for all curriculum approaches, over social science.

Operational Leadership 

• Develop a school-wide budget with the assistance of the Assistant School Leader of Operations and Director of regional operations.

•  Oversee routine facilities maintenance. 

• Oversee management of school records and resources as necessary. 

• Ensure compliance of local, state, and federal laws and regulations and court orders. 

Student Performance 

• Set and enforce rigorous standards for student achievement that are in line with the goals of the school and region.

• Ensure the academic program meets or exceeds yearly student outcome goals as defined by the school and region and measured by the NWEA and Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). 

Personnel 

• Recruit, select, and hire school staff, including teachers and school-based support staff. 

• Continually monitor progress on all measures of school and staff performance. 

• Oversee any and all disciplinary actions. 

• Provide for adequate supervision, training, and evaluation of all staff and volunteers. 

• Create an effective team of people jointly responsible for the attainment of school goals and committed to achieving excellence. 

• Experience with a union based environment.

Community Relations 

• Skill in building partnerships and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders.

• Ability to liaise between the school, parents, community organizations, and district leaders.

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills to effectively convey the school's mission, goals, and achievements.

• Commitment to engaging families and community members in the educational process and addressing their concerns.

• Experience fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration within an organization.

What you bring to the table: 

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree required 

• Experience successfully turning around at least one High School in the past 5 years of similar size

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience as a turnaround Principal at an urban school

• At least five years of successful teaching experience in an urban high school setting

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive high school leadership experience (assistant principal + principal role)

• Administrative credential or current enrollment in an administrative credentialing program

• Interest and willingness to commit to a multi-year, performance-driven contract

What we bring to the table: Starting at $150,000; salary commensurate with education and experience

We are a fast paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement and to cultivate the their best working environment we provide the following:

• $0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision and dental 

• Employer Paid Short Term Disability

• $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee

• Retirement plan through PSRSSL with a 13% match and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program

• Employee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together with our annual gala award ceremony, holiday  party, and more!

• Non-profit student loan forgiveness program qualified employer

• Longevity Bonuses: 2, 5, and 10 year financial rewards

• Generous time off:

  • Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave

  • Paid parental leave for new families

  • Paid holidays, as well as a one week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break

  • Wellness days and Fabulous Fridays (leave at 1:30 on Friday once a month)

• On-going professional  development opportunities:

  • Weekly coaching sessions

  • Weekly school-based professional development

  • Five in-person PD days during the year for all KIPP St. Louis teachers

If you are interested in working at KIPP St. Louis, please visit our website to find out how to apply! 

www.kippstl.org/apply

Check out our KIPP St. Louis video to learn more about KIPP St. Louis Public Schools!

KIPP St. Louis is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.