Principal

Deadline: October 30, 2026 District/Organization: Fitzgerald Public Schools Position/Type: Elementary Principal – Assistant, full time Salary: $94,682 – $108,000 POSITION: Elementary Principal LOCATION: WestviewElementary School WORK YEAR: 2026-2027 School Year, 205 Days per year SALARY: Per Administrator Contract Qualifications: To successfully lead our elementary school, candidates must meet specific requirements and possess preferred qualifications that demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for this vital role. Who we are: At Fitzgerald Public Schools, our mission is to inspire, empower and prepare today’s learner to become tomorrow’s leader. Our vision is to educate our future leaders to be F ocused, P rogressive and S uccessful. Our strategic plan includes: providing a guaranteed and viable curriculum; a multi-tiered system of support; considerations for the whole school, whole child and whole community; engaging all families; data-based decision making; communication and collective responsibility. From our humble beginnings in 1920, Fitzgerald Public Schools is a community of 2,200 students with 350 staff members. We are proud of our early childhood center for grades PreK-K, our two elementary schools, one for lower elementary grades 1-3 and one for upper elementary grades 4-5, our middle school serving grades 6-8 with one of the planetariums in the county, our high school for grades 9-12 with a state of the art automotive service center, and our virtual academy. We have an award winning athletic program, marching band and our own foodservice, transportation, custodial and maintenance teams. Through our partnership with a local provider, we also offer school age child care. What we offer: Fitzgerald Public Schools has a competitive salary and benefits package along with opportunities for advancement and leadership. We are small enough to enable us to know each other personally and large enough to maintain high standards that demonstrate our expertise in education. With the passing of our recent bond, we have buildings, classrooms, cafeterias and offices in the process of being transformed for the future. Education and Experience Must hold a Michigan School Administrator Certificate, or the ability to obtain per MDE guidelines. Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate. Masters Degree in Educational Administration or Curriculum & Instruction or related field. Satisfactorily pass a criminal background check as defined by the State of Michigan. Five years of certified teaching experience including three years at the elementary level within the public school setting. Deep understanding of the developmental needs and learning styles of 1st, 2nd and 3rd-grade students, particularly those experiencing poverty. Demonstrated experience with MTSS, Restorative Practices, IEP and Behavior Support Plans as well as working with At-Risk students. Expertise in implementing evidence-based literacy and math interventions for struggling learners. Prior experience as an administrator of a school building is preferred. Familiarity with various assessment tools and strategies to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments for upper elementary grades. Experience in integrating technology effectively into the 1st,2nd and 3rd-grade curriculum to enhance engagement and learning. Knowledge of best practices in promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills in upper elementary students. Leadership & Vision: Demonstrated ability to articulate and implement a clear vision for academic excellence and social-emotional growth within a high-poverty school context. Proven track record of improving student achievement and fostering a positive school culture in a challenging environment. Experience in leading and supporting professional development initiatives focused on culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and differentiated instruction. Ability to empower and develop staff, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented professional learning community. Demonstrated capacity to lead change and innovation effectively, adapting to evolving educational landscapes and student needs. Be a proactive leader in the building, identifying and accepting ownership of tasks, activities and programming. Commits to prioritize student-learning needs over the customs, routines, and established relationships that can stand in the way of necessary change. Provide instructional leadership for school staff; develops appropriate staff development programs designed to improve skills in teaching students. Leads building level achievement, initiatives, and school improvement efforts using the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process (MICIP). Develop and maintain an effective educational program consistent with state and federal guidelines and the philosophy, policies, regulations and strategic plan of the Board of Education. Commits to achieve results by taking risks and thinking outside the box. Participates and leads various processes to meet the needs of individual learners such as 504 meetings, IEP meetings, MTSS meetings and child study meetings. Analyze and share student data and educational research as the foundational principles of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Lead efforts to innovate curriculum and instruction to meet the needs of students. Effectively observe and evaluate instructional and support staff members to monitor teaching practices and ensure both rigor and best practice is occurring in all classrooms. Adept to ensure a strong connection between learning goals and classroom activities. Technical Skills Evidence of competency in technology (Google Platform, Statewide and Local Databases). Ability to utilize district technology and resources and work to maintain proficiency, as required skill sets change with technology and/or the needs of the district. Ability to use a computer in a networked environment to utilize the Internet and other electronic communications mechanisms for research, data management, communications, and other instruction. Experience in managing State and Federal grants; 31A, Title I, Title II, etc. Management & Operations: Experience in developing and managing school budgets effectively, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Proven ability to maintain a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment conducive to student success. Knowledge of disciplinary practices that promote positive behavior and conflict resolution, while considering the unique needs of students in high-poverty settings. Ability to effectively manage student attendance initiatives and truancy prevention strategies. Collaboratively develops and administers the building budget, which includes the ordering of all supplies necessary for conducting the programs within the building. Determines staff members’ assignments within the building and creates the master schedule based on need and available resources. Participate in the selection of all school building personnel. Plan, execute and supervise the process of standardized and local assessments. Work with central office personnel to coordinate processes for effective functioning of the school. Design student/parent/staff handbooks aligning to board policies and district procedures. Creates reports and keeps records as may be required by the federal and state laws, as well as the Board of Education and/or Superintendent. Supervise the daily use of the school facilities for both academic and nonacademic purposes. Duties & Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. School Environment & Community Engagement Foster a safe and orderly school environment; prepares emergency procedures and communicates them to students, teachers, and staff; collaboratively develops and implements a school discipline plan that contains clear expectations, a system of positive reinforcement, and sequential, consistent, progressive consequences; analyzes and utilizes student discipline data to ensure effectiveness of behavioral interventions and restorative practices. Provide a positive and safe school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. Commits to building positive relationships and communication, promoting and modeling a safe and supportive learning culture for all. Foster community relationships and partnerships that support student achievement. Designs opportunities to empower students, staff and parents to be integrally involved in all aspects of the school’s culture and climate. Maintain positive relations with parents, parent groups, school volunteers, and outside agencies. Interact with students to encourage each individual to perform at their highest level. Commits to honoring all staff and students, embracing their community and diversity. Professional Conduct & Compliance Establish a professional learning culture through a solid foundation of shared mission, vision, values and goals. Evaluate and counsel all staff members regarding their individual and/or group performance in compliance with federal and/or state laws. Commits to collegiality and professionalism of self and staff. Conducts building staff meetings and participates in such other meetings as may be required by the district. Adheres to, interprets, and implements all district policies, administrative guidelines, and procedures. Keep in confidence all personal, student or personnel records and information. Attend special events held to recognize student achievement; attend school-sponsored activities, functions, and athletic events; additionally attends Board of Education meetings as requested. Mandated Reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential job function. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Academic Services. This position description has been prepared to define the general duties of the position, provide examples of work and to detail the required knowledge, skills and ability as well as the acceptable experience and training for the position. The description is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the duties of employees under supervision. Fitzgerald Public Schools retains and reserves all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any portion of this description in its sole judgment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Michigan Association of School Boards