Alliance for Catholic Education
Elementary School Principal
Status: Exempt – Full-Time
Reports to: Pastor
Start Date: July 15, 2025
Catholic education is rooted in the conviction that Jesus Christ provides the most comprehensive and compelling example of the realization of full human potential. The Catholic school principal serves not only as the educational leader but also as the spiritual exemplar of the school. Emphasizing qualities of excellence, commitment, creativity, and innovation in all school endeavors, the principal guides a community committed to the development of the whole child.
Positions Supervised:
• Assistant Principal
• Instructional Staff
• School Organization Leaders (Athletic Director, HASA)
• Lunch Coordinator
• After School Care
• School Advisory Board
• Students
Other Working Relationships:
Internal
• Pastor
• Parish Business Manager
• Parish Staff: Administrative Assistant, Data and Finance Specialist, Directors of Communication, Formation, Facilities, Ministries and Liturgy and Sacred Music
• School Organizational Leaders (i.e. HASA, Athletic Association, etc.)
• Parents of Students
External
• Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Schools Office
• Accreditation Authorities
• Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)
• Local Educational Agency (L.E.A. = South Bend Schools)
Spiritual Leadership
• Orient all decisions to the school’s adherence to its mission as a ministry of the Parish
• Uphold the Catholic identity of the school
• Participate in school liturgies and worship opportunities
• Provide opportunities for and/or support staff in faith formation
• Ensure school operations and interactions with stakeholders reflect the school’s role as a ministry of the Parish
• Represent the school at the Parish Council
Educational Leadership
• Ensure teachers receive meaningful feedback aligned with minimum requirements of the Catholic Schools Office
• Maintain appropriately licensed and trained staff
• Ensure staff under principal supervision are completing essential duties
• Make strategic instructional decisions based on data, best practice, and available resources
• Utilize partnerships and grant sources to support and enhance the instructional programs of the school (i.e.- South Bend Community Schools Title programs, Northeast Literacy Association, grant funds, and South Bend Special Ed Services)
Executive Management
• Maintain transparent and timely communication with all stakeholders, including the pastor and parish council
• Ensure compliance with all school matters per State of Indiana and Catholic Schools Office
• Comply and implement the Diocesan Accreditation Process and initiatives
• Annually Review, update, and distribute rules, conduct and discipline policies, and school-wide procedures i.e. School Handbook, Athletic Handbook, Parent Handbook, etc.
• With the Business Manager, ensure orders and deliveries of all necessary items, i.e., textbooks and supplies
School Culture
• Conduct parent meetings, as needed
• Oversee the admittance/enrollment of new students
• Conduct student discipline per appropriate procedures and guidelines
• Respond to parent concerns via meetings, phone or email within 2 working days
• Establish and maintain rules and procedures for staff and students
• Conduct teacher and staff meetings
• Monitor and supervise parking lot drop-off and pick-up procedures
• Organize and ensure an active school advisory board
Qualifications:
• The elementary school principal should hold (or be eligible for) an Indiana elementary supervision and administration license.
• Knowledge of the Catholic Faith and be a practicing/participating Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• Desire for continued personal, spiritual, and professional growth.
• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively in a diverse community environment, including taking direction when provided.
• Excellent written and oral skills.
• Ability to work independently to organize and arrange priorities.