Elementary/Middle School Program
601 N. Mildred Rd., Cortez, CO 81321 | 970-564-9377| kivacharter.org
Kiva Montessori Charter School is located in Cortez, Colorado, gateway to the Four Corners. The area is a recreational and scenic paradise for those who love to bike, fish, boat, climb, hike, ski, hunt, or run rivers. Surrounded by public lands. It is a mecca for outdoor enjoyment within easy driving distance to the desert, the deep canyons, and 14,000 ft peaks. The region is rich in archeological resources, cultural and biological diversity, and farming and ranching heritage.
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Kiva Montessori Charter School was founded in 2014 and currently serves 97 children in grades K-8. Our school provides a foundation in Montessori education augmented with community-based projects, expeditionary learning, and STEAM curriculum enrichment. We strive to meet the needs of the whole child (social, emotional, physical, and intellectual) in strong partnership with families and the community. Our multi-age classrooms allow students opportunities to work within a variety of academic levels and subject areas, independently or in small groups, where independence and self-discipline are fostered. Our school offers a non-traditional educational option to families that promotes personal responsibility, self-motivation, high standards, and a global perspective.
In its sixth year of operation, Kiva Montessori is entering a new and exciting phase: a beautiful new campus is being developed to accommodate the growing student body; the school has embarked on creating a strategic academic plan to boost student performance and develop a strong culture of staff support and program development,expanding and molding the school’s vision into the future.
*For complete job description and how to apply, please see below:
Head of School
Job Description and Responsibilities
The Head of School (HOS) is responsible for leading the Children’ s Kiva Montessori
School (Kiva Montessori) to ensure excellence in its educational programs, initiate staff and parent support, cultivate a Montessori based positive school culture, and implement the policies and directives of the Board of Directors (BOD). The HOS maintains the budgetary and financial parameters adopted by the BOD and monitors all programs in light of Kiva
Montessori mission statement.
Key responsibilities are providing educational leadership for the school community; representing Kiva Montessori in public and at the school as the primary contact for parents and community members; hiring, managing, coaching, and evaluating faculty and staff; coordinating Kiva Montessori fundraising efforts; and organizing professional development programs based on Montessori principles for faculty and school community.
This is a salaried position for 12 months a year.
The HOS reports monthly to the BOD, and meets and communicates regularly with the
Board President. The HOS also regularly communicates with the Children’s House
Director (CHD), where Kiva Montessori students attend. The HOS attends the monthly meetings of the Board of Education of Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 School District, its charter authorizer. The HOS advocates for Kiva Montessori and negotiates contracts with RE-1.
The HOS engages in research and strategic planning, as well as communication with additional partners and stakeholders as needed, informing the BOD on areas of interest to the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Community Relations:
Be the primary contact for current and prospective parents.
Conduct enrollment meetings for prospective parents seeking enrollment in the school.
Set up and coordinate all school marketing campaigns.
Coordinate all recruitment efforts for prospective families and staff.
Represent Kiva Montessori in the wider community.
Coordinate and promote staff/parent education workshops and training.
Develop and supervise volunteer recruitment for the school and integrate volunteers into school community life and the school’s educational program.
Foster strong parent/teacher relationships.
School Facilities, Equipment, Daily Operations:
Oversee the daily operations of school, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment.
Attend to tasks and responsibilities associated with successful operation of the school.
Staff Leadership and Supervision:
Provide educational leadership and professional development opportunities for the school community.
Coordinate all staff training opportunities and conduct staff evaluations in ways that enhance classroom learning, support a healthy and vibrate school climate, and advance understanding of
Montessori principles and practices.
Set the appropriate professional development climate that encourages faculty and staff growth, professional accountability, and job satisfaction.
Hire, evaluate, and dismiss all faculty and staff.
Maintain and implement Performance Management Plan, all accreditation responsibilities, Plan for Pupil Performance, and all additional standards and assessments related to state accreditation, district accountability, and state and federal law.
Enhance knowledge and expertise in the areas of Montessori and public charter school administration through professional development, partner program relationships, and staying informed of current best practices.
Educational Programming:
Evaluate educational programs to ensure excellence and consistency of programming.
Monitor classroom design, management, curriculum, and classroom materials in light of best
Montessori practices.
Lead weekly staff meetings and maintain oversight of the overall program and content.
Create staff and parent orientations and trainings to heighten awareness of Montessori educational philosophy.
Maintain regular communication with parents through newsletters and announcements regarding the school’s operations, policies, and programs.
Supervise all school administrative operations (scheduling, recruiting, policy manuals, etc.).
Financial Oversight:
Implement the BOD’s enrollment guidelines.
Coordinate with Board Treasurer and Business Manager to execute all financial policies and the Financial Manual set by the BOD, including communicating board policies and decisions to parents and prospective parents.
Direct the Business Manager with financial issues and long term planning.
Research, write grants, and/or delegate such, to support fundraising goals.
Assist in coordination and execution of fundraising plans.
Serve as a resource for the Fundraising Committee or any fundraising efforts.
Responsibilities to the Board of Directors:
Serve at the direction of the BOD and undergo periodic evaluation by the Hiring and
Evaluation Committee.
Help formulate, implement, and evaluate board policies and communicate those to the various school constituencies.
Serve as a non-voting member of the board, attend all board meetings, provide a monthly, written report for the board on pertinent school activities and general state of the school.
Provide oversight and guidance to the Business Manager in monitoring the financial health of the school on behalf of the board.
Work with staff to implement evaluative instruments that demonstrate for the board that the school is fulfilling its Montessori mission.
Implement communication systems that keep the board informed of operations of the school and community commentary about the school’s performance.
Work with the president of the BOD to monitor board performance, assist to recruit potential board members, and efficiently conduct the business of the board.
Manage community relationships, in conjunction with the board, especially with local businesses, non-profits, and the local school district.
Education and Certification:
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
2+ years of experience as a school administrator
Instructional Leadership Experience
3+ years of classroom experience
Experience with Montessori Instruction
Qualify for a Colorado Principal’s License
Understanding of budgets and school finance
Proficiency with classroom technology skills
Exceptional verbal, writing, and communication skills
Master’s Degree, (in Education, or the equivalent, and Montessori school administration licensure)
AMI or AMS Montessori certification, or similar
To apply
Please complete and submit an application found at https://www.kivacharter.org/employment.html along with your resume and cover letter.
Job Type: Full-time
Experience:
- classroom: 3 years (Preferred)
Education:
- Bachelor’s (Preferred)
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
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