Head of School/Principal (High School)

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Company: Eagle Ridge Academy
Location: Brighton, CO 80601

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Position: Head of School/Principal

Reports to: Eagle Ridge Academy Board of Directors

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ABOUT ERA

Founded in 2010, Eagle Ridge Academy (“ERA”) is a College Prep, STEM-focused, public charter high school in School District 27J. ERA’s total enrollment for the 2019-2020 is 529 students in 9-12, with a senior class of 111 students. At the center of the curriculum is a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program. The STEM program will provide an opportunity for interested students to receive an advanced start in careers such as architecture, engineering, medicine, science and technology.
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  • ERA is ranked as one of the BEST public high schools in Adams County
  • ERA has averaged over 90% faculty & staff RETENTION over the last 8 years
  • ERA’s classes of 2014-2018 were accepted to college at a rate of 100%
  • ERA’s student graduation rates are in the top 10% in the State of Colorado
  • The class of 2018 graduation rate was 98.2%
  • ERA maintains the highest average PSAT and SAT composite scores of high schools in the surrounding area
  • 74% of faculty and administrative staff have advanced degrees

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MISSION STATEMENT:

It is the mission of Eagle Ridge Academy to assist families in developing exemplary citizens by equipping students with fundamental knowledge enabling them to be culturally literate, prepared for college, and virtuous in character. We accomplish this through a rigorous academic program with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics taught in a safe environment.

VISION STATEMENT:

It is the vision of Eagle Ridge Academy to join students, parents, educators and the community to produce an educational environment that nurtures, excites and motivates students to learn. Eagle Ridge empowers students to become independent and responsible thinkers, fosters academic and moral excellence, promotes creativity and encourages students to seek out higher education opportunities.
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*POSITION SUMMARY
The Head of School shall perform the usual and necessary duties and tasks of the Chief Executive Officer of a Charter School, subject to the governance of the Board of Directors of the school. S/He is responsible for the effective operation of the school; for the general administration of all instructional, business, or other operations of the school; and for advising and making recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to such activities.
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*REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s Degree minimum, and additional advanced graduate work preferred;
  • Colorado Principal or Administrator License, or eligible to obtain such as license in a time frame acceptable to the Board
  • At least three years as a secondary school principal, assistant principal, or equivalent; and
  • At least three years teaching experience at the secondary school level, and training and/or experience in major areas of personnel and personnel management and demonstrated leadership experience in collaborative decision making.

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*BENEFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Familiarity with State of Colorado education funding and laws.
  • Experience working in a charter school and participating in CASB and/or the Colorado League of Charter Schools.
  • Teaching or working experience in a STEM field or serving in an administrative role in a STEM school.
  • Significant experience with large budgets, finances, fundraising, bonds, loans, etc.
  • Practiced in gathering and using data to inform a wide variety of decisions, processes, and procedures.
  • Track record of addressing and integrating mental health practices and social emotional support into a school.
  • A history of building partnerships with industry and higher education organizations.
  • A terminal degree in education

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PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
*Leader/Mentor/Facilitator

  • Demonstrates positive, collaborative leadership and participates in collegial problem solving in a variety of situations and departments, emphasizing teamwork and beneficial effects on student learning.
  • Establishes and maintains positive public relations with the 27J District and schools, and the ERA community, staff, students, and parents through effective communication.
  • Acts as liaison with other school districts, Colorado Department of Education, colleges and universities, as well as other appropriate agencies and groups.

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*Serves as Educational Leader

  • Coordinates and actively leads the process for observing, evaluating, and supervising all certified and classified personnel on a regular basis.
  • Works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, parents, staff, and students to formulate a school vision and mission and develops goals and objectives consistent with these values.
  • Actively seeks out and participates in professional growth activities for both self and staff.
  • Leads in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of the curriculum and instructional management based on Colorado State standards and assessment requirements.
  • Strives towards excellence in the school maintaining a clear and consistent sense of direction.
  • Displays confidence, earns the respect of personnel, acts with decisiveness, and acts based on logic and rationale.
  • Explores implications and options in leadership decisions. Listens, researches, and interacts with appropriate parties prior to making decisions.
  • Sees that sound plans of organization, educational programs, and services are developed and maintained for the Board.
  • Hold such meetings with teachers and other personnel as is necessary for the discussion of matters concerning the improvement and welfare of the school.
  • Holds self responsible for maintaining fair and equal treatment of all personnel and students.
  • Ensures policies and procedures are established for students’ rights, responsibilities and discipline.
  • Maintains the highest academic level possible for the students.
  • Prepares, or oversees others prepare, the content of each course of study in the school curriculum and keep the Board apprised of the school curriculum.

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*Serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Directors

  • Serves as the Chief Executive Officer, be accountable to the Board of Directors, for the administration of the educational system, and for the interpretation and fulfillment of the aforesaid functions, primary activities and responsibilities.
  • Attends all meetings of the Board.
  • Acts as reference agent for problems brought to the Board.
  • Reports directly to the Board of Directors, and as required to all appropriate governmental agencies.
  • Represents the school as the chief executive officer in dealings with other school systems, professional organizations, business firms, agencies of government and the general public.
  • Works with the Board of Directors to develop appropriate programs and policies
  • Implements policies of the Board of Directors and insure policies are administered fairly and consistently. Implement systems of policy evaluation and revision and make recommendations to the Board of Directors for proposed policy changes.
  • Oversees the development of specific administrative procedures and programs to implement the intent established by Board policies, directives and formal actions.
  • Develops and recommend to the Board long-range plans consistent with population trends, cultural needs, and the appropriate use of the facility, and see to the development of long-range plans which are consistent with Board objectives.
  • Exercises individual discretion in cases where action is necessary on any matter not covered by Board policy or directive. Report such action to the Board as soon as practicable and recommend policy in order to provide guidance in the future.
  • Maintains adequate records for the school, including a system of financial accounts, business and property records, personnel records, school population and scholastic records. Act as custodian of such records and all contracts, securities, documents, title papers, books of records, and other documents belonging to the Board.
  • Works with other Board employees and advisors, including auditors, architects, attorneys, consultants and contractors.
  • Keeps the Board of Directors informed of the school’s progress towards achieving its goals and objectives.

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*Oversees Staff Personnel Management

  • Plans and implements a personnel evaluation system that identifies the strengths and weaknesses of all certified and classified personnel.
  • Establishes, maintains, and evaluates an ongoing system of two-way communication with personnel.
  • Involves personnel in planning and problem-resolution.
  • Coordinates staff development and in-service opportunities for faculty and staff.
  • Leads the recruiting, screening, hiring, training, and assigning of all personnel in such a manner that attracts, develops, and retains high-quality personnel.
  • Provides for the optimum use of personnel of the school. Establishes and maintains an organizational system with clearly defined lines of authority and responsibility for all personnel.
  • Informs Board of employment and promotions of personnel.
  • Approves all personnel absences.

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*Oversees Facility Management

  • Oversees the planning and use of all school facilities and is responsible for the control and supervision of the building, grounds, and equipment, subject to the policies and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors.
  • Recommends plans for long-range maintenance program for renovations of the school property and for new construction, and brings all such plans, once approved by the Board of Education, to proper completion.

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*Oversees Financial Management

  • Ensures that all funds, physical assets, and other property of the school are appropriately safeguarded and administered.
  • Ensures that the development, authorization, and the maintenance of appropriate budgetary procedures are properly administered. Creates (in collaboration with the Finance Committee) an appropriate and tenable budget that continues to move the school towards long term financial sustainability.
  • Adheres to the annual budget, including clear communication with Board of Directors if/when budget addendums or supplements become necessary.
  • Maintains a five year plan to guide the school to financial sustainability.

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*Maintains Direct Community Relations

  • Acts as ERA school liaison with community groups and articulates educational programs and needs to the community.
  • Involves the community in planning and problem-solving for the school.
  • Ensures positive school-community relations in a cooperative effort between the Board, administrators, teachers, and support staff.
  • Establishes and maintains a relationship with local, state, and where applicable, national leaders to advocate for the interest of the school.
  • Directs news releases and/or other items of public interest emanating from the school and staff which pertain to education matters, policies, procedures, and school related incidents, or events. Directly approves media interviews of this nature.
  • Engages in student recruiting efforts.

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*OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborates with the Board to assure full compliance with all terms of the ERA Charter Contract Addendum and any future agreements that supersede the current contract.
  • Delegates to subordinates any of the responsibilities and duties which the Board of Directors has entrusted to him/her, but in every instance, he/she shall continue to be responsible and accountable to the Board of Directors for the execution of the responsibilities and duties delegated.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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*COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS
This position requires significant cognitive effort to plan and carry out duties. Strong organizational, leadership, and technological skills are necessary. Decisions and actions frequently must occur with minimal time for reflection. Situations faced often involve complex interpersonal communications. Solutions require integration of information and considerable judgment. How a decision is communicated is often as important as the actual message.
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*WORKING CONDITIONS
Attends committee/board meetings. Travels within District, community and region. Activities result in significantly more than 40 hours per work week. Compensation and benefits commensurate with experience, established annually by the Board of Directors.
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HOW TO APPLY:

Eagle Ridge Academy actively seeks applications from the most capable, professional candidates. Please use our online application when applying for this position. On-line application found at https://brightoncharter.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
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HIRING TIMELINE:

Interviews will begin in late January 2020 through early February 2020 with a formal offer in early March 2020. A candidate should anticipate a start date of the summer of 2020 for this position.
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Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

  • as a secondary school principal, assistant principal: 3 years (Required)
  • teaching experience at the secondary school level: 3 years (Required)

Education:

  • Master’s (Required)

License:

  • Colorado Principal or Administrator (or eligible) (Required)

Work authorization:

  • United States (Required)

Work Location:

  • One location

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance