COLA K-12 Principal

Position: K-12 Principal Open: 05/29/2026

Location:

W.E. Circle of Life Academy Close: 06/19/2026
Pay: DOQ Benefits:
Full Status:
Full Time

Circle of Life Academy is currently seeking a qualified applicant to serve as the instructional leader and chief administrator responsible for the overall educational program, supervision and development of staff, student achievement, and day-to-day operations. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and tribal laws and regulations, School Board policies, and school procedures. The Principal provides leadership in curriculum, instruction, and assessment to advance student learning aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards and school-wide goals.

The Principal establishes and sustains a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment that supports the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success of all students. In partnership with staff, families, and the community, the Principal leads continuous improvement through data-informed decision making and effective resource management.

• Demonstrates measurable annual gains in student achievement and academic growth aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards, as evidenced by local and state assessment results and progress monitoring data.
• Builds staff capacity through job-embedded professional learning and effective professional learning communities (PLCs), evidenced by implementation fidelity and improved instructional practices.
• Works parallel to the Director of Ojibwe Culture and Language to ensure that programmatic goals are successful.
• Drives alignment across the organization by clearly communicating the school's mission, vision, and goals and cultivates a shared commitment to excellence among all staff.

• Implements a consistent instructional leadership cycle (classroom observations, feedback, coaching, and support) that improves instructional quality and student outcomes across grade levels and content areas.
• Conducts teacher evaluation and employment actions in accordance with White Earth Tribal policies and procedures, including timely evaluations, documentation, and improvement plans when needed.
• Ensure all teachers and paraprofessional meet the “highly qualified” requirement for Title funding.
• Makes staffing recommendations to the School Board, including but not limited to assignments, dismissals, non-renewals, etc.

• Maintains a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school climate, demonstrated by reduced behavior incidents, improved attendance, and positive student/staff/family climate data.
• Strengthens family and community engagement through regular two-way communication and participation opportunities, resulting in increased family involvement and improved stakeholder satisfaction measures.

• Develops and manages the school budget with fiscal accountability, aligning resource allocation to instructional priorities and demonstrating adherence to district purchasing and finance procedures.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and tribal requirements, demonstrated by accurate and timely submissions, audit readiness, and timely corrective actions when applicable.
• Leads data-driven decision making and continuous improvement by establishing measurable goals, monitoring key performance indicators, and adjusting strategies based on evidence.
• Communicates and prepares reports for the Superintendent and School Board.

• Knowledge of the White Earth Reservation demographics, culture, history, and lifestyles.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow the policies and procedures of Circle of Life Academy.
• Knowledge…