Principal – Elementary School

Okemos Public Schools is seeking an experienced and student-centered educational leader to serve as Principal at Cornell Elementary. This position provides instructional leadership and is responsible for the overall administration, safety, and effectiveness of the school. The Principal fosters a positive, inclusive, and high-performing learning environment that supports academic achievement and the social, emotional, and behavioral development of all students. This role works collaboratively with staff, families, and the community to advance district goals and ensure continuous school improvement.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Other duties may be assigned.

• Instructional Leadership & School Improvement
• Provide visionary leadership aligned with district priorities, the Strategic Plan, and Equity Plan.
• Lead curriculum planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional practices.
• Utilize data to inform decisions, monitor student progress, and improve outcomes.
• Support and implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for academics and behavior.
• Facilitate school improvement planning in collaboration with staff, families, and the School Improvement Team.
• Coordinate and lead professional development aligned with instructional goals.

• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
• Promote positive student behavior and enforce school policies consistently and fairly.
• Facilitate problem-solving to address students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Interact with students in a constructive manner that encourages high levels of achievement.
• Provide general supervision of students and oversee extracurricular activities.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support certified and support staff.
• Hire, assign, and retain staff; assign teachers to classrooms and students to classes.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing professional culture.
• Address personnel matters including performance management, discipline, and conflict resolution.

• Oversee daily building operations, including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Develop and manage the school budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements (e.g., accountability systems such as MI School Data/EdYes).
• Implement Board policies and administrative procedures at the building level.
• Coordinate with central office departments to ensure efficient school operations.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, parent groups, volunteers, and community partners.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding student progress, school initiatives, and accountability measures.
• Participate in district-wide committees, initiatives, and administrative team collaboration.

• Provides overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of school personnel.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with district policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, evaluating, and disciplining staff as needed.

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field (required).
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful elementary teaching experience (required); five (5)+ years of K–12 experience with leadership responsibilities preferred.

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (required).
• Michigan School Administrator/Principal Certification (required or actively in progress with completion timeline).

• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and school improvement processes.
• Demonstrated ability to use data to drive decision-making.
• Knowledge of MTSS, school accountability systems, and state reporting requirements.
• Ability to lead and motivate a…