K-8 Principal

Eastern Upper Peninsula AppliTrack Consortium; Clark Township (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Les Cheneaux Community Schools is seeking an innovative and collaborative K–8 principal to lead instructional programs, promote a safe and inclusive culture, and strengthen community partnerships.

The successful candidate will report to the Superintendent, hold a Michigan School Administrator Certificate (or be eligible), and bring five years of teaching and leadership experience to drive continuous improvement in a rural district.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership or related field (or in progress with expected completion soon).
• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in education.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation aligned with Michigan standards and district goals.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate staff to promote instructional excellence and growth.
• Use student achievement data to inform instructional decisions and school improvement.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, high-expectations school culture and positive relationships.

Skills

Instructional leadership

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Relationship building

MTSS/data-driven instruction

Equity and student achievement

Education

Master's degree in Educational Leadership or Educational Administration

Michigan School Administrator Certificate (or eligible)

Job description

Nestled along the beautiful shores of northern Lake Huron, Les Cheneaux Community Schools serves a close-knit rural community that values strong relationships, academic excellence, and student success. Our district is committed to providing a supportive, student-centered learning environment where every child is known, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are seeking an innovative, collaborative, and compassionate educational leader who will build upon our tradition of excellence while inspiring students, supporting staff, engaging families, and strengthening community partnerships. This is an outstanding opportunity for a leader who values small-school relationships, believes in high expectations for all students, and is committed to continuous improvement.

Reports To: Superintendent

Position Summary

The K–8 School Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the district's elementary and middle school programs. The principal is responsible for fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment while promoting academic achievement, positive school culture, and effective school operations. Working collaboratively with students, staff, families, the Board of Education, and the greater Les Cheneaux community, the principal provides visionary leadership that supports the success of every learner.

Desired Leadership Qualities

• Be a visible, approachable leader who builds positive relationships with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Demonstrate a passion for student learning and continuous school improvement.
• Foster a collaborative culture built on trust, respect, accountability, and shared leadership.
• Communicate openly, honestly, and effectively with all stakeholders.
• Support teachers through instructional leadership, coaching, and meaningful professional development.
• Use data thoughtfully to improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, and professionalism in decision‑making.
• Be fiscally responsible while effectively managing district resources.
• Appreciate the unique strengths and opportunities of serving a rural school district and becoming an active member of the Les Cheneaux community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Provide leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum and instructional programs aligned with Michigan academic standards and district goals.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate certified and support staff to promote instructional excellence and continuous professional growth.
• Utilize student achievement data to inform instructional decisions and school improvement efforts.
• Foster a culture of high expectations, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

School Climate and Student Success

• Promote a positive, safe, respectful, and inclusive school culture for all students and staff.
• Implement and support effective student behavior and discipline practices that emphasize positive relationships and student growth.
• Ensure students receive appropriate academic, behavioral, and social‑emotional supports.
• Collaborate with special education staff, intervention teams, counselors, and support personnel to meet the needs of all learners.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents, families, local organizations, and community members.
• Maintain open, timely, and transparent communication with stakeholders.
• Encourage family involvement in school activities and student learning.
• Represent Les Cheneaux Community Schools in community organizations and events.

School Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of the K–8 building, including scheduling, attendance, transportation coordination, school safety, and facilities management.
• Develop and administer the school budget in collaboration with the Superintendent.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state and federal laws, and Michigan Department of Education requirements.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, safety procedures, and crisis response planning.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support district initiatives and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with district leadership to ensure smooth transitions between grade levels and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a related field; or currently enrolled in a graduate program leading to such a degree with expected completion in the near future.
• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in education.

Preferred

• Previous experience as a building administrator.
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and school improvement planning.
• Knowledge of Michigan school finance, state accountability systems, and special education requirements.
• Experience with PBIS.
• Experience working in a rural school district.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong instructional leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Knowledge of Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), data‑driven instruction, and continuous school improvement.
• Commitment to equity, student achievement, and lifelong learning.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive school climate.

Terms of Employment

Salary, contract length, work year, and benefits will be established by the Les Cheneaux Community Schools Board of Education and are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Process

Applications must be received by 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Monday, July 21, 2026.

To apply, candidates must complete the online application through the Les Cheneaux Community Schools AppliTrack employment portal and upload the following required materials to Applitrack.

• Letter of interest
• Current resume
• Copies of applicable Michigan certification(s)
• College transcripts
• Three (3) current letters of recommendation

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Selected candidates will be invited to interview in late July or early August. The Les Cheneaux Community Schools Board of Education anticipates making a hiring decision shortly after the interview process.

Les Cheneaux Community Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Postings current as of 7/8/2026 9:01:51 PM CST.