Summary
We are 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.

Reports to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Culture, Climate & Student Support

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.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

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.

Operations & Compliance

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.

Family & Community Engagement

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

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.

Certifications

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

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 diverse team while fostering collaboration and trust.
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.
Proficiency in technology for instruction, communication, and school management.

Additional Requirements

Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations; write reports and correspondence; and effectively present information to staff, families, and the community.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions; interpret complex instructions and manage multiple variables.

Other Skills and Abilities
Ability to apply current educational research, use technology effectively, and maintain awareness of district and Board policies.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and communicate. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, and depth perception.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a school environment with noise levels ranging from quiet to loud depending on daily activities.

About Okemos Public Schools

Located in the greater Lansing area and neighboring Michigan State University, Okemos Public Schools is one of Michigan’s premier school districts. Serving over 4,500 students, the district is ranked among the top 10 in the state and #1 in the Lansing region, with consistently high achievement across all grade levels.

Okemos is widely recognized for its academic excellence, highly qualified staff, and diverse, globally minded community. Families are deeply engaged, and the district’s commitment to equity, innovation, and continuous improvement creates an exceptional environment for both students and educators.

The surrounding community offers the best of both worlds—access to a vibrant college-town atmosphere, cultural events, outdoor recreation, and a high quality of life.

Pursuant to Public Act 68 of 1993 and Public Act 83 of 1995, selected new employees shall submit to fingerprints and a criminal background check at the employee's expense.

It is the policy of the Board of Education that the District will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis . The District shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination including, but not limited to, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d. et seq.; and 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et seq.; The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1210, et seq.; The Handicappers' Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.1101, et seq.; and The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.2101, et seq.; Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), 29U.S.C. §§ 621, et seq. Inquiries or complaints by applicants or employees related to discrimination should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Okemos Public Schools
4406 Okemos Rd
Okemos, MI 48864

TELEPHONE: 517-706-5006

www.okemosk12.net

Principal - Elementary School