Northern High School Principal

Portage Public Schools

Northern High School Principal

The Portage Public Schools are located in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, halfway between Detroit and Chicago along I-94. The city is 35.2 square miles in size and has a population of just over 49,000. The District has about 8800 K-12 students and Northern High School is one of two traditional high schools in the District with a current enrollment of approximately 1250 students in grades 9-12.

The mission of the Portage Public Schools is to educate all students to achieve their potential. To that end, Northern High School provides the following opportunities to our students:

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center (KAMSC)

Career and Technical Education and Education for the Arts (CTE/EFA)

Early Middle College (EMC)

Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP)

Post secondary dual enrollment

On-line/virtual learning

More details on these programs can be found on the school profile page.

This candidate profile of our next high school principal was designed with input from staff, parents, other District administrators, and students. The administration of the Portage Public Schools seeks a principal with a demonstrated record of student-centered initiatives, visible instructional and administrative leadership, open communication and collaboration, and a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will be an ethical, results-oriented leader who is willing and able to make difficult decisions based on an educated perspective informed by consultation and collaboration, has excellent follow through, delegates appropriate authority, and holds oneself and others accountable, while building a cohesive and effective team. 

The District is seeking a leader who:

1. Possesses a sophisticated and current understanding of curriculum and instruction and prioritizes and facilitates its continual improvement. To that end, we seek a leader who:

• Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of pedagogy and curricular and instructional research, innovation, and best practices and can use that knowledge to continually strengthen the instructional practices at Northern High School;
• Takes a data-driven approach to the continual improvement process and seeks out and values feedback from internal and external stakeholders as part of that process;
• Understands and is responsive to the social and emotional needs of all students to create an environment where all can learn.

2. Fosters a collaborative, positive climate of mutual trust and respect among all stakeholders – faculty, staff, administrators, students, parents, and community members. To that end, we seek a leader who:

• Actively engages, elicits, listens to and addresses concerns and criticisms in an open, respectful and receptive manner;
• Is able to develop strong connections with staff, parents, other District partners, and students to enhance student learning experiences and build support for building goals and initiatives;
• Promotes teamwork and collaboration.

3. Will establish and sustain a culture of high expectations for all students and staff. To that end, we seek a leader who:

• Values providing inclusive, challenging, and engaging learning experiences for every kind of learner, including those who are struggling with their work, those performing in the middle, and those performing well above expectations;
• Is a dynamic, empathetic, and transparent decision maker with proven leadership experience;
• Excels at supporting and developing others and is able to delegate responsibilities and mentor team members to become leaders in their own roles;
• Creates a work environment where the talents of faculty and staff are valued and realized, and where staff are empowered to take ownership of and be accountable for their work.

4. Is visible, approachable and available to students, staff, parents, and others in the school community. To that end, we seek a leader who:

• Establishes systems and expectations to ensure information is communicated precisely, consistently, timely, and in ways that are accessible to every stakeholder;
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Fosters frequent two-way communication with the school community in ways that enhance trust and respect;
• Is a regular presence in the school, is comfortable and supportive during classroom visits, and routinely attends school and community events.

5. Demonstrates equity-focused leadership. To that end, we seek a leader who:

• Understands and embraces culturally responsive leadership and practice and how it helps create learning environments that support every student academically, socially, and emotionally;
• Takes the time to be people-centric and gets to know students and staff as individuals;
• Prioritizes creating and maintaining an empathetic, inclusive, and equitable school culture and community that respects, values, and celebrates all identities.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter explaining why they are the best person to lead Portage Northern High School and why they are interested in the position through the District’s Applitrack portal. Applications accepted through June 25, 2024. The successful candidate should be prepared to begin the role in July or August 2024. 

PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online at:  https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

 

Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments

 

Notice of Non-Discrimination:  The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.  The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy:  Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Tuyls.  Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002