K-12 Principal at James Valley Christian School

Principal Full-Time I PreK-12 I 2026-2027 School Year James Valley Christian School is a Christ-centered, K-12 school seeking a full-time Principal to join our ministry team. JVCS is accredited by the South Dakota Department and is a member school of ACSI. Our mission is to provide a biblically based education, transforming hearts and minds to impact the world for Christ. The Principal serves as the instructional leader of the school. The Principal's primary focus is driving student achievement and building a strong school culture through high-leverage leadership practices. This includes developing teachers, analyzing data, implementing rigorous instruction, and fostering a Christ-centered environment across K-12. Position Responsibilities • Spiritual Leadership: Model a growing relationship with Christ and integrate biblical principles throughout the school. Facilitate the school's discipleship, and faith formation programs. • Instructional Leadership: Use data-driven practices to monitor student learning, support teacher development, and ensure a rigorous, aligned K-12 curriculum. • Teacher Development: Observe, coach, and provide actionable feedback to teachers; lead professional development aligned to school priorities. • Operations: Manage daily operations, staffing, and school-wide policies. Oversee the preparation for commencement ceremonies. • Compliance: Ensure adherence to South Dakota DOE standards. Maintain cumulative records of each student and other data in accordance with state requirements and school directives. • Culture Building: Facilitate a positive, orderly, and Christ-centered school culture for students and staff. • Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with families, churches, and the broader community; represent the school at events. Qualifications • Holds, or is eligible to obtain, a valid South Dakota administrator certificate with appropriate principal endorsement as defined by the South Dakota Department of Education. • Candidate must be fully certified/endorsed OR approved for an alternative certification pathway through the South Dakota Department of Education at the time of hire. • If not fully endorsed at hire, candidate must: o Provide documentation of eligibility for alternative administrator certification, and o Demonstrate the ability to meet all certification and endorsement requirements within timelines established by the State of South Dakota. • Completion of, or enrollment in, a state-approved administrator preparation program, if required for certification. • Meets all state-required components of certification, including coursework, assessments, and South Dakota Indian Studies requirement. • Previous successful teaching experience. • Preferred prior school leadership experience (e.g., assistant principal, instructional leader). • Strong background in instructional leadership, staff evaluation, and school improvement. Compliance Statement: • Employment is contingent upon maintaining appropriate certification and endorsement in accordance with South Dakota administrative rules and accreditation standards. • Failure to obtain or maintain required credentials may result in reassignment or termination, in order to ensure district compliance. Spiritual Requirements • Committed Christian with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. • Agreement with James Valley Christian School's Statement of Faith. • Active participation in a Bible-believing church. Application Process Please submit the following materials: • Completed application (available at www.JVCS.org) • Resume including professional and pastoral references • Personal Statement of Paith Materials may be submitted to: assistant@jvcs.org Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.