Description

We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team in the role of Principal starting July 1, 2026. As the Principal, you will play a vital role in providing leadership, vision, and guidance to our school community. You will be responsible for ensuring the academic excellence and spiritual development of our students while fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide visionary leadership to the school community, in collaboration with the Pastor, that is in alignment with Catholic values and teachings.

2. Oversee the development and implementation of academic programs that meet or exceed diocesan, state, and national standards.

3. Foster a faith-filled and inclusive environment that promotes the spiritual, moral, and character development of students.

4. Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate qualified teachers and staff members.

5. Collaborate with the school advisory council, parents, and community stakeholders to promote engagement and build positive relationships.

6. Manage the schools budget and resources effectively and transparently.

7. Ensure compliance with all diocesan policies and procedures, as well as relevant federal, state, and local regulations.

8. Oversee student discipline, fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and accountability.

9. Plan and lead professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their instructional skills and spiritual growth.

10. Assists to oversee support services to maintain an efficient, clean, safe, attractive, and functional facility.

11. Willingness and openness to help “fill in the gaps” at the school – through teaching a subject (if needed), driving the school’s van/bus (if needed), and other needs that may pop up.

12. Collaborate with the Pastor, parish and local community to foster strong partnerships and support school initiatives.

13. All other duties as assigned in the Jefferson City Diocesan School Policy Manual.

Mission Statement:

St. Mary School is committed to educating the whole child. St. Mary School provides opportunities for spiritual, moral, intellectual, and physical growth of each student in a loving, Catholic environment. Students are encouraged to share and to serve within the school, church, and community while realizing their own full potential.

Education Philosophy:

The purpose of St. Mary School is to provide a Christian environment in which students learn to integrate doctrines of Catholic faith with academics, an environment in which students strive to know Christ, His teachings, themselves and the world. Consequently, St. Mary strives to foster the life of grace given to each child at Baptism, as well as their personal dignity and self-esteem; emphasize the joy of learning; encourage an appreciation of beauty; and cultivate morally responsible behavior.

In order to achieve these goals, St. Mary School stresses an atmosphere of shared prayer and worship; encourages an active sacramental life; asks for family involvement in the education of their children; provides an opportunity for children to achieve at his/her own personal best and to be of service to the community; and employs a teaching staff of professional educators committed to academic excellence and sharing their faith.

Description of Parish Community:

St. Mary Parish is located on the bluff of the Missouri River established in 1866. We are a farming community with many school families continuing the tradition of the family farm. We are a parish family following in the footsteps of Christ. We are a community of faith committed to worship, education and service to others while making God’s love real to all who live in our community.

Role of School Advisory:

St. Mary School Advisory Council assists in goal setting, formulates school policy, participates in public relations and long-range planning, and recommends the school budget for presentation to the finance council.

Role of Parent Support Groups:

The Home and School Association presents opportunities for two-way communication between parents and faculty. The group also conducts one annual fundraising event. Parents, Grandparents and other community members volunteer in various roles throughout the school.

School Facilities:

St. Mary School was established in 1867. Our school houses grades K-8, in large spacious classrooms, a computer lab, art room, music room, and library. The lunch program is served in the cafeteria. In 2022, a preschool room was added and is connected to the building. Our school is a short walk away from St. Mary Church, which is available for student liturgies.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and a strong commitment to Catholic education.

2. Master’s degree in education or a related field (preferred) and relevant administrative certification (or be willing to work towards certification).

3. Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience, preferably in a Catholic school setting.

4. Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in school administration or a comparable leadership role.

5. Strong knowledge of curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational best practices.

6. Familiarity with relevant technology tools and their integration into teaching and learning.

7. Ability to maintain a positive, welcoming, and respectful school culture.

8. Knowledge of current trends and challenges in Catholic education.

9. If driving the school’s 24 passenger bus, a CDL Driver’s license with Passenger Endorsements is needed.

10. A commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement.

St. Mary Parish jobs

Principal