St. Leo Catholic School in Versailles, KY is seeking a dynamic, faith-driven Principal to lead its school. St. Leo is a vibrant learning community located in the rolling hills of central Kentucky. Having a core focus on a Christ-Centered Education, St. Leo Catholic School currently enrolls approximately 150 students in grades PreK-3 through 8 th grade of which approximately 40% are in the preschool classes. For further details about the school, visit the website at www.sainteloky.org.

Primary Responsibilities

The principal is a spiritual, academic, and operational leader of the school, responsible for fostering a Catholic school culture, promoting academic excellence, and effectively managing resources. The principal will oversee academic and religious education for students in Preschool through 8th grade, ensuring the integration of Catholic values with a rigorous curriculum that includes core subjects and special humanities programs. The principal will directly report to the Pastor to advance the vision and policies of the school and parish, ensuring alignment with Diocese of Lexington standards and promoting a strong Catholic Identity.

The ideal candidate will embody the school’s Catholic mission, fostering a strong school-parish partnership and modeling Catholic teachings in all aspects of leadership. This role requires a commitment to excellence in both spiritual and educational guidance, supporting faculty, staff, students, and families, while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Spiritual Leadership

Build faith-based connections with students and become a spiritual role model.
Cultivate and maintain a school culture rooted in Catholic values, fostering faith and moral development among students, staff, and the broader community.
Supervise the implementation of the curriculum and ensure staff development to support the academic and religious mission of the school.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LEXINGTON SCHOOLS

Academic Leadership

Set and communicate the school’s educational vision and goals, promoting a positive learning environment and collaborative culture.
Support teacher development through professional growth opportunities, observations, and data-driven evaluations.
Oversee curriculum development, technology integration, and student achievement, ensuring academic excellence and ethical use of technology.
Manage faculty hiring, and professional development, ensuring high instructional standards.
Create and maintain a productive culture that promotes a positive learning environment, effective communication, and shared responsibility.

Operational Leadership:

Work with Pastor, School Council, and Parish committees to increase enrollment in the school.
Lead long-term planning and manage school resources effectively, ensuring alignment with school goals and Catholic values while representing the faculty.
Maintain positive communication with the Pastor and stakeholders (faculty, staff, parents, parish) and facilitate regular updates on school initiatives.
Work with the Pastor and parish staff to oversee compliance with federal, state, and diocesan policies, including financial management, budgeting, and accreditation.
Supervise daily operations, including teacher evaluations, policy reviews, and student performance data analysis, ensuring a safe and efficient learning environment.
Promote positive staff morale and a sense of community and collaboration among teachers and the broader school community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This role requires a visionary leader dedicated to fostering student, faculty, and community growth, with a focus on Catholic identity, academic excellence, and operational efficiency.

Key Qualifications:

Active, practicing Roman Catholic in good standing required
Proven track record of increasing student achievement and school enrollment
Expertise in PS-8 education with a strong ability to coach and develop teachers

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LEXINGTON SCHOOLS

Education experience with preschool and elementary age children
Success in leading both adults and students
Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills

Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Educational Administration
Possess or working towards valid Administration Certificate
3 – 5 years of previous administrator experience required
3 – 5 years classroom teaching experience required

The Application Process

Interested candidates are to submit, electronically, the following materials by January 31, 2026:

Cover letter detailing interest and fit for the position
Current resume
Statement (one page) of educational leadership philosophy and Catholic Identity
List of three professional references – references will only be contacted with permission of the applicant (to preserve confidentiality on the applicant’s part)

Send all application materials to this email address: hiringcommittee@saintleoky.org

Start Date: July 1, 2026

St. Leo Catholic School jobs

Principal