Full Time Elementary School Principal - Grades K-6, Montezuma

Position Overview

The principal serves as the leader of Montezuma Elementary, a regional charter elementary school supported by the Indiana Agriculture and Technology School (IATS) and authorized by the University of Southern Indiana. The principal reports to the IATS Executive Director and the Board of Directors and is responsible for executing the school's mission and vision. This role blends instructional leadership with operational and financial oversight to ensure a high-performing, student-centered learning environment.

The principal leads all aspects of the school, including academics, staff development, culture, and compliance, while developing and integrating an agriculture-based curriculum. This is an opportunity to build and retain a strong team, improve student achievement, and strengthen a positive, supportive school community.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, on-site
• Salary: negotiable, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package includes individual health, dental, vision, TERF, flexible time off

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & School Culture

• Serve as the overall leader of the school, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
• Build a culture of trust, respect, and accountability among all staff and students.
• Act as the public face of the school, fostering strong relationships with families, the community, and the authorizer.
• Prepare reports to the IATS Board of Directors and communicates to the Montezuma Advisory Council these reports.

Instructional Leadership

• Lead the implementation of an agriculture-based curriculum with an emphasis on literacy.
• Review student achievement data, monitor student progress, and ensure academic goals are met.
• Support and develop staff through coaching, evaluation, and professional development.
• Ensure instructional practices align with the school's philosophy and standards.

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily school operations and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements.
• Manage school systems including scheduling, reporting, and standardized testing.
• Supervise special education services and student support systems.

Financial & Strategic Oversight

• Lead budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility, including audits and proper use of grant funds.
• Partner with the Board on strategic planning, enrollment, and long-term growth.

Board & Community Partnership

• Serve as the primary advisor and liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Provide regular updates on key areas including academics, finances, and operations.
• Support Board governance through transparency and strong communication.

Staffing & Team Development

• Make recommendations to the Board to Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Build a high-performing team aligned to the school's mission.
• Develop improvement plans and support continuous growth.

Qualifications

Required

• Valid Indiana Principal preferred
• Master's degree in education leadership, administration or applicable field
• Preferred 3 years of leadership experience in an educational setting
• Preferred 5 years of successful K-12 elementary classroom teaching experience

Preferred

• Experience with competency-based education
• Familiar with multiage grade level grouping
• Knowledge of charter school operations and compliance requirements

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Ability to motivate and inspire both staff and students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Financial literacy and understanding of budgeting
• Comfort with technology and common platforms (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office)

Work Environment

• School-based role with regular interaction with students, staff, families, and Board members
• Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities, including Board meetings and school events
• Moderate noise level typical of a school environment
• Ability to perform standard physical tasks such as standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds

How to Apply

Please email a letter of interest, resume, and three letters of recommendation to ... with the subject line: "ME Charter School Principal."

Timeline to Identify and Hire the Final Candidate

• May 27-June 8: Resume vetting
• June 8-12: Virtual or in-person interviews

Indiana Agriculture Education, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristics. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to provide a supportive and equitable work environment for all employees.