Principal 2026-2027 School Year

Description

 Job Title: Principal 2026-2027 School Year

Employee Classification: Salary, Exempt / Full-Time

Employee Reports To: Chief Schools Officer

Description

Julie Billiart Schools (“JB Schools”) is a network of Catholic, non-public schools serving children in grades K-8 with special learning challenges. Currently operating on four campuses in Akron, Brecksville, Lyndhurst and Westlake. JB Schools creates unique learning environments for students with autism, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia and social learning challenges. 

Overview of Julie Billiart Schools

Beginning in 1954, the Sisters of Notre Dame set the standard in Northeast Ohio for providing the highest level of education and care for children with special learning and social needs. Since its founding, JB Schools has built self-confidence, inspired Christian values and empowered students with skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for life-long learning in a respectful environment that welcomes diverse faith traditions.

The JB Way

Creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance and belonging in the classroom, recognizing students’ unique gifts and talents, and collaborating with students’ families to reach goals is just a part of the culture at JB Schools, since the entire community knows that every child learns differently. At JB Schools, certified intervention specialists collaborate with onsite therapists to assess and develop strategies that are tailored to each child’s learning style. JB Schools’ team approach to whole-child learning combines the benefits of occupational, speech, behavior, art and music therapies with academics and social skill development. Also, because continuity is critical to a child’s academic success, teams of special education experts work closely with students' families to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed for at-home-learning.

Strategic Opportunities and Challenges

High priorities for the Principal include:

• Recruiting, training and supporting a corps of exceptional special education teachers and specialists charged with designing unique learning environments for students.
• Creating deep and meaningful partnerships with families and students to ensure that each child reaches his or her potential. 
• Fostering a growth mindset that leads to a reflective, collaborative and inspiring culture for students, families, staff members and external stakeholders. 
• Leading the development, coordination and implementation of all school systems, student registration, scheduling, structures and operations aligned with well-established and proven network policies and procedures.
• Building capacity in direct reports to interpret and use data, develop teacher skills and implement targeted interventions that align with the philosophies and mission of JB Schools.  
• Implementing network-wide systems to gather data for the purpose of assigning and determining the appropriateness of interventions using MAPs and other assessments that drive instruction and services.  
• Overseeing the condition of the school’s buildings, grounds and equipment.
• Providing fiscal oversight, including operating within an approved budget, analyzing variance from budget and maximizing resource utilization. 
• Establishing business partnerships and positive relationships with community leaders while participating in collaboration with JB Schools CEO and the central office advancement team in fundraising activities.
• Communicating and collaborating effectively with the school’s Advisory Council to ensure that decisions are well-informed by the school community. 

Requirements

Requirements

Required Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A practicing Catholic 
• Valid Ohio Principal’s License or Alternate Principal’s License

Desired Credentials

• Valid State certification as an Intervention Specialist and/or Special Education Teacher or significant experience overseeing special educators and/or specialists
• Completion of an approved Principal Preparation Program within 3 years from the start of position
• Master’s degree in Educational Administration or a similar field (obtained or in process)

Skills and ExperienceEducation Leader Aligned with JB Schools’ Mission and Core ValuesThe Principal must be an experienced educational leader who exemplifies JB Schools’ core values of collaboration, compassion, communication, family and positive attitude. The Principal must believe that every child learns differently and be able to support the development of tailored str