Description

The School Principal serves as the chief administrator and spiritual leader of Creekside Christian School. The Principal is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the K–8 school while providing visionary leadership that advances academic rigor, spiritual formation, organizational health, and long-term sustainability.

This role requires a leader who can balance grace and truth, shepherding students and staff while holding firm to high standards of excellence, discipline, and biblical faithfulness. The Principal works under the direct supervision of the Discipleship Pastor, who reports to the Lead Pastor, and collaborates closely with church leadership and the Board of Directors.

 
Ecclesial Alignment & Ministry Integration
Creekside Christian School is not an independent institution but an integrated ministry of Open Bible Church of Rapid City. Therefore, the Principal must be doctrinally aligned with Open Bible Church and actively engaged as a committed member of the church body.

This alignment is essential to:

•         Preserve theological clarity and unity across church and school
•         Build trust and credibility with parents and congregants
•         Effectively partner with pastoral leadership in discipleship and spiritual oversight
•         Strengthen fundraising efforts through relational and spiritual integration
•         Seamlessly integrate school families into the broader ministry family of Open Bible Church

The Principal can expect intentional coaching, feedback, and evaluation during the first year of employment, with continued support and accountability in subsequent years.

Requirements

A Principal who is spiritually and relationally embedded within the church is best positioned to lead with authority, humility, and long-term effectiveness.

Education & Experience

        Master’s degree in Education or related field

        Current South Dakota Administrator’s Certificate (or ability to obtain)

        Demonstrated experience in educational leadership and classroom instruction

        Ministry experience or theological training preferred

        Experience in Christian school administration strongly preferred

Qualifications
        A born-again believer and mature follower of Jesus Christ, demonstrating spiritual fruit, integrity, and servant leadership

        Doctrinal alignment with the beliefs, values, and mission of Open Bible Church

        Active Partner of Open Bible Church of Rapid City

        Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

        Spiritually disciplined and committed to fulfilling and equipping others to fulfill the Great Commission

Primary Responsibilities
Instructional and Spiritual Leadership
        Provide visionary leadership for the school’s instructional and spiritual life

        Lead and oversee weekly chapel services

        Supervise curriculum development, instructional planning, teacher assignments, scheduling, and instructional resources

        Ensure academic excellence through data-informed decision-making and best practices

        Communicate clearly and consistently with faculty, staff, students, and parents

        Oversee accreditation and compliance with the State of South Dakota (five-year cycle)

Culture, Discipline, and Formation
Creekside Christian School believes that love and accountability work together in effective discipleship. The Principal is responsible for maintaining a culture marked by clarity, order, spiritual authority, and growth.

The Principal will:

        Uphold and enforce clear standards of conduct, discipline, and academic integrity

        Apply discipline biblically, redemptively, consistently, and without favoritism

        Partner with parents to reinforce shared expectations for student behavior and growth

        Ensure that correction leads toward restoration, responsibility, and maturity

School Development & Operations
        Implement and carry out Board policies and strategic initiatives

        Assist faculty in achieving data-driven instructional improvement

        Ensure faculty engagement in curriculum development and evaluation

        Communicate school needs, challenges, and opportunities to the Discipleship Pastor

        Assist in the maintenance, safety, and stewardship of school facilities

Student Life
        Provide daily leadership and spiritual oversight for students

        Lead the admissions and enrollment process

        Maintain high enrollment standards consistent with school mission and culture

        Clearly communicate and enforce student conduct expectations

        Oversee student culture, including Student Council and leadership development

        Ensure proper maintenance of school resources and materials

        Guide scheduling of extracurricular and co-curricular activities

        Maintain accurate student records in compliance with legal requirements

        Monitor health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and school events

Personnel Administration
        Recruit, hire, and retain high-quality faculty and staff aligned with the mission of Creekside Christian School

        Ensure position descriptions are accurate and current

        Provide ongoing coaching, encouragement, and accountability for faculty and staff

        Facilitate professional development that supports both academic excellence and spiritual growth

        Address staff grievances, underperformance, and discipline promptly and appropriately

        Conduct regular written evaluations of personnel

        Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records

        Serve as a spiritual leader and shepherd to school staff

Finance and Fundraising
        Develop, manage, and monitor the annual school budget

        Authorize expenditures in alignment with approved budgets

        Lead and support fundraising initiatives in cooperation with church leadership and calendar

        Assess tuition, fundraising, and alternative revenue streams to ensure financial sustainability

        Strive to steward the school toward a net-positive financial position

Public Relations and Community Engagement
        Promote Creekside Christian School to stakeholders and the broader community

        Attend community and educational functions as a representative of the school

        Build and maintain relationships with other Christian school administrators

        Strengthen the school’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and spiritual vitality

Culture Continuity & Spiritual Atmosphere

Creekside Christian School has been shaped by a strong spiritual foundation established by prior leadership. The Principal is entrusted with stewarding and strengthening this legacy.

The Principal will:

        Preserve and cultivate a prayerful, Spirit-led school environment

        Champion discipleship as a core component of education

        Integrate spiritual formation into classrooms, discipline, relationships, and leadership

        Honor the school’s history while discerning faithful innovation for future growth

Vision, Innovation, and Future Growth
Creekside Christian School is committed not only to sustaining excellence but to discerning and stewarding God’s vision for future growth. The School Principal is expected to lead with faith, wisdom, and strategic foresight, prayerfully identifying opportunities to strengthen and expand the school’s mission and impact.

The Principal will:

        Seek the Lord for long-term vision that aligns with the mission of Creekside Christian School and the broader vision of Open Bible Church.

        Dream responsibly about programmatic growth, enrollment expansion, facility development, and academic innovation while remaining grounded in financial and organizational stewardship.

        Evaluate emerging educational models, curriculum advancements, and discipleship strategies that enhance student formation without compromising biblical conviction.

        Collaborate with church leadership and the Board of Directors to discern when and how God may be leading the school into new seasons of growth.

        Cultivate a culture of faith-filled expectation that embraces wise innovation while honoring the school’s spiritual and institutional foundations.