Head of School - Burlington, United States - Mission Valley Christian Academy

Description

POLSON, MONTANA
Head of School

OPPORTUNITY PROFILE

MISSION VALLEY

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
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Dear Prospective Head of School Candidate,
Greetings We are grateful that you are considering this opportunity at Mission Valley Christian Academy.

We hope that you will gain a greater understanding of who we are as you read through this opportunity profile and explore our website for additional insight.

Please be sure to read our mission, vision and purpose statements as well as our statement of faith, which concisely describe the essence of who we are as a Christian school.

From its inception more than 30 years ago, the school has grown through God's faithful preservation and the tireless work of families committed to our mission of providing Christ centered quality education to prepare students to be lifelong servant leaders.

Located 70 miles south of the majestic Glacier National Park and serving the greater Mission Valley, MVCA is an independent, Christian school dedicated to developing servant leaders who discern and apply God's truth as they serve and lead wherever God calls.

Our heart's desire, and the focus of our work, is that our students develop a biblically worldview that will help them navigate an ever-changing and challenging world.

We value the relationship that we have with parents to whom God has entrusted our students and strive to be the partner they need to raise young men and women who will impact society with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have an exceptional team of administrators, faculty, and staff, who pray for our school and students daily, recognizing that our success is rooted in God's ability to transform us from what we are now into what He desires us to become.

We trust God to use our efforts for His glory and that He will continue making Mission Valley Christian Academy a beacon of light in our surrounding communities.

Once again, we thank you for taking the time to read through this opportunity profile and consider MVCA as your next potential place of leadership and influence.

Blessings,
On behalf of the MVCA Board of Directors GREETINGS FROM MVCA
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MVCA VISION

MVCA MISSION

To be a Christian school that challenges youth to aspire toward lives ofcharacter, integrity, service and influence that reflects the love of Christ.

To provide a Christ centered quality education to prepare students to belifelong servant leaders.

KEY FACTS
MVCA PURPOSEGod has given the primary responsibility for teaching and training of young people to parents.

The rationale for the existence of MVCA is to assist parents as an extension of the Christian home, in providing an education that is thoroughly and distinctively Christ based.

It is our goal through teaching and training to prepare young people to function as individuals who can reason and relate all issues of life to the doctrinal foundation of the Christian worldview.

STUDENT:

TEACHERRATIO
16:1


CHURCHESREPRESENTED
15+FOUNDED IN1993TEACHERS &

STAFF
25

ANNUAL BUDGET
900K
12 GRADE STUDENTS 150

OF TEACHERSWHO PRAY OVER AND

INVEST IN THEIR STUDENTS
100%
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SCHOOL COMMUNITYThe community of Mission Valley Christian Academy is one that is deeply connected through loving God and loving others.

At MVCA, we challenge students toward character, service, integrity and influence. We work together to bring Christ to our communities.

MVCA's Expected Student Outcomes are the target the staff and leadership aim for while considering curriculum, student instruction and the culture of our school.

Addressing spiritual, emotional, social and physical student needs are all important aspects to developing the whole child in their biblical worldview.

We focus on Jesus first always; He is our number one priority.
The vision for MVCA is tied to the partnership we have with parents. We consider them to be the primary educators of their children and we come alongside them in this process. Partnerships can be messy and so clear expectations are a must to help avoid frustration.

Conflicts are dealt with using Matthew 18 and it is our intention to be proactive rather than reactive in our approach to this relationship.

In 2019, MVCA established a process for strategic planning involving all stakeholders in the process across three specific areas. Committees were established by the Board for Campus Growth & Enrollment, Safety & Security, and Student Spiritual Growth. All committees were comprised of students, parents, teachers, and a Board member. However, in early 2020 due to COVID most of the work was delayed.

Currently, most of the goals set for the 5-year strategic plan have been achieved and a new strategic planning process has begun this current school year.

MVCA has increased enrollment by over 200% between 2018/19 and the 2022/23 school year.

The campus size has doubled with the addition of 5 acres, an addition was added to the current building adding preschool, and campus security has vastly improved with complete video coverage of all entrance/exits and a secure lockdown system across the entire building.

MVCA currently has completed a $1.2M Upper School building adding five classrooms and additional office spaces.

We are now in the process of building a $2.1M gym and community center on the new five-acre lot and continue to work on raising the final funding.

SCHOOL OVERVIEW
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LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
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CAMPUS CURRICULUMMission Valley Christian Academy is a PreK to12th grade school that resides on a 12 acrecampus in Polson, MT.

Our facilities feature:
A PreK - 6th grade elementary building withone classroom for each grade level, a library,cafeteria, and office spaces.
A 7th - 12th grade secondary building withclassrooms, computer lab, science lab, andoffices.
A music room and practice room.
Beautiful soccer field.
Our primary resource is BJU Press andsupplements. In addition, 5th through 8th gradestudents read through the entire Bible utilizingthe Immerse Reading Bible. In High School,students take an Old Testament & NewTestament Survey course, Systematic Theology,and an Apologetics course.

Our goal is to ensureevery student has a deep understanding of theBible as the Word of God and is able to apply abiblical worldview to daily life.

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HEAD OF SCHOOL ROLERESPONSIBILITIES
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as the Head of School.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Christian education and a passion for helping students reach their full potential.

The Head of School will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the school, including developing and implementing the school's vision, setting strategic goals, overseeing the budget, and managing staff.

The Head of School reports to the Board of Directors as their sole employee. Consistent with its Policy Governance structure, the Board provides the Head of School with standards and measures for accountability. The Board of Directors currently consists of seven members.

The Head of School is charged with the overall responsibility for the operation of the school in accordance with the by-laws, policies, and end result objectives approved by the MVCA Board.

The Head of School will provide Christ-centered, biblically based, and spiritual leadership to all aspects of the school, and will be responsible for all day-to-day business, spiritual, academic, and co-curricular operations.

Additionally, the Head of School will be the chief spokesperson for Mission Valley Christian Academy the various stakeholders:
students, parents, staff and faculty, alumni, donors, community leaders, organizations, and the Board of Directors.
Currently reporting to the Head of School are the Elementary Principal, the Business Manager, the bookkeeper and the janitor.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Promote an environment that nurtures each student'sspiritual growth and relationship with God, throughprograms, activities, and integration of faith throughoutthe curriculum.

Oversee the development and implementation of anexceptional academic curriculum, rooted in Christianprinciples, that fosters critical thinking, creativity,and servant leadership character development.

Maintain and improve the school's overall rating andaccreditation.
VISIONARY LEADERSHIPProvide visionary and strategic leadership, ensuringalignment with the school's mission, values, andphilosophy. Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive schoolculture that supports the spiritual, academic andpersonal growth of staff and students.

STAFF DEVELOPMENTRecruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team ofeducators and administrative staff committed to theschool's Christian principles and educationalobjectives. Provide mentorship, training, and
Build and maintain strong relationships with students,parents, alumni, the local community, and relevantstakeholders. Act as the primary spokesperson andambassador for the school, promoting its mission and
STRATEGIC PLANNINGDevelop and execute strategic plans to advance theschool's mission and objectives. Continuously evaluateand improve educational programs, policies, andpractices.

OPERATIONAL & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENTProvide strategic direction and operational oversight of all school activities, ensuring alignment with the Christian values and educational standards.

Manage administrative functions, including budgeting, resource allocation, admissions, and staff recruitment and retention. Oversee the financial health of the school, including budget development, fundraising, and resource allocation. Implement strategies to ensure fiscal sustainability and growth. Attend board and committee meetings to share updates on the school and bring back recommendations from the committees. Work with the school board to develop and implement policies and procedures.
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HEAD OF SCHOOL ROLEREQUIREMENTS
Strong understanding and commitmentto Christian education principles,practices and values. Live, lead and serveaccording to 1 Timothy 3:1-7.Proven track record of success indeveloping and implementing academicprograms.
Excellent communication andinterpersonal and organizational skillsProven ability in strategic planning,financial management, and teamleadership.
Years of Experience: 5 years in a Head of School or Senior Administrator role

Educational Requirements:
Master's degree in Education, advanced professional degrees/doctorate preferred.
Someone sufficiently extroverted andhighly relational.
An "out front" inspirational leader whobrings positive motivation and clarity tothe mission and direction at all levels.
A person who has high integrity andAn individual who is positive, energetic,and collaborative.
Strong visionary leader.
A person who is a passionate Christianwith a deep commitment to followingJesus Christ.
Discipleship skills necessary to point allin the school to Christ and to encouragethem to follow Him.
Personal testimony, values, and biblicalworldview are in alignment with theschool's doctrinal statement andtraditional Christian beliefs.
EXPERIENCE & ABILITIES PERSONAL

CHARACTERISTICS

OUR COMMUNITY
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Polson, Montana is located in a natural amphitheater at the south end of Flathead Lake - the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States.

Polson is a charming lakeside community in one of Montana's most fertile farming areas.
Polson is approximately 70 miles north of Missoula and 50 miles south of Kalispell.

Both cities provide outstanding medical services and international airports with direct flights to Seattle, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, and Phoenix.

Glacier National Park, the world-class Whitefish Ski Resort, and Blacktail Mountain Resort are a little more than an hour drive from Polson.

Polson is a small town of about 5,200 people and wide array of outdoor activities making it a great place to live, recreate and to raise children.

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GLACIER NATIONAL PARKGlacier National Park is located approximately 70 miles north of Polson and is the crown jewel of the Northern Rockies.

There are vast valleys, shimmering lakes, and towering snow-capped peaks. The legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road unveils panoramas barely captured by words. Wildlife roam freely, showcasing nature's grand theatre in its most authentic form. Trails range from gentle walks to challenging hikes, each promising unique adventures. The night sky is untouched by city lights.
Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or inspiration, Glacier National Park promises memories that last a lifetime.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit, via e-mail, the following materials to our Head of School search committee at

To apply, please provide the following for review:

• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Three references. Please provide names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, and identify the nature of the relationship you have with these individuals.

Answers to the following questions:
a. Describe your spiritual journey of faith in Jesus Christ. Indicate how God is using you in your work, in your church, and in your community. How has your relationship with Jesus Christ shaped your career and influenced your decision to apply for this position?
b. Briefly state your philosophy of Christian education.
c. How would you define the marks of educational excellence in a Christian school?
d. What are the main challenges and opportunities within K-12 Christian education today?
e. Briefly describe your understanding of, and experience with Christian education.
f. Describe your style of leadership and how it is effective.
g. Describe your experience with raising funds for a Christian school.
38907 WWJD Lane
Polson, MT 59860


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