STEPPING STONES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Head of School
Grand Rapids, MI
Start Date: Summer 2024

  Stepping Stones Montessori School is seeking a qualified candidate
for its Head of School (HOS) position beginning in the summer of 2024.

Stepping Stones Montessori School was founded in 1983 by a dedicated
group of parents and Montessori educators who recognized the benefits
that a sound, individualized, and continuous Montessori program can
offer a child. Today, as the oldest secular, private Montessori school
in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Stepping Stones continues to provide an
outstanding authentic, Montessori education.

Stepping Stones provides Montessori education on two campuses.  Program
offerings include Toddler through Middle School for approximately 200
children and youth.  The early childhood and elementary programs are
situated on a lovely, wooded, expansive property near downtown Grand
Rapids.  Playgrounds, wooded trails, and parking provide outdoor spaces
for children and adults. The main campus houses 9 classrooms in two
adjacent buildings: 1 Toddler, 5 Children’s House, 2 Lower Elementary
classrooms, and 1 Upper Elementary classroom. The Middle School is in
nearby Ada, about 20 minutes away, on a scenic, rural property,
overlooking the Grand River.

Stepping Stones is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, supported by a
professional board, with an operating budget of over three million
dollars.  Tuition revenues support the operations of the school.  Annual
giving, a gala, and other fundraising events are used for additional
enhancements.  The Board is proud of its recent efforts to provide
equitable salaries and benefits for faculty.  Stepping Stones is a
member of the American Montessori Society.

Mission
Stepping Stones Montessori School exists to nurture global citizens and
guide each child to reach their unique potential.

Values
Our core values of the school are:

        * Established in partnership
        * Rooted in Montessori
        * Focused on the child

  For more information about Stepping Stones, visit the school’s website.

Head of School Profile
_Montessori Leader* Strategic Visionary * Community Builder _*
_Communicator_

Stepping Stones Montessori welcomes the next Head of School who will
join an established, successful, 40-year-old Montessori school with an
exciting vision for future growth and expansion.  They must be skilled
at building trust and cultivating relationships to establish themselves
as a trusted leader and voice in the school community. A commitment to
continuation of the school’s values is key, built on the dedication
and loyalty of the school community. The person chosen must learn about
the strong foundation of Stepping Stones and then vision further
sustainability and growth. All planning must be based on the four
pillars of the strategic plan:

        * diversity, equity, and inclusion;
        * financial stability;
        * marketing and parent education; and
        * thoughtful professional development and meaningful careers.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Montessori school leader who is
versed in the business aspects of running a school. The ability to
balance the oversight of authentic Montessori education, school
operations, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The art
of delegation with an experienced administrative staff will be an asset
for this new school leader.

Stepping Stones’ new HOS must be a strategic visionary who can
communicate and implement the strategic plan in partnership with a
professional, invested, and supportive Board.  The HOS will effectively
develop engagement with the community to join in that vision.

Position Requirements

        * Montessori credential preferred
        * Administrative experience in an educational setting; five years’
experience in administration in a Montessori school preferred
        * A Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degrees in a related
field preferred
        * Experience with regulatory, personnel, budget, and fiscal management
preferred
        * Experience working with a governing board preferred

Benefits include health insurance; 401(k) retirement; tuition discounts;
vacation, sick, personal, and professional days. Vision, dental, long-
and short-term disability are also included.

The application deadline is August 15. For more information about this
position, please see the Opportunity Statement.  To apply, submit
the following to Carla Hofland:

        * Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee expressing interest
in and detailing qualifications for the position
        * A current resume
        * A statement of educational leadership philosophy (1-2 pages)
        * Two examples of writing on a school or educational topic (can be
school newsletter/communications)
        *  Five references (including email addresses and telephone numbers)
that can be contacted confidentially)

If you or someone you know may be interested in this wonderful
opportunity to lead a top-notch school, contact Carla Hofland,
Consultant, Metro Consulting Services [5].

                                              **********************

Metro Consulting is currently assisting Winston-Salem Montessori School
in North Carolina and St. Vrain Community Montessori School in Colorado.
View these position descriptions on the Metro Consulting website [6].

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