Elementary School Principal

Company Description The Diocese of Winona-Rochester is a religious institution headquartered in Rochester, Minnesota, serving a broad community across 13,000 square miles of southern Minnesota. It supports more than 131,000 Catholics through parish life, education, and outreach ministries. The diocese is committed to faith-based education that integrates academic excellence with spiritual and moral development. Elementary schools within the diocese provide nurturing learning environments grounded in Catholic values, collaboration, and service. Educators and leaders are encouraged to model integrity, compassion, and respect in all aspects of school life.

Role Description The Elementary School Principal is a full-time, on-site role based in Waseca, MN, responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the school. Day-to-day responsibilities include supervising instructional programs, supporting educators, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all students. The principal oversees curriculum implementation, student assessment, and academic progress, while promoting faith formation consistent with diocesan mission and Catholic teaching. This role includes managing staff performance, coordinating professional development, and fostering strong communication with families, parish leadership, and the wider community. The principal also handles budget oversight, compliance with diocesan and state policies, and strategic planning to support school growth and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in K–8 school leadership, including responsibility for curriculum, instruction, and student services.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with educators, staff, families, parish leaders, and community partners.
• Strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, with a commitment to transparency and fairness.
• Ability to create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school environment aligned with Catholic identity and values.
• Experience with staff supervision, performance evaluation, and mentoring to support professional growth.
• Competence in school operations, including budgeting, enrollment management, scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with data-informed instruction, student assessment practices, and continuous school improvement processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field; master’s degree in Educational Leadership or Administration preferred.
• Current or eligible Minnesota principal licensure (or equivalent credentials) preferred.
• Active understanding of and respect for Catholic teaching, with willingness to support and promote the mission of Catholic education.