Principal
About Us:
James Valley Christian School (JVCS) is an accredited, non-profit, non-denominational, incorporated Christian school. JVCS was founded in 1955 and opened our doors in 1957 with 19 students. We currently have 200 students in attendance. JVCS provides educational options beginning with our early education program and extending through 12th grade.
Our mission is to teach a biblically based education, transforming hearts and minds to impact the world for Christ. Educationally, we are able to teach each subject from a Christian worldview, based on the teachings of the Bible. We also desire to reinforce the Christian morals and ethics that are taught at home and church.
Click HERE to read our Doctrinal Statement
About the Position:
James Valley Christian School seeks a K-12 Principal for the 2026-2027 school year. The Principal serves as the instructional leader of the school. The Principal’s primary focus is driving student achievement and building a strong school culture through high-leverage leadership practices. This includes developing teachers, analyzing data, implementing rigorous instruction, and fostering a Christ-centered environment across K-12. This role also embodies the school’s mission and is tasked with ensuring biblically-based education to transform the hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ.
Salary: TBD
Benefits: Health insurance, IRA with match, and covered student tuition
Location: Huron, SD
Job Duties
- Spiritual Leadership: Model a growing relationship with Christ and integrate biblical principles throughout the school. Facilitate the school’s discipleship, and faith formation programs.
- Instructional Leadership: Use data-driven practices to monitor student learning, support teacher development, and ensure a rigorous, aligned K-12 curriculum.
- Teacher Development: Observe, coach, and provide actionable feedback to teachers; lead professional development aligned to school priorities.
- Operations: Manage daily operations, staffing, and school-wide policies. Oversee the preparation for commencement ceremonies.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence to South Dakota DOE standards. Maintain cumulative records of each student and other data in accordance with state requirements and school directives.
- Culture Building: Facilitate a positive, orderly, and Christ-centered school culture for students and staff.
- Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with families, churches, and the broader community; represent the school at events.
Qualifications
- Holds, or is eligible to obtain, a valid South Dakota administrator certificate with appropriate principal endorsement as defined by the South Dakota Department of Education.
- Candidate must be fully certified/endorsed OR approved for an alternative certification pathway through the South Dakota Department of Education at the time of hire.
- If not fully endorsed at hire, candidate must provide documentation of eligibility for alternative administrator certification and demonstrate the ability to meet all certification and endorsement requirements within timelines established by the State of South Dakota.
- Completion of, or enrollment in, a state-approved administrator preparation program, if required for certification.
- Meets all state-required components of certification, including coursework, assessments, and South Dakota Indian Studies requirement.
- Previous successful teaching experience.
- Preferred prior school leadership experience (e.g., assistant principal, instructional leader).
- Strong background in instructional leadership, staff evaluation, and school improvement.
Compliance Statement
Spiritual Requirements
- Employment is contingent upon maintaining appropriate certification and endorsement in accordance with South Dakota administrative rules and accreditation standards.
- Failure to obtain or maintain required credentials may result in reassignment or termination, in order to ensure district compliance.
- Committed Christian with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Agreement with James Valley Christian School’s Statement of Faith.
- Active participation in a Bible-believing church.
