The Organization
Lenawee Christian School is part of a larger ministry called Lenawee Christian Ministries (LCM) which is an umbrella ministry that exists to promote spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social wellness. They accomplish their mission primarily by operating two separate but related entities:
Lenawee Christian School (LCS): A 500+ student K-12 ACSI accredited institution
The Centre: A Christian community center with approximately 7,800 members.
Viewed as a whole, LCM has an annual budget of approximately $8.5 million and is located in Adrian, MI. They employ 87 full-time, 185 part-time faculty and staff. The school accounts for the vast majority of that with 52 FT and 77 PT employees, all on site in Adrian, MI.
Learn more about LCS HERE.
The Opportunity
The Lenawee Christian School and LCM Board of Directors seeks a Secondary School Principal to partner with the ministry and lead the upper school with Christ-centered faith, serving to ensure the alignment of the school with LCM’s spiritual and administrative goals. Responsible for overseeing the academic excellence, staff development, and spiritual growth of students in grades 6th to 12th, the Secondary School Principal serves a crucial role in the lives of students and families, as well as teachers at LCS. The ideal candidate leads and serves with experience, faith, and dedication as they prepare students for the world.
THEIR STORY
In 1977, Orville and Ruth Merillat founded Trenton Hills Christian School as a way of giving back to the community. Their desire was to prepare students spiritually and academically while working in partnership with their families and churches. Their belief was that a good education will produce active and strong leaders in our families, communities, ministries, governments, and businesses.
In the mid-1980s, after seeing consistent growth in the school, the Merillat family purchased a 75-acre farm on the corner of Wolf Creek Highway and U.S. 223 on the west side of Adrian, Michigan. Their desire was to provide a Christian education that would serve the spiritual needs of students from many area churches, as an interdenominational school. That new campus, called Lenawee Christian School, opened in October of 1986.
The Christian Family Centre, or The Centre, was a later addition to LCM and a desire to care for the whole person. The Centre serves the community through the use of its wellness programs and facilities. In addition, it houses an outside company that does physical therapy and movement rehabilitation. An outside pool and play area, known as Corner Park, is the most recent addition.
The Ministry remains strongly centered on Christ, with a firm faith emphasis.
Statement of Faith
WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
WE BELIEVE that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
WE BELIEVE in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right-hand of the Father as the only mediator between God and man, and in His personal return in power and glory.
WE BELIEVE that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential.
WE BELIEVE in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
WE BELIEVE in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ
WHAT THEY DO
Mission
Lenawee Christian School exists in partnership with the family and church to integrate biblical truth for life with a commitment to glorifying Jesus Christ through academic excellence and spiritual maturity.
Lenawee Christian School (LCS) is a fully ACSI accredited Pre-K through 12th grade school serving just over 500 students. LCS offers a college prep curriculum with a broad range of fine arts, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities. The school also offers a diverse group of college dual enrollment and AP courses. They are an open enrollment school (not covenant).
Lenawee Christian School is a non-denominational, coeducational institution, preschool through grade twelve. The school is committed to the historic Christian perspective of life as set forth in the Bible, recognizing God as the Creator of all things, the Son of God as Savior of all who believe in Him, and the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and Convictor of all who believe in Him.
Safe and Nurturing Environment:
High level of campus security equipment and training
Daily Bible lessons to reinforce Christ-like behavior
Parent-partners are welcome in the building at any time during the day
Academic Excellence:
The literacy training provides support for all students to reach or exceed grade level by 5th grade
Emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving from K-12 in all subject areas
Highly sought graduates by colleges and universities all over the world
Spiritual Formation:
Biblical truths integrated into all subjects
Small groups in our secondary school are focused on spiritual discipleship and mentorship
Weekly Chapel services for Little Cougars and Elementary, Middle, and High School students
Local, regional, and global service opportunities
Experiences Beyond the Classroom:
Missions trips
Fine Arts: Visual, performing, dramatic
Learning clubs & camps
Check out the LCS YouTube Channel HERE.
The Centre is a Christian community center with approximately 7,800 members and a $1.7M budget. The Centre provides workout facilities, full-service catering, a café, fitness classes, pools, and the Corner Park, an outdoor play space for kids.
2 Complete Fitness Centers – 1 Dedicated to Ladies Only and 1 Coed
Approximately 50 Group Fitness Classes per week are included with a membership
Free swimming and access to our 60-foot water slide and other water features
The Corner Park – free access to a jumping pillow, explorer dome, splash pad and outdoor pool
Youth programs from Impact Sports to Swimming Lessons
Conferences, concerts, and events held at The Centre
Our Kids Care facility is second to none. Your kids will be asking you to come to The Centre and work out!
Access to the best Personal Trainers in the county
LCM Shared Services is comprised of various departments whose work serves both the school and the Centre. These include business services, development, human resources, information technology, marketing, and physical plant.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position: Secondary School Principal
Classification: Salaried Exempt
Reports to: Head of School
Company: Lenawee Christian School
Location: Adrian, MI
About the Role:
The Secondary Principal is a critical leader at Lenawee Christian School, responsible for overseeing the academic excellence, staff development, and spiritual growth of students in grades 6th to 12th. Reporting to the Head of School, the Secondary Principal plays an integral role in aligning the school’s academic programs with the institution’s mission and vision under the direction of the Head of School.
Key Responsibilities:
Educational Leadership:
Uphold and advance the academic program for the high school and middle school, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and vision.
Foster a culture of excellence and innovation in teaching and learning.
Spiritual Guidance:
Promote a Christ-centered educational environment, facilitating the integration of biblical principles within the curriculum and school activities.
Provide spiritual leadership, encouraging the spiritual growth of students and faculty.
Faculty and Staff Leadership:
Recruit, retain, and develop a team of dedicated educators who share our mission and values.
Evaluate faculty regularly, supporting their professional growth and ensuring consistency.
Student Support:
Monitor student progress and ensure the implementation of effective policies for student support.
Promote a safe and secure learning environment for all students.
Oversee student discipline
Administrative Oversight:
Oversee the development and implementation of school policies and procedures.
Manage the budget for the secondary school effectively.
Oversight of the school’s transportation services.
Curriculum Development:
Collaborate with curriculum development teams to enhance educational offerings.
Continuously evaluate and improve the curriculum to align with modern educational standards.
Requirements:
Minimum of five years of teaching with some administrative experience preferred.
A master’s degree in education is required.
· Must be able meet certification requirements for Association of Christian Schools International, Cognia (formerly North Central Association), and the State of Michigan.
Character:
Exemplify Christian character and values in accordance with the lifestyle agreement.
A committed, actively participating member of a local Bible-believing church or fellowship.
Competence:
Cultivate positive and effective relationships that foster trust and respect among all stakeholders.
Apply rigorous logic and problem-solving skills to find effective solutions.
Possess strong communication and team-building skills.
Understanding of policies and procedures, with a proven ability to apply discipline even-handedly across the student body.
Compensation:
A competitive salary package and benefits will be discussed in a personal interview.
Lenawee Christian School is an equal-opportunity employer.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Opportunities
Many teachers and parents are alumni themselves, which perpetuates a strong tradition of loyalty and is reflected in the recurring annual traditions of LCS Homecoming, Donuts with Dads, Fall Fest, or strong ties to the Christian community such as the Pastoral Partnership Luncheon.
The Upper School team has had strong interim leadership which has restored a sense of unity and collaboration.
Challenges
The new Secondary Principal will start in the middle of the school year which is never ideal for a professional educator.
Private Christian school compensation is not on par with public schools, and there is a statewide shortage of teachers. This can make retention of teachers a challenge at times, but a board initiative is addressing this concern.
ABOUT ADRIAN, MI
Adrian, “The Maple City,” is located in the southeast corner of Michigan in Lenawee County, close to the Ohio border. The city is a vibrant four-season destination, approximately 30 miles southwest of Ann Arbor and 30 miles northwest of Toledo, Ohio. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport provides international air service less than two hours away. The population is around 20,000, and the median home price is a reasonable $179,000. The cost of living is low, so to purchase a 3 BR/2B home would be $250-300,000.
Adrian has historical architectural gems such as the former Adrian Library, now home to the Lenawee County Historical Museum, the historic Croswell Opera House, and a professional symphony. There are two centers of higher education, Adrian College and Siena Heights University, as well as numerous recreational facilities. Finally, this city offers a renovated and vintage downtown district with local shops and eateries with friendly people and handcrafted items.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you believe this role fits you well, or if you know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:
Dr. Rich Kidd, Partner
mobile :: (757) 642–0622
company main :: (615) 422–0884
email :: rich@missionleadership.org