President/Principal Search

PRESIDENT/principal search

kankakee, illinois start date: JULY 2024

A new Century awaits

our mission Bishop McNamara Catholic School is dedicated to maximizing the potential of students, spiritually, morally, and intellectually through a faith-based community of academic excellence and service to others.

With grateful hearts and a steadfast spirit, Bishop McNamara Catholic School in Kankakee, Illinois, is embarking on its second century and seeks its next President/Principal.

Founded in 1923 and transformed into a regional school system in the Diocese of Joliet in 2016, comprised of two elementary campuses and one junior/ senior high school, Bishop McNamara enjoys a stellar reputation for academics, athletics and activities. It has recently completed a capital campaign resulting in numerous facility improvements.

The future President/Principal will enjoy a triumvirate of responsibilities and opportunities and bring Bishop McNamara to the next level of excellence.

bishop mcnamara catholic school Bishop McNamara Catholic School has been serving students of diverse cultures for 101 years and develops young leaders by instilling a love of learning in a safe and nurturing environment.

With Catholic Christian faith as its foundation, the school’s curriculum, activities, faith formation, and liturgical experiences are characterized by a profound sense of mission, service, charity, self-discipline, and graciousness.

Beyond a focus on faith, Bishop McNamara Catholic School commits to robust academic, athletic, and extra-curricular offerings. This includes 23 AP and Honors courses, an Enhanced Dual Credit Program, 30 athletic teams, and 20 clubs and activities.

During the 2022-23 academic year, Bishop McNamara celebrated its 100th anniversary. A century of graduating students who have become moral, caring, and effective leaders within their respective communities and society in general. The Centennial Legacy Campaign exceeded its goal resulting in the soon to be completed Student Success Center and Chapel. The Chemistry Lab will be ready for the 2024-2025 school year and a new Athletic Complex will open in the fall of 2025.

Bishop McNamara Catholic School draws from 20 school districts, with some students traveling as far as 30 miles daily. Bishop McNamara is blessed to have clergy from seven parishes within the greater Kankakee community who are committed and actively involved with our students and the life of the school.

For additional information please visit https://www.bishopmac.com/ www.bishopmac.com.

the position Bishop McNamara seeks a qualified, experienced, and enthusiastic candidate to serve as the school’s spiritual and educational leader.

The President/Principal oversees day-to-day operations and the continued development and advancement of a curriculum relevant to the 21st century, consistent with the school’s mission. He/she will…

• work closely with a dedicated and compassionate faculty and administration to implement valuable academic and faith formation programming, • direct the advancement, finance and facilities staff to ensure funding, enrollment and student safety, • recognize parents as partners in their children’s education and use multiple platforms to increase dialogue, • create and foster a system-wide warm and nurturing environment where students come of age realizing their talents and full potential, and • commit to understanding and embracing students’ and families’ cultural backgrounds.

The future President/Principal will be decisive yet act with collaboration and openness that genuinely invites and respects the perspectives and views of others.

Strong applicants must understand the nature of today’s students and how a Catholic education can best meet their needs. This understanding should impact evaluating faculty and staff, curriculum development, instructional strategies, and co-curricular programs.

The next President/Principal of Bishop McNamara will embrace its multicultural community as a source of great strength, strengthen the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and continue its integration into the daily life of the school while removing barriers so all can participate.

As a practicing Catholic, the President/Principal will effectively represent and articulate the school’s mission while fostering and promoting a strong sense of community among all Bishop McNamara Catholic School stakeholders.

The next President/Principal is expected to bring the energy, charisma, vision and leadership skills necessary to deliver a quality and respected Catholic education to its students. The ideal candidate will hold Bishop McNamara to its highest aspirations and goals.

Integrity, compassion, a sense of humor, and genuine commitment, investment and love of Catholic education are essential qualities for the next President/Principal. He/she will be comfortable in connecting with each student and truly caring about them as individuals.

key attributes • Practicing Catholic in good standing with

20:1 High School Average Class Size

20 Extra-Curricular Clubs or Programs

89% Graduates Attending College or University of their Choice (57/64 seniors) 3 attend union trades 4 are in the work force

the greater Church, ready to be the leader in the spirituality and the faith formation of the students.

• Experienced educator, who possesses a master’s degree in education administration/leadership and an Illinois Administrative License (or equivalent), and is devoted to continuous improvement.

• Articulate, inspiring, relatable leader and speaker who becomes the face of the school and engages with students, current and prospective parents, faculty and staff, alumni, donors, civic leaders and educators to prompt interest, involvement, and investment in Bishop McNamara Catholic School.

• Strong leader with demonstrated expertise in curriculum and instruction, teacher coaching and development, fundraising and enrollment.

• Dedicated administrator for teacher professional growth to enhance curriculum, instruction, and assessment, seeing technology as a tool for instruction and learning.

• Collaborative team manager.

• Excellent communicator; proficiency in Spanish desired but not required.

Familiarity with Kankakee County is a plus.

Alumni are encouraged to apply.

The President/Principal will:

• refine the value proposition and marketing

posture to grow enrollment through improved student recruitment and retention in an increasingly competitive marketplace, • expand the faculty and staff by recruiting, mentoring and retaining well-qualified and mission-driven professionals, • evaluate existing scholastic, religious and extra/co-curricular programming and implement enhancements to strengthen student outcomes and distinguish Bishop McNamara Catholic School in its marketplace, • expand partnerships with local colleges and universities as well as local businesses that offer direct student benefit, • embed Bishop Mac’s principles of servant leadership into the curriculum, programs, social justice and student experiences, • continue to deepen alumni engagement and support, and • treat issues as a source of renewal and an avenue for growth and improvement.

president

principal

The President/Principal is the faith leader of the school, maintains the integrity of the mission and vision, and manifests an inspiring Catholic identity and message. He/she is entrusted to preserve the history, traditions and culture while leading the school to grow and advance by inspiring interest, involvement and support. The President/Principal will play an integral role in creating the school’s next strategic plan.

The President/Principal is the key instructional leader of the high school, (grades 6-12), and ensures an outstanding experience for students, faculty, and families. Working with an enormously effective staff, the next leader will build on existing best practices and identify new opportunities for the students at Bishop McNamara.

· Oversees the Bishop McNamara School System · Supervises the building/site principals · Completes all annual ISBE required documents · Recruiting, hiring, retention and/or dismissal of of the Professional Staff. · Represents the school to local agencies. · Represents the school to Diocesan and local scholarship organizations. · Supervises the editing and publishing of faculty staff handbooks · Oversees financial aid program of the school · Physical plant planning and maintenance · Evaluating direct reports

PRe

The President/Principal supervises and collaborates closely with the two elementary school principals to guarantee that all students benefit from a system designed to address each child’s needs, gifts and interests. The PK-12 structure nurtures the culture of family and brings out the best in the entire community.

· Provide an atmosphere within the school that is identifiably Catholic. · Develop programs to ensure the · · · ·

religious and professional growth of faculty/staff Attends professional, diocesan, and other meetings important to the well-being of the school.

Foster good communication to the parents, community, and other publics to promote goodwill.

Provide reports to all BMCS Boards Supervise the BMCS Administration

dual ROLE

· Oversees the instructional program which

· ·

includes religious education, to meet the needs of the students. Specifically, this entails: ° Overseeing the master schedule ° Review and revision of the curriculum ° Classroom visitation and observation ° Evaluation of faculty Developing programs for professional improvement: ° Administrative Board Meetings ° Faculty meetings ° In-service meeting ° Professional conferences Maintains the general order of the school on any extraordinary disciplinary measures.

sid e n t R OLE STUDENTS ENROLLED: System Wide

23

889

AP/HONORS TRACT CLASSES

318 hs 202 JR.hs 369 Gs PK-5

“Bishop McNamara is one of the finest examples of regionalization. Everyone connected to the school and throughout the surrounding area has benefited from this approach. We have excellent support from the Diocese, our student outcomes are fantastic, and once people come here they often stay for their entire careers.”

(Current Parent)

14 parishes our students call home

PRIN

CIPA L R O LE “You frequently hear ‘our school is like a family’ but at Bishop McNamara it’s no cliché. Our parents and alumni are actively involved and it’s not the same dozen people over and over. Mac is the heart of Kankakee and we are all the better for it.”

(Past Parent)

bishop mcnamara by the numbers ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 76% of the Class of 2023 made the Silver (3.0 - 3.499 GPA) or Gold (3.5 or above GPA) Honor Rolls.

76%

college readiness 59% of the Class of 2023 graduated with a total of 411 college credits which saved $326,745 in college tuition.

$326,745

FAITH FORMATION Faith is part of everything we do at all age levels. BMCS students are offered 45 ministries to live their faith.

45

ENHANCED DUAL CREDIT With this program, our college ready students can earn up to 22 total credits which significantly reduces debt upon college graduation.

22 lEADERSHIP

Service 6,207 total Christian service hours were completed by the Class of 2023 which made our community stronger.

6,207

90% of our students are involved in co-curricular activities; student council, athletics, our unique House program and more.

Students are taught how to lead with integrity

90%

ABOUT THE AREA

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Kankakee County, located a short distance south of Chicago yet near places that feature a decidedly more rural feel than the big city, has long been considered an ideal place to live as it can offer the best of both worlds.

Kankakee County is vibrant and unique. The 110,000 residents live in a variety of cities and villages that have developed their own character while still establishing a spirit of cooperation that improves the quality of life for all. The community prides itself on a small town feel but with a global approach to art, education, health care, and business.

• The Principal/President will take office

Whether it be spring, summer, fall, or winter, outdoor recreation is one of the county’s greatest attractions. The Kankakee River State Park welcomes scores of visitors who hike, bike, fish, camp, picnic or just enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery found there.

Kankakee County bursts with community pride, a can-do attitude, and an emphasis on honoring its past while also building an exciting future.

on July 1, 2024. This is a full time, 12-month position. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Qualified and interested candidates should submit electronically: a letter of introduction; a resume; five professional references (to include names, addresses, and telephone numbers); a written essay of no more than 500 words addressing: The Benefits of Catholic Education in an Increasingly Secular Society.

• Application materials should be issued no later than March 20. Bishop McNamara Catholic School reserves the right to hire prior to the deadline date should an ideal candidate apply.

mailto:csmoffice@cbservices.org

Please send application materials to: Bishop McNamara Catholic School President/Principal Search Catholic School Management Attn. Mary J. Foley

99% High School Graduation Rate

30 ATHLETIC TEAMS

$724,000

Annual High School Tuition Assistance

550 West Brookmont Boulevard Kankakee, Illinois 60901