Position Title: Founding PrincipalSchool: Sledge InstituteLocation: Henderson, NCReports To: Chief Executive Officer
The Opportunity
Sledge Institute is not just another charter school coming to the Kerr Tar Region—we’re a bold, fresh start in education, and we’re on a mission to spark curiosity, ignite passion, and empower every learner to shine as a responsible and just global citizen. Our vision is to build a K-12 community where Excellence, Community, Heart, and Opportunity aren’t just words on a page—they’re lived experiences that shape every moment of our school day.
At Sledge Institute, we’re redefining education with a dynamic school model that brings together six key elements: project-based learning, place-based education, global education, competency-based education, postsecondary readiness, and all-inclusive wellness. We believe learning should be relevant, joyful, and limitless—extending far beyond the classroom walls into the real world.
As the Founding Principal, you’ll be at the forefront of this exciting journey, leading Sledge Institute from day one. This is your chance to shape an innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environment that inspires and empowers students, staff, and the entire school community. If you're passionate about making a difference and excited to build something extraordinary from the ground up, this opportunity is calling your name. Join us, and let’s create something amazing together!
Key Responsibilities
Sledge Institute will open its doors in August 2025 with 125 eager learners in grades K-2 and 6. As we grow each year, adding new grades, we’re looking for a Founding Principal who will be more than just a leader—you’ll be a strategic thought partner, a collaborator, and a visionary. During our planning year, you’ll work closely with our CEO and Board of Directors to lay a strong foundation for our school’s future success. Your leadership will be key in ensuring we’re fully prepared to open our doors and provide our students and families with an exceptional experience during our first-year and beyond. Here’s some of what you’ll do to help us achieve our mission:
Leadership and Vision
- Support the development of and lead the implementation of a strategic vision for Sledge Institute that is in alignment with our mission, vision, and core values, and incorporates our six key elements of education.
- Foster a positive, inclusive school culture that embodies the values of Excellence, Community, Heart, and Opportunity.
- Serve as a leader and advocate for the school's mission and vision, engaging with families, community members, and external partners to build a strong school community.
Instructional Leadership
- Oversee the design and implementation of our curriculum that integrates project-based learning, place-based education, and global education, providing students with meaningful and relevant learning experiences.
- Promote competency-based education by ensuring that instruction is tailored to meet individual student needs and that students demonstrate mastery of key competencies.
- Utilize data-driven decision-making to support continuous improvement in teaching and learning, focusing on student outcomes, student’s holistic wellness, and postsecondary readiness.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with students, parents, staff, and community partners to support the school's mission and model.
- Engage with local, state, national, and global communities to create learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, emphasizing place-based and global education.
- Collaborate with industry experts, higher education officials, and community organizations to offer students a diverse range of learning experiences that prepare them for their future careers and civic responsibilities.
Operational Management
- Manage the daily operations of the school, ensuring a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for all students and staff.
- In collaboration with the CEO, ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as charter authorizer requirements.
- In collaboration with the CEO, develop and manage the school’s budget, aligning resources with the school’s mission, vision, and six key elements of education.
Staff Development and Supervision
- Recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and talented team of educators and support staff who are committed to the school's mission and values.
- Foster a professional culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and reflective practice, providing opportunities for professional development aligned with the school's educational model.
- Conduct regular formal and informal performance evaluations, supporting staff in achieving excellence and professional growth.
Student Achievement and Well-being
- Promote a holistic approach to student wellness that addresses physical, emotional, and social well-being, supporting an all-inclusive wellness model.
- Develop and implement systems to monitor and support student progress, ensuring that all students achieve mastery of key competencies and are prepared for postsecondary pathways.
- Address student behavioral and disciplinary issues in a manner that aligns with the school’s values of love, respect, and restorative practices.
- Excel at fostering strong relationships with families, partnering with them to support each student's growth and success, both inside and outside the classroom.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.
- Valid state principal certification (or eligibility for certification).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in educational leadership, preferably as a principal or equivalent.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of Sledge Institute.
- Proven track record of improving student outcomes and leading innovative school improvement efforts.
- Strong understanding of the six key elements of Sledge Institute's educational model, including project-based learning, place-based education, global education, competency-based education, postsecondary readiness, and all-inclusive wellness.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to build and maintain a positive, inclusive, and dynamic school culture.
- Confident and enthusiastic about working in a start-up environment
- Thrives in building systems from the ground up
- Embraces the challenges and opportunities of launching a new school.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a charter school setting.
- Experience in fostering community partnerships and creating interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
Compensation and Benefits
Sledge Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, your educational and leadership philosophies, and three professional references to info@sledgeinstitute.org to the Attention of Dr. Chandra Sledge Mathias, CEO. Please include PRINCIPAL APPLICANT in the subject line of your email. Applications will be received on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
In compliance with federal law, Sledge Institute administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.
