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The Superintendent and the Board of Trustees

of Holland Christian Schools is prayerfully

searching for a new Middle School Principal to

join in the mission of “Equipping Minds and

Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World

for Jesus Christ.”

Do you love the Lord and have a passion for faith-infused Christian education? Do you believe that being part of a learning community applies to administrators and teachers as much as it does to students? Would you love to lead a faculty team unafraid of hard work with ideas that push you to excel?

Holland Christian Middle School is looking for a principal to help build an exemplary Christian middle school learning environment, preparing our students for future educational success and lives of impact in today’s world. If you want the chance to experience unmatched passion, consummate professionalism, and an operational tempo that will enable you to capture the very best of what you have inside, we invite you to apply. If chosen, the opportunity will change your life.

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“We have a great leadership team here at Holland Christian. I love the vigorous discussions and free-flowing ideas that come up throughout our meetings. One of the things I appreciate about our school is that the big dreams we have don’t have to stay just dreams. We have the support, resources, effort, and determination necessary to make those dreams a reality.”

DAN MEESTER Superintendent, Holland Christian Schools

Our mission statement is an active, living expression of the work that we do at Holland Christian

Schools each and every day. Equipping minds and nurturing hearts means in a very practical sense that

the faculty and staff are equipping our students to be academically prepared, Biblically discerning,

and spiritually growing, possessing the knowledge and skills needed to function effectively in a

diverse world. It means that students have a knowledge of God’s Word, are able to defend a Biblical

worldview, and can critically evaluate culture in light of God’s world. It is our desire that students at

Holland Christian have a vibrant and growing relationship with their Lord and Savior and are growing

in their understanding of their God-given design and desire to serve Jesus Christ in whatever they do.

At Holland Christian, this is intentionally developed within the context of a comprehensive learning

community in a spiritually enriching environment. Our mission drives us to continue to develop an

excellent academic education that is Biblically based, reflective of Reformed thinking, and accom-

modating of the unique design of each student. We hire gifted and passionately committed Christian

teachers and staff who positively influence students and create an authentic Christian community

that encourages each student’s spiritual growth and fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance.

As a result, it is our greatest desire that our students are being equipped to transform the world for Jesus

Christ by living for Jesus, loving others, and serving the world, in whatever capacity they are called.

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THE HOLLAND CHRISTIAN STATEMENT OF FAITH

• GodisCreatorandSustainerofallthings.• GodrevealsHimselfthroughtheBibleand

creation.• ThroughJesusChrist,ourLord,weare

brought into a relationship with God.• OurpurposeistoworshipandserveGod

in all aspects of life.• EverychildismadeinGod’simage,is

uniquely gifted, and belongs to Him.• Godgivesparentstheprimary

responsibility to nurture their children.• EducationisthediscoveryofGod’s

creation and truth.

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THe LEGACYYou Will Advance

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THE YEAR WAS 1901. A group of parents, who desired

a Christian education for their children which integrated all learning with God’s Word, founded

Holland Christian Schools on the principles of the Reformed Christian faith. They considered

it an honor and privilege to partner with parents and churches to encourage the unique faith

development of each student. Throughout the years Holland Christian has remained committed to

teaching from the lens of God’s Word, which means we aim to teach the whole child by equipping

their minds and nurturing their hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.

What does that mean in a practical sense? It means that with integrity, through the course of every

day, every hour, every class, and every discipline, we intentionally acknowledge that “This is my

Father’s World” and that everything belongs to Him. The Bible provides the bedrock foundation

andlensthroughwhichweseeGodmoreclearly.Everysubject,everyconcept,everyhypothesis,

and every truth is taught through this particular worldview. God is sovereign and created all

things good. Yet all things have fallen from that original goodness. Jesus Christ, by his death and

resurrection, has redeemed all things and eventually will restore them. And, finally, we join the

Holy Spirit’s work of restoration by seeking to make all things new. All things hold together in

Christ. This is our lens. This Biblical framework gives focus and shape to our study, our lives, our

past, present, and future, and our response to all that we learn.

Fast forward to 2015. Holland Christian is a vibrant school system comprised of five school

buildings serving more than 1,600 students. With advanced facilities, top-notch technology,

service-learning opportunities, a world-class staff, and more importantly, innovative teaching

strategies that integrate faith and learning into every area of our curriculum, students are being

equipped daily to transform their world, both now and in the future. This is truly education

that is Christian. This is education that meets the whole child with integrity and intention. This

is education in which students from preschool through their senior year are intentionally and

thoughtfully met with opportunities to encounter God and respond to Him in faithfulness and in

grace. These are the hallmarks of a Holland Christian education.

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ROSE PARK

ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

Preschool -6th Grade

SOUTH SIDE

ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

Preschool -2nd Grade

PINE RIDGE

ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

3rd - 6th Grade

HOLLAND

CHRISTIAN

MIDDLE

SCHOOL

7th - 8th Grade

HOLLAND

CHRISTIAN

Middle SCHOOL

9th - 12th Grade

TODAY

ROSE PARK

ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

Preschool -6th Grade

Holland

Christian

Schools

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THE HOLLAND CHRISTIAN DIFFERENCEThe key differentiators of Holland Christian are succinctly summarized in our mission statement.

Holland Christian equips minds and nurtures hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ. Our

level of dedication and commitment to adhering to the mission may be a key differentiator as well.

While the mission provides a firm foundation for the school, so many more attributes set us apart:

our intentional integration of faith and learning, for instance. All subjects, without exception,

are taught from a Christian perspective. In addition, the integration of faith and technology is

another perspective that makes Holland Christian unique. Far from prohibiting computers and the

Internet from students, the faculty and staff guide students in an age-appropriate manner to use

technology for God’s glory and to enhance their understanding of God’s creation. In fact, Holland

Christian has been a multiple-year winner of Apple Computer’s Distinguished Program Award,

including the 2012-13 school year.

Once enrolled, every student and family becomes a part of the greater Holland Christian family.

A focus on community within and outside of the school walls fosters a healthy, safe environment

where learning can flourish.

On the academic front, Holland Christian is truly second to none. Our commitment is not superb

academics “for a Christian School,” but superb academics, period. Coupled with the school

system’s aforementioned commitment to faith integration, Holland Christian Schools creates world

transformers, who are growing in their God-given calling and where God has gifted them.

Holland Christian Schools at a

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Holland Christian Schools at a

PREK-12 ENROLLMENT: 1,671

FACILITIES: Modern and state of the art, including a comprehensive expansion and renovation of

our Middle school in 2009.

GOVERNANCE: The Board of Trustees is comprised of 11 Board members who are parents,

graduates, and supporters of the school.

CLASS OF 2013 AVERAGE Middle SCHOOL ACT SCORE: 23.6 (State Average 20.1)

NUMBER OF CHURCHES REPRESENTED IN STUDENT BODY: 147K-12 TUITION: $4,448 - $8,164FINANCIAL AID DISTRIBUTED 2014-15: $1.6 millionPERCENT OF GRADUATES PURSUING POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: 94%FOUNDATION BALANCE: $10.3m BUDGET: $12.4mNUMBER OF Middle SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OFFERED: 53PERCENT OF STUDENTS IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: 78%19 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ATHLETICS AND 4 IN THEATRE.

GLANCE.

1. Holland Harbor Lighthouse, “Big Red,” on the shores of Lake Michigan.

2. Holland’s downtown is a charming mixture of galleries, restaurants, well-known national retailers, and locally-owned shops.

3. Holland Christian families attend 147 different area churches.1.

An Exceptional

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community

The “Holland” in Holland Christian Schools is Holland, Michigan, a remarkable place to live, worship, work, and play.

Recognized as 1) one of the “Happiest, Healthiest Cities in the America” (Gallup-Healthways

Well-Being Index), 2) one of the most affordable towns (Money Magazine), and 3) a “five bloom”

winner from “America in Bloom,” Holland, Michigan has recently received national notice for

what long-time Hollanders have known all along: this vibrant town on the shores of Lake Michigan

is uniquely wonderful in so many ways.

The two online resources listed below are helpful starts to your deeper research into what makes

Holland such a special place.

Holland By the Lake Video: http://bit.ly/1yZiTG6

Demographic and Other Information: www.enjoyhollandmichigan.com/basics/

3.2.

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Granted, we’ve put you through quite a crash course on Holland

Christian Schools. Hopefully, as you learn more, you’ll grasp our passion for Christ-centered

learning. If you share that passion, we invite you to consider more carefully and prayerfully the

position of Holland Christian Middle School Principal.

The

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The

HOLLAND CHRISTIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WITH A COMMITMENT TO OUR MISSION AND A PASSION FOR EXCELLENT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, ABLE TO SERVE AS BOTH AN ACADEMIC AND SPIRITUAL LEADER FOR OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE POSITION INCLUDE:

• EVALUATING TEACHERS AND LEADING THEM IN PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

At Holland Christian, it not only matters to us that our faculty is highly skilled, it also matters that they

are thirsty for improvement and continuing to get better.

• PREPARING AND RELENTLESSLY PURSUING AN OUTSTANDING, RESULTS-FOCUSED

CAMPUS LEARNING ENVIRONMENT - INCLUDING CURRICULUM, PROGRAMS, STAFFING,

SCHEDULING, AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

That pretty much covers everything, doesn’t it? Our next principal will understand the many facets of

quality education and possess a vision for bringing them together in concert for maximum effect.

• EXPLORING HOW BEST TO ACCOMPLISH CHRISTAIN SCHOOLING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

AND BUILDING A CAMPUS CULTURE THAT COMMUNALLY EMBRACES THAT MINDSET.

We know that education is continually evolving, and our principal needs to have an eye for what lies

ahead. But leadership is about relationships, and developing a team that works well together is critical for

sustaining our success.

• WORKING WITH THE SUPINTENDENT TO HELP HOLLAND CHRISTIAN ACHIEVE ITS

MISSION: “EQUIPPING MINDS AND NURTURING HEARTS TO TRANSFORM THE WORLD FOR

JESUS CHRIST.”

Leadership at HCMS must be authentic, springing from one’s natural worldview and not a persona

donned just for the sake of the job. Our decisions about people and programs all arise from our mission,

so it’s vital that our principals understand its implications deep down in their bones.

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CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS

Live out your faith in the community while being a

person of impeccable character and passion for Christ

and His Kingdom – a model of faith and commitment

lived out in our school.

Sense a calling – a mission from God – in your work.

Embraceaworld-engagingapproachtoChristian

education.

Be a member in good standing of a local church that

professes the Reformed creeds and standards.

Support and defend the Biblical and theological basis

for the Church as expressed in the Reformed creeds and

confessions.

Align with and defend the Holland Christian School

EmployeeExpectations.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

Successful professional executive experience; prior

principal experience in a Christian academic institution is

beneficial, but not required.

Lead with vision and an understanding of how

important ideas are carried out in a practical sense.

Communicate well and listen openly, knowing how to

solicit input and build consensus.

Demonstrate and model a love for teaching and

learning.

Prioritize many separate ideas and pieces of input and

focus them into a specific direction that fits within a

broader vision.

Create an environment that is accessible for students

and families with a variety of educational needs and

perspectives and plan creatively to make that happen.

Value the co-curricular parts of education and cultivate

their success with passion.

Value diversity within the student body and faculty

and seek out cross-cultural experiences for the campus

community.

EmbracethemissionandvisionofHollandChristian

Schools; articulate the day-to-day examples of their

fruition; and equip individual faculty members,

departments, students, and parents to do the same.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or

university.Doctorateormaster’sdegreeinEducational

Leadership, Organizational Leadership, or Business

Administration is preferred.

The

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The(continued)

EXPECTATIONS FOR PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS

In addition to having an open door, actively participate in

the life of the school by seeking out teachers, students,

staff, parents, and volunteers—generating respect and

good will in the process.

Maintain strong relationships with other local Christian

schools, churches, public schools, businesses, and

universities.

Tackle conflict appropriately, making tense situations

calmer and moving toward solutions.

Build a culture of trust by talking with people openly and

honestly.

Discern the difference between topics that should be

addressed with individuals and those that are best dealt

with as a group.

Understand when to light a fire under people to bring

out their best and when to come along side them with

encouragement.

Have an eye for celebration and a knack for authentic

praise.

Warmly welcome people and make them feel at home

within the HCHS family.

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ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US AT HOLLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE SEARCH FOR OUR NEXT MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. We ask that you would

join us in prayer for God’s will to be done as we identify the next Middle School Principal to

partnerwithusinaccomplishingthemissionHehasgivenus–“EquippingMindsandNurturing

Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ.”

As you’ve learned, we believe in our mission; it defines us. And due to that alignment, it is our

utmost desire to build a selection process that will reveal the skills, competencies, and passions of

each candidate. Our goal is to identify the right leader for Holland Christian Middle School.

If, after reading this Opportunity Profile, you sense that the gifts and experience God has given

you are a good match for Holland Christian Middle School, we invite you to begin the inquiry

process. All candidate information will be handled confidentially.

To be considered for the next Principal of Holland Christian Middle School, please visit www.

hollandchristian.org/about/employment_opportunities

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jane Bunnell

ExecutiveAssistanttotheSuperintendent

Email:jbunnell@hollandchristian.org

(In the subject line of the email, please write “Principal – Holland Christian Middle School.”)

Phone: 615-820-2805

Process ofCandidacy