Principal - Saint John Paul II Academy

Position Available: July 1, 2025

Saint John Paul II Academy, located in Boca Raton, Florida, aims to be an educational leader inspired by the teachings of Saint John Baptist De La Salle. The Academy promotes a spiritual environment that respects diverse religious traditions and emphasizes service to others. Committed to serving the poor and recognizing excellence among students and faculty, it fosters a caring Lasallian community of students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff, and alumni.

Our Mission

Saint John Paul II Academy is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory high school in the Diocese of Palm Beach following the tradition of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

The Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and life. Its faith-based learning community fosters excellence in all programs and enables the spiritual, academic, artistic, and physical development of each student. Dedicated faculty and staff instill the Gospel values of respect, concern for the poor, justice, peace, and responsibility while welcoming students of all beliefs and backgrounds.

Lasallian Education and Academic Excellence within a Supportive Environment

Lasallian schools have been established in over 80 countries worldwide and currently educate more than one million students. These institutions include elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, schools for troubled youth, universities, graduate schools, and alternative education centers.

Call for Passionate and Faith-filled Principal Candidates 

Saint John Paul II Academy is seeking applications for the principal position. The role operates within a president/principal model, sharing administrative duties. The ideal candidate must be a practicing Catholic dedicated to Catholic education and Gospel values.

Position Scope, Profile, and Expectations

The Principal’s primary purpose is to provide educational leadership to Saint John Paul II Academy. The Principal is the educational leader and is responsible for leading the integration of faith and culture within the school community and for achieving the mission of the school. He/she works closely with the President, the Advisory Board, and others in the school community, to provide leadership in establishing the highest quality Catholic education provided by the teachers. 

The Principal is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school and all its programs. In the absence of the President, the Principal normally serves as the presiding executive officer of the school. With the approval of the Diocese of Palm Beach, the Principal is appointed by the President for a one-year term and is responsible to him/her.

Among the duties of the Principal are the following:

●       Provides leadership to the administrative team, faculty, staff, students, and parents in developing academic excellence in the context of the Lasallian Community.

●       Possess strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

●       Assists the President in recruiting and hiring new faculty and staff.

●       Directs the orientation of new faculty and staff.

●       Recommends to the President the renewal/non-renewal of faculty. 

●       Supervises the Assistant Principals for Academics and Student Life.

●       Supervises the teaching staff and assists the President in the summative evaluation process for the faculty.

●       Supervises the Directors of Athletics, Pastoral Services, Guidance, Learning Commons, Computer Services, and their programs. 

●       Evaluates requests from faculty for professional days.

●       Promotes faculty and staff development.

Additional Responsibilities: 

●       Oversee the budget in his/her areas of responsibility and communicate effectively with the President regarding the budget.

●       Responsible for all graduation events and awards.

●       Responsible for the health and safety of all students.

●       Approve policies and procedures for academic regulations.

●       Keep abreast of standards, trends, developments, and research as they pertain to educational practices, especially in Catholic schools.

●       Contribute to the building of positive morale among faculty, staff, and students.

●       Establish an organizational structure where working relationships, lines of accountability and responsibility, and communication channels are clearly defined.

●       Supervise all interscholastic athletics in accordance with FHSAA regulations.

●       Direct the planning of the school calendar with the President. 

●       Supervise safety inspections and building security with the President. 

●       Oversee the compilation of student files and records.

●       Responsible for the completion of all reports required of the school.

●       Act upon recommendations for expulsion from the Assistant Principal for Student Life.

●       Responsible for revising the faculty and student handbooks, as well as the course curriculum, on behalf of the administration.

●       Ensure that all Diocesan policies and administrative procedures included in the operations of the school (employee and student handbooks) and the school’s mission as a Catholic academic community are actualized.

●       Supervise the admissions and withdrawal of students. 

●       Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Employee Specific Dispositions:

●       Will maintain a positive outlook each day and use uplifting language, demonstrating warmth, joy, and advocacy for student-athletes.

●       Will maintain a growth mindset and be open to change, growth, and continuous improvement; will accept constructive criticism and suggestions.

●       Will refrain from gossip or other negative talk amongst colleagues, always maintaining the confidentiality of others.

●       Will make every effort to build up colleagues, students, and the larger SJPIIA community.

●       Will positively collaborate with colleagues, parents, and students.

●       Will exercise good judgment in relationships with students, in all classroom conversations, and in social media usage.

●       Will demonstrate cultural respect and understanding of all students.

Job-Related Expectations and Duties:

●       Full Time (Monday – Friday) 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. Additional hours are required on special events and occasional weekends.

●       Follow all policies and procedures written in the Faculty Handbook.

●       Be punctual and reliable for all school events.

●       Attend School Masses, Open House, Baccalaureate Mass, and graduation; strive to attend and participate in Saint John Paul II Academy functions throughout the year.

●       Attend Diocesan Professional Days.

●       Give advance notification and keep the President apprised of off-campus appointments, always updating the school’s log book accordingly.

●       Other school-related responsibilities as determined by the President.

Candidate Qualifications:

●       Minimum of a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or equivalent.

●       FLDOE Certification in Educational Leadership.

●       Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.

●       Ability to work effectively with school employees, coaches, parents, representatives of other agencies, and the general public.

●       Ability to multitask, work independently, and make responsible judgment calls.

●       Strong organizational skills.

·        Ability to use office equipment (fax, computer, copier, iPad, etc.), as well as Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet.

Physical Requirements:

●       Occasional light lifting and carrying of under 15 pounds.

●       Occasional moderate carrying and lifting of 15 – 44 pounds.

●       Frequent use of both hands and fingers (i.e., typing).

●       Frequent extended periods of sitting or standing.

●       Occasional periods of kneeling and climbing.

●       Occasional ability of minimal hearing (i.e., loud noises, sirens) and routine hearing (i.e., listening to others in conversation).

●       Frequent time spent working closely with others.

Academic Preparation, Work Experience, and Faith into Action 

The successful candidate must have to his or her credit at least five years of successful teaching and/or administrative experience, preferably in a Catholic school.

The candidate is expected to adhere to all principles and tenets of the Catholic faith, to maintain a lifestyle that is in full accord with Church teachings, and to promote the best interests of the Roman Catholic Church at all times.

Salary and Benefits:

·        A full complement of competitive benefits. 

·        Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

·        Off: All school holidays and four weeks of vacation time per Principal Agreement.

To Apply

This search is being conducted by the Executive Search Division of Ruotolo Associates Inc. Inquiries regarding this position are strictly confidential and should be directed to dhandwerker@ruotoloassoc.com. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter with a salary range and will be asked to complete the Administrator Application Form from the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Palm Beach. Saint John Paul II Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

Additionally, candidates will be requested to submit more documentation after an initial successful interview: