The Potter's House Superintendent Oppty Profile

SUPERINTENDENT OPPORTUNITY PROFILE

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

www.jobfitmatters.com

---

GREETINGS

Dear Prospective Superintendent Candidate,

For 44 years, The Potter’s House Christian School (TPH) has focused on its mission to provide Christ-centered urban education

for students of all ethnic heritages and income levels, equipping them to serve God and society to their fullest potential.

Our three Core Value pillars allow us to continually focus on Encountering the presence of Jesus, Making disciples of Jesus

and Embodying the Kingdom of God; with our Vision keeping us dependent on prayer, as we equip students to follow God and

expand our voice and advocate for a model of Christ-centered urban education in under-resourced neighborhoods.

God has led this school from its humble beginnings of 12 students, to today serving and teaching upwards of 650 students. God

has been gracious in leading our school and providing the talent and resources to carry out His mission. We praise God for all

He has done.

We are also thankful to John Booy, our School’s superintendent and co-founder, for his incredible servant-leadership over these

44 years. John’s faith in Jesus Christ and his passion for urban, Christ-centered education has allowed thousands to obtain a

biblically grounded education that has equipped them to serve God and society to their fullest potential.

TPH seeks its next superintendent who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a passion for urban, Christ-centered

education, with a unique leadership ability to amplify the school’s legacy and carry its mission and vision into the future.

Educational leadership experiences, strategic visionary thinking, passion for cultivating philanthropy, and teamwork leadership

are key leadership priorities to help TPH thrive into the future.

This is an exciting time for TPH, and a unique moment in its history. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to impact the

student of the future. The need for urban, Christ-centered education for students of all ethnic heritages and income levels has

never been greater, and we are excited for our next leader and what we can together accomplish for God’s kingdom.

Thank you for your consideration of this vitally important position at The Potter’s House. Joining our community is a decision

for you and your family to prayerfully consider together. We encourage you to read through the Opportunity Profile and explore

TPH website at www.tphgr.org for additional information. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please reference

the Process of Candidacy page at the end of this document to begin the application process. If you have any questions, please

contact Laura Coverstone or Ed Poff (615.261.4623), JobfitMatters Consultants who are aiding TPH in this search.

Sincerely,

Richard Antonini II, Board Chair

Superintendent Search Committee

2

---

OVERVIEW

T

he Potter’s House (TPH) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an innovative, urban, Christ-centered

PK-12 school with a 40-year history of transforming lives through education. Nestled in a

vibrant urban setting, TPH serves 636 students from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and cultural

backgrounds. The school’s mission is deeply rooted in providing a biblically grounded education

that equips students to serve God and society to their fullest potential. Nearly 80% of families

benefit from financial aid, reflecting the school’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

With the retirement of its well-respected and beloved founder, John Booy, The Potter’s House

stands at a pivotal and exciting moment in its history. Through an extensive listening process and

community analysis, the school is celebrating its significant strengths while identifying key areas

for growth. At its core, The Potter’s House is defined by its unwavering commitment to racial,

socio-economic, and cultural diversity, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all

families. Equally foundational is the school’s emphasis on spiritual formation, discipleship, and

teaching through a biblical worldview, which deeply resonates with its community. The dedication

and passion of TPH’s teachers and staff are evident in their above-and-beyond efforts to foster

both academic success and spiritual growth among students. Furthermore, the school’s family-like

atmosphere, built on compassion, mutual care, and strong relationships, cultivates a deep sense of

belonging and support for students, parents, and staff alike.

The incoming Superintendent will play a critical role in continuing and amplifying the school’s legacy

while addressing important opportunities for growth. While The Potter’s House consistently delivers

exceptional outcomes in spiritual, emotional, and academic development, there is an opportunity to

continue to assess and enhance the academic program. This may include curriculum development

and strong support systems for diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students

with special needs. In addition, TPH desires to see enhancements to the extracurricular program.

As with many schools, The Potter’s House must prioritize bolstering staff support and retention by

addressing issues such as workload management, professional development opportunities, and

resource allocation to ensure a thriving, sustainable team. This is a unique moment for a visionary

leader to guide The Potter’s House into its next chapter of impact and growth. Regarding leadership

and communication, TPH recognizes a need for clear communication, transparency, and unified

vision between administration, staff, and families. There is an opportunity for the next Superintendent

to collaboratively build out the school’s next Strategic Plan. Finally, facility upgrades and increased

security are important to the community, which requires additional fundraising over the current

levels.

3

---

OVERVIEW

G

rand Rapids offers an exceptional quality of life, blending natural beauty, cultural vibrancy,

and a rich history. Located on the banks of the Grand River and just a short drive from the

Lake Michigan shoreline, the city provides an array of outdoor activities, and is also a hub for

arts and culture, boasting attractions like the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens

& Sculpture Park, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Symphony and the

Grand Rapids Ballet—the state’s only professional ballet company. It also is home to a number of

minor league sports teams, including the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team, the West Michigan

Whitecaps baseball team, the Grand Rapids Gold G League basketball team and the Grand Rapids

Rise professional volleyball team. Its lower-than-average cost of living and affordable housing make

it an attractive place for families and individuals alike.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a leader passionate about Christian education and diversity

to steward a thriving school into its next chapter. If you feel called to be part of this transformative

work, we invite you to dig into the rest of this Opportunity Profile and respond to the Process

of Candidacy.

“Yet you, Lord are our Father. We

are the clay, you are the Potter;

We are all the work of your hands.”

- Isaiah 64:8

4

---

MISSION,

VISION

& VALUES

OUR MISSION

The Potter’s House provides a Christ-centered education for students of all ethnic heritages and

income levels, equipping them to serve God and society to their fullest potential.

OUR VISION

The Potter’s House, as a community of learners, will relentlessly pursue deeper discipleship with

Jesus Christ and continually discover new ways to equip students to follow God throughout a

lifetime of faithful service in the kingdom of God. We envision The Potter’s House as a place to

continue fostering deep relationships with all in our community. Through dependence on prayer,

we will expand our voice and advocate for a model of Christ-centered education in under-resourced

neighborhoods.

OUR CORE VALUES

Encountering the Presence of Jesus: In all things, The Potter’s House seeks to

encounter Jesus. Through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, we want to

align with His will and be transformed by His sacrificial and life-giving love for us.

Making Disciples for Jesus: The heart of The Potter’s House is discipleship

through academic excellence that shape the heart, soul, mind, and strength of the

entire community. Through discipleship, we are becoming like Jesus and seeing

Him reflected in our pursuit to love the Lord, our God, and to love our neighbor

as ourselves.

Embodying the Kingdom of God: Jesus compels us to embody His beloved

community, the great multitude from all tribes and peoples and languages that is

unified in worshiping the triune God. The Potter’s House is a distinctive community

marked by universal hospitality, real relationships, and communal sacrifice.

5

---

HISTORY

I

n 1974, a small group of college graduates felt called by God to move into Roosevelt Park (a

low-income neighborhood on the southwest side of Grand Rapids) and open their doors to

the neighborhood. Their efforts evolved into a weekly program called Kid Power for hundreds of

neighborhood kids. After six years, they decided to begin a school, to better serve the significant

academic, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children. The Potter’s House began in 1981 in the

basement of nearby Grandville Avenue CRC, with 12 elementary-age students and two volunteer

teachers.

The Fire Marshall only gave permission to use this space for one year, so they immediately began

looking for a more permanent space. Adjacent to the church was the former Southwest Christian

School building, which was being sold by a local school board at a six-figure price the young

school could not possibly afford. They stepped out in faith and agreed to buy the building, and

God miraculously provided the funding through the generosity of several local Christian business

leaders.

Every year, more and more students joined The Potter’s House family. Most of these children came

from families who could not afford private school tuition. God faithfully provided the funds needed

for their education, year after year, even as the school grew. A middle school program began in

1992, and a high school campus opened in 1998.

The Potter’s House now enrolls more than 635 students representing a kaleidoscope of backgrounds

and cultures, including over 30 countries of origin. God has been faithful to The Potter’s House in

ways the founders never could have dreamed or imagined, and as the community trusts and seeks

Him, He continues to work miracles in the lives of the students and families served by The Potter’s

House.

6

---

STATEMENT

OF

FAITH

WE BELIEVE

1.

...in the Triune God: God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

2.

...that the Bible, God’s Word, is infallible, reliable, and applicable to today’s

person – adult or child. The Bible is also a gift to use and to cherish.

3.

...that each child is created in the image of God. The image is not restricted to

any race, sex, or income level. The image of God gives each child an enormous,

unique potential. Each child is a whole child possessing unique intellectual,

creative, decisional, and emotional dimensions. The major goal of education is

to bring each child into his or her full potential in conformance with the image

of God.

4.

...that the world was perfect at creation, but sin intervened, severing all people’s

perfect relationship with God and bringing consequences on every object and

institution within the creation. God, in His love, provided Jesus Christ to pay

the penalty for sin and restore each person to full favor with God. God freely

calls people to accept the gift of salvation. God also requires that individuals

and social groups follow in obedience to His Word. He requires people to work

to restore creation and overcome the consequences of sin both in the natural

world and in society.

7

---

AT-A-GLANCE

ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025

FACULTY

38 K

40 PK - 5 YR ENROLLMENT

636

STUDENTS

247 9 TH - 12 TH

172 1 ST - 5 TH

139 6 TH - 8 TH

28 FTE HIGH SCHOOL

38 FTE ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL

3 FTE EARLY CHILDHOOD & ELEMENTARY

11:1 STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO

YEAR ENROLLMENT

2020-2021 636

2021-2022 636

2022-2023 670

2023-2024 657

2024-2025 635

61%

ETHNIC DIVERSITY

OF STUDENTS

TUITION FOR 2024-2025

$1,250 - $6,300 — PRESCHOOL/PREK

$5,600 - $8,600 — K (3/5 DAY)

$8,600 — 1 ST - 6 TH

$8,600 — 7 TH - 8 TH

$10,500 — 9 TH - 12 TH

FINANCIAL 2023-2024

FINANCIAL AID

$

TOTAL

ANNUAL BUDGET (2024-25): $8.5M

GIVING (2023-24): $4,404,765 ($4,149,765

ANNUAL GIVING; $255,000 CAPITAL GIFTS)

CURRENT ENDOWMENT BALANCE: $2.9M

DEBT: $0

80% OF SCHOOL FAMILIES RECEIVED FINANCIAL

AID AND PAID ONLY 38% OF THE TUITION COST.

MORE THAN $3,399,142 IN FINANCIAL AID WAS

AWARDED IN THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR.

8

---

AT-A-GLANCE

CLASS OF 2024

COLLEGE MATRICULATION

100% GRADUATION

80% 4-YEAR COLLEGE PLACEMENT

995 SAT AVERAGE (ERW AVERAGE: 514,

MATH AVERAGE: 481)

GRADUATES FROM THE CLASS OF 2024 ARE THE

RECIPIENTS OF OVER $40K IN DONOR SUPPORTED

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND ARE THE

RECIPIENTS OF OVER $1M IN ACADEMIC, ATHLETIC,

AND SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND

GRANTS.

ATHLETIC TEAMS

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

CROSS COUNTRY — MIDDLE SCHOOL, VARSITY

BOYS SOCCER — MIDDLE SCHOOL, JUNIOR

VARSITY, VARSITY

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL — 7 TH GRADE, 8 TH GRADE,

JUNIOR VARSITY, VARSITY

BOYS FOOTBALL — MIDDLE SCHOOL, *VARSITY

BOYS BASKETBALL — 7 TH GRADE, 8 TH GRADE,

FRESHMAN, JUNIOR VARSITY, VARSITY

BOYS BASEBALL — MIDDLE SCHOOL, VARSITY

BOWLING — VARSITY

GIRLS BASKETBALL — 7 TH GRADE, 8 TH GRADE,

JUNIOR VARSITY, VARSITY

TRACK & FIELD — MIDDLE SCHOOL, VARSITY

GIRLS SOCCER — MIDDLE SCHOOL, VARSITY

GIRLS SOFTBALL — *VARSITY

*CONSORTIUM AGREEMENT WITH OTHER SCHOOLS

C

L

U

B

S

YOUNG LIFE — HIGH SCHOOL

WILD LIFE — MIDDLE SCHOOL

ROBOTICS TEAMS — MIDDLE SCHOOL &

HIGH SCHOOL

THEATER — MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL

ART CLUB — HIGH SCHOOL

WORSHIP CLUB — HIGH SCHOOL

ACCRED. & MEMBERSHIPS

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL / COGNIA ACCREDITATION

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

MANS—MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ALL BELONG

SCHOOLS THAT CAN

9

---

THE CAMPUSES

Elementary and Middle School

810 Van Raalte Dr SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49509

High School

2465 28th Street

Wyoming, MI 49519

10

---

THE

POSITION

T

he Superintendent of The Potter’s House reports to the board of directors and is the

professional leader of TPH staff. The Superintendent provides overall strategic, financial, and

managerial oversight of the school. TPH fundraising efforts have been led and directed by the

Superintendent, along with serving a key role in developing and cultivating relationships with donors

and stakeholders. The school reached a recent milestone of raising $100 million since its inception

from generous donors. The annual needs and future projects will require the next Superintendent

to continue to play an important role in both leading the Advancement Team and actively participating

in fundraising. The proposed organizational chart reflects the direct reports to the Superintendent.

PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Board of

Directors

Superintendent

Executive

Assistant

High

School

Principal

Middle

School

Principal

Elementary

School

Principal

Director

of

Teaching

& Learning

Director

of

Advancement

Director

of

Finance

11

---

LEADERSHIP

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Personal relationship with Jesus Christ and committed to Christ-centered urban education.

Reliably accomplishes the foundational and universal responsibilities of the position.

Collaborates with colleagues and stakeholders, embracing differences with Christ-centered

hospitality.

Ensures that all students are growing as learners by reinforcing the implementation of research

based high leverage teaching practices that attend to a wide range of learning and language

needs.

Guides staff in their pursuit of mastery of the content in every assigned course and continuous

improvement in teaching.

Develops deep, effective, and professional relationships with his/her direct reports.

Maintains professional relationships with faculty and staff.

Embodies the mission and vision of the school.

12

---

LEADERSHIP

RESPONSIBILITIES

COMMUNICATION

1. Leading and overseeing the sharing of the school’s vision and mission to the TPH community

(Faculty and Staff, Parents, and the greater TPH Community).

2. Develop and grow relationships with donors and stakeholders.

3. Serve as primary contact with local public-school districts, neighborhood associations, and

Christian community development organizations at the CEO level.

4. Assure that student conduct and discipline enhance a Christian climate.

5. Ensure that human resource issues are resolved with wisdom.

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

1. Maintain the School’s mission and vision.

2. Communicate with churches, pastors, the public sector, other Christian schools, parents, and

alumni, to promote The Potter’s House and Christian education.

3. Supervise student recruitment and enrollment of new families.

4. Oversee the maintenance of a spiritually and academically sound instructional program

throughout the school.

5. Oversee the development and maintenance of programs and necessary resources to meet the

needs of all students including those with learning difficulties and those that need additional

assistance.

TEAM BUILDING

1. Support the planning and conducting of faculty and staff meetings throughout the school year.

2. Mentor, supervise and lead the executive and administrative team members.

3. Recruit, interview and assist in the hiring of the executive team.

4. Supervise and evaluate the performance management of the executive team, according to the

board policies and procedures, making sure that these team members are regularly evaluated.

5. Assist with board member development.

6. Oversee the process of teacher certification through the Michigan Department of Education

ensuring that teachers’ certifications are updated and current.

13

---

LEADERSHIP

ADMINISTRATION

1. Oversee the School to earn and maintain proper accreditation status with CSI and any Stateapproved

agencies.

2. Oversee the Schools annual budget setting process and annual budget recommendation to the

Board of Directors.

3. Ongoing financial oversight of financial reporting, processes and procedures.

4. Set fundraising goals to meet School operational needs.

5. Oversee the School operations, including areas such as facilities, maintenance, and

transportation.

6. Ensure that the Board policies are being carried out by developing appropriate and workable

procedures for their implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Personal relationship with Jesus Christ and committed to Christ-centered urban education

• Regular worshiping member of a Bible-believing Christ-centered church

• Loyal and supportive of The Potter’s House mission, vision, and values

• Proven leadership and administrative/organizational abilities and experiences

• Proven ability to lead students, staff, and constituents and hold them accountable with wisdom

and understanding

• Master’s degree in education or administration required

• Fund raising, donor advancement and related experiences

• Experience with diverse populations and settings (socio-economic, racial, ethnic, urban)

• Other preferred considerations:

• Terminal degree

• Relevant teaching experience

• Active community involvement

14

---

WHAT’S

EXPECTED

S

uccessful leadership in any educational institution is judged by how well its leader meets

the expectations of its governing body, meets the needs of its families, and responds to the

input of its faculty, administration, parents, and other constituent groups. While a Strategic Plan

was issued in June of 2021, the next Superintendent is expected to manage and oversee a future

Strategic Planning process to develop a next Strategic Plan for the Potter’s House, in order to give

candidates an idea of the needs and expectations of the next leader, below are anticipated goals/

measurable results that could be incorporated into that Strategic Plan and evaluated over the

first five-year period.

SPIRITUAL – Maintain daily prayer and devotion by the faculty and staff.

FINANCIAL – Focus on ensuring a sustainable future through a balanced budget each year and

capital needs planning.

FUNDRAISING – Focus on deepening relationships with donors and stakeholders to meet

operation budgets and longer-term growth development of the school’s assets.

SCHOOL FACILITIES - Create a campus development plan that outlines the current space

and facility assets of The Potter’s House and identifies future facility needs in alignment with the

school’s vision.

COMMUNITY – Assess and evaluate the current and future establishment of new partnerships

with local organizations to enhance community involvement and school support.

PARENT/FAMILY - Establish engagement with parents, creating a culture of feedback and

growth that helps provide a pathway for students to flourish.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND PROGRAMS – Further equip students as resilient followers of

Jesus, engaged in learning and real-world experiences.

FACULTY AND STAFF – Support spiritual and academic training and growth development.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – Maintain exemplary education so standardized test scores

increase and diverse learners achieve academic goals.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT – Continue to provide a Christ-centered education, looking to

increase enrollment of students of all ethnic heritages and income levels. Increase high school

enrollment to utilize available capacity.

15

---

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Grand Rapids is a dynamic city with a rich history, beautiful natural surroundings, and a vibrant culture. With a population of over

200,000 people (and a population of over 1.6 million across the entire West Michigan region), Grand Rapids is the second largest

city in Michigan. The city is located less than an hour from the shoreline of Lake Michigan and is the largest city on the west

side of Michigan. The city is situated on the banks of the Grand River (Michigan’s longest waterway), which provides a beautiful

backdrop for outdoor recreation such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

Large numbers of Dutch farmers began immigrating to America in the early 19th century, driven by high taxes and low wages.

Many settled in West Michigan around Grand Rapids. A wave of Calvinist immigrants desiring more religious freedom soon joined

them. This area of Michigan has been associated with Dutch American culture and heritage ever since. But the area has attracted

others. From the Armenians who came to escape Turkish massacre in the early 20th century, young Sudanese, French fur traders,

and others seeking a better quality of life, Western Michigan has countless stories of how it has become a melting pot of cultures.

Today, more than forty-five ethnic groups now call West Michigan their home including African Americans, Latinos, and Asian

Americans. In fact, 36% of Grand Rapids’ population is now ethnically or racially diverse.

At the height of the lumber boom, Grand Rapids was home to forty-four furniture companies and the city was recognized worldwide

as America’s Furniture City. The city’s manufacturing focus has shifted away from residential furniture to office furniture.

In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water – a move hailed as one of the 20th century’s

greatest public health achievements. Local innovators went on to pioneer advances in rehabilitative care, joint implants, generic

drugs, and more before establishing one of the 21st century’s fastest-growing life-sciences clusters – the Medical Mile, including

Corewell Health system with over 65,000 team members, Helen Devos Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan Health-West

and the Van Andel Institute, providing groundbreaking biomedical research and cutting-edge science education.

Grand Rapids’ more than 1,200 acres of city-owned parks provide the setting for scenic walks and community soccer, softball,

baseball and kickball games. At the same time, the Lake Michigan shoreline becomes a popular gathering spot in the summer.

Locals can get a taste of the metro area’s love for the arts at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, while families learn together at the

Grand Rapids Public and Children’s Museums. In the evenings, residents enjoy performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet, and

other comedy and theater troupes. Families will also find themselves attending many minor league professional sporting events

across Grand Rapids, including baseball, basketball, hockey and volleyball.

West Michigan is also home to a number of Christian and public universities and colleges, including Calvin University, Cornerstone

University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and Hope College.

The cost of living in Grand Rapids is lower than in other major U.S. metro areas. While the city’s average annual income falls short

of the national average, the dollar stretches further in the region. Housing costs are below the national median, and Grand Rapids

residents spend less on daily necessities (groceries, health care, etc.) than those who live in other parts of the country.

16

---

PROCESS OF CANDIDACY

If you believe that your talents and experience may be a good fit for the position of Superintendent at The Potter’s House, we invite

you to begin the inquiry process. Inquiries and expressions of interest regarding this search may be forwarded to Laura Coverstone at

JobfitMatters Executive Search and will remain confidential.

Please submit the following for review:

1. A Current resumé.

2. Responses to the following essay prompts:

• Describe your testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. How is God using you in your work, in your church, and in your community? How

has your relationship with Jesus shaped your career and influenced your decision to apply for this position?

• Describe your experience with Christian education, both personally and professionally. How would you define the marks of

“educational excellence” in a 21st-century Christian school?

• Using what you have learned about The Potter’s House from their website, Opportunity Profile, and any other research you may

have conducted, describe how your life, career, and leadership development have equipped you to lead and grow this school.

3. Provide the names and contact information (phone number and email address) of four references who know you and your career

well enough to comment on your suitability for this position. (Note: References will only be contacted after we have received your

permission to do so later in the candidacy process.)

Submit this information in one PDF to:

Laura Coverstone

JobfitMatters

resumes@jobfitmatters.com

Phone: 615.261.4623

Please include “The Potter’s House School Superintendent” in the email subject line.

SEARCH TIMELINE: All candidate information will be reviewed upon receipt and candidate review will continue until a Superintendent

is selected. It is anticipated that a selection will be made early fall for a July 2026 start. The quality of the candidate “fit” and

candidate longevity are more important than the search timeline.

17