Elementary Principal - Ellsworth Avenue Elementary School 2026/2027

Danbury Public Schools is a diverse community located in the western part of Connecticut and serving more than 11,000 students spread across the City of Danbury, Connecticut. We are committed to cultivating equity and excellence for all of our students, closing the opportunity gaps, and preparing students for post-secondary success. The mission of Danbury Public Schools, in partnership with families and the community, is to provide transformational learning experiences, designed to nurture thoughtful and prepared graduates. We have set very ambitious and rigorous goals to assure that our students graduate prepared to transform our world, and we are always searching for staff who are committed to our mission and the success of our students. Our schools range from 13 different and unique elementary schools including an interdistrict magnet school for International Studies, to three middle schools, including an intradistrict magnet school focused on STEM and World Studies, to our flagship Danbury Career Academies that are transforming how we deliver education to students with a wide range of interests taught by a faculty with real world and academic experiences. DPS recruits and commits to educators with passion, who are committed to our vision to aspire to advance all learners to their highest potential.

About this position. Ellsworth Avenue Elementary School is a neighborhood public school serving students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. With roughly 40 certified staff members, this school serves a diverse student population of approximately 500 students, with more than 50% of these students identified as English Learners. Ellsworth Avenue is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that honors diversity and supports academic, social-emotional, and community growth. The Ellsworth Avenue community values collaboration among students, families, and staff as partners in learning. Its mission underscores respect for diversity, community engagement, and the academic and social development of every child. We are seeking a highly qualified, innovated, and student-centered instructional leader to serve as our next Principal of Ellsworth Avenue Elementary School. The ideal candidate will share our values and commitment to our mission, nurturing a school culture that advances academic achievement, equity, and community collaboration, while sustaining a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of an annual, data-informed School Improvement Plan aligned with district priorities.
• Advance the district's vision and mission, emphasizing student-centered instructional leadership and equitable outcomes.
• Foster a positive and inclusive school culture supporting academic success and social-emotional learning (SEL).
• Manage school operations, budget, and resources creatively and effectively.
• Recruit, support, develop, and retain highly qualified and diverse staff.
• Supervise and evaluate certified and non-certified staff in accordance with district protocols.
• Collaborate with district leaders to ensure equitable services for English Language Learners (ELL) and students with disabilities.
• Oversee Section 504 processes in partnership with student services staff.
• Strengthen family and community engagement to support student learning.
• Ensure safe and efficient building operations, emergency preparedness, and compliance with all state and federal requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Connecticut Intermediate Administrator (092) Certification.
• Preferred: 35 years of demonstrated administrative leadership experience in an elementary school setting.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices at the elementary level (with specific expertise in Reading/Literacy development preferred).
• Proven record of using data to improve teaching and learning.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and equity-focused leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with SRBI, ELL support, and inclusive instructional practices.
• Highly Desired: Multilingual proficiency (specifically Spanish or Portuguese) to effectively communicate with our diverse community.
  
  

Work Year

This is an administrative 206-day work year position, as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Danbury School Administrators Association (DSAA) and the Danbury Board of Education. Additional days may be required to support the opening and closing of the school.

Salary & Benefits

• Annual Salary Range: $157,003 to $173,724 (commensurate with qualifications and experience, per the DSAA contract).
• Benefits: Eligible for all comprehensive health and welfare benefits provided to Administrators under the collective bargaining agreement.
  
  

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should apply online at www.danbury.k12.ct.us, including all required attachments (resume, cover letter, transcripts, and copy of certification).

Note: Danbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.