What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal/ Head of School of The Wilder School position at Hartford School District?
Summary: The Principal of The Wilder School will provide consistent, on-site leadership and administrative oversight for two specialized collaborative programs housed within the Wilder School Building: the Alternative Program and the Autism Program. This role is critical in unifying these programs under a shared vision of excellence and expanding their capacity to deliver high-quality, evidence-based educational and therapeutic services to students with significant behavioral and developmental challenges. The Principal will lead with a commitment to equity, innovation, and academic excellence, ensuring students receive the same level of dedication as those in general education settings across the Hartford School District.
Qualifications:
● Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field (required)
● Valid administrative certification (required)
● Experience working with students with behavioral and/or developmental disabilities
● Demonstrated success in school leadership, particularly in specialized or alternative education settings
● Strong knowledge of best practices in special education for working with students on the Autism Spectrum, as well as students with extreme behavioral challenges.
● Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex educational environments
● Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Employment Terms:
● Full-time, 12-month administrative position
● Reports to: Superintendent
● Salary and benefits per Hartford School District administrative contract
Job Functions:
● Provide daily leadership and oversight for both programs within the Wilder Building
● Implement rigorous, culturally responsive curricula aligned with evidence-based practices
● Use data-driven decision-making to monitor student progress and inform instructional strategies
● Develop and lead targeted professional development aligned with district priorities and student needs
● Collaborate with community partners and internal district departments to enhance student learning
● Seek and manage grant funding to support program initiatives
● Oversee the building/program budget and allocate resources to meet evolving program and student needs
● Supervise and evaluate all building staff, fostering growth and high performance
● Coordinate programming, student schedules, and transportation logistics
● Ensure compliance with district policies and Rule 4500 regarding student discipline and procedural requirements
● Manage daily operations of the building, facilities, and grounds
● Partner with families and sending districts to support effective transitions for students
● Develop and implement a Continuous Improvement Plan aligned with the District Strategic Plan to achieve excellence across all program areas
Salary : $91,000 - $140,000