Interim Principal Newton North High School

Department:

Secondary Education

Job Title:

Interim Principal Newton High School 2026-2027 SY

FLSA Status:

(Exempt/Non-exemp)

Non-Aligned/ Exempt

Reports to:

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism, and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees, and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal law. The Newton Public Schools places a high value on the active recruitment of qualified teachers who represent the backgrounds and ethnicities of our student body.

Summary:

The Principal of Newton North High School serves as the instructional and operational leader of a comprehensive high school (grades 9–12), responsible for ensuring high levels of academic achievement, equitable access to rigorous learning, and a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.

Grounded in the school’s mission to “teach and learn to the depth and distance of our abilities” while fostering integrity, civic responsibility, and respect for all, the Principal leads continuous improvement aligned with Massachusetts DESE Standards I–IV.

The Principal uses data-driven decision-making to sustain strong outcomes (e.g., high MCAS performance and graduation rates) while addressing persistent opportunity gaps across student groups.

(Equity-Centered Leadership Lens)

The Principal will be expected to lead improvement efforts focused on the following key areas identified in the school’s data:

• Disparities in advanced coursework access : While 81.9% of students complete advanced coursework overall, significantly lower rates exist for English Learners (38.6%) and students with disabilities (45.8%)
• Graduation and persistence gaps : Overall graduation is high (94.8%), yet lower for English Learners (74.5%) and Hispanic/Latino students (79.8%)
• Grade 9 success variability : Strong overall passing rates (96.2%) mask lower outcomes for English Learners (71.4%) and low-income students (84.9%)
• Accountability performance : While the school is performing well (86th percentile; not requiring intervention), improvement is needed in advanced coursework completion and outcomes for the lowest-performing students

The Principal will lead targeted strategies to ensure equitable access, opportunity, and outcomes for all student groups, consistent with district and DESE priorities.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Massachusetts DESE licensure as a High School Principal (9–12)
• Master’s degree (advanced degree preferred)
• Minimum of 7 years of successful teaching experience at the secondary level
• Demonstrated success in instructional leadership, supervision, and evaluation
• Experience leading equity-focused school improvement initiatives
• Strong knowledge of curriculum frameworks, assessment systems, and culturally responsive practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a high school principal or assistant principal
• Experience in large, comprehensive high school or district leadership settings
• Demonstrated success in improving outcomes for historically marginalized student groups
Experience with data analysis and continuous improvement cycles

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

Instructional Leadership

• Lead the design and implementation of high-quality, culturally responsive curriculum and instruction
• Use data (MCAS, course completion, graduation rates) to drive equitable student outcomes
• Expand access to advanced coursework and rigorous learning opportunities for all students
• Monitor and support effective instructional practices across departments

Management & Operations

• Oversee school operations, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Ensure systems support student achievement, safety, and well-being
• Align staffing and course offerings to student needs and equitable access goals
• Collaborate with central office to address operational and programmatic needs

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, inclusive partnerships with families and community stakeholders
• Ensure transparent and culturally responsive communication
• Promote student voice, civic engagement, and community participation consistent with the school’s mission

Professional Culture

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented professional culture
• Supervise and evaluate staff using DESE-aligned frameworks
• Lead professional learning focused on equity, culturally responsive practices, and instructional improvement
• Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and highly effective staff

Terms of Employment

• Work Year: 12 months
• Schedule: Full-time
• Salary Range: Commensurate with experience (Non-Aligned Administrator)
• Position Type: Administrative
• Application Requirements: Resume, cover letter, DESE licensure, references

Additional Information

• Location: Newton North High School
• Employment Start Date: July 1, 2026
• Supervision/Evaluation Framework: Massachusetts DESE Administrator Evaluation System
• Other Duties: As assigned
  

Department:

Secondary Education

Job Title:

Interim Principal Newton High School

FLSA Status:

(Exempt/Non-exemp)

Non-Aligned/ Exempt

Reports to:

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education

Role Designation

This position is designated as confidential due to regular access to sensitive personnel, legal, bargaining, and operational information.

Terms of Employment

• Work Year: 12 months
• Schedule: Full-time
• Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
• Position Type: Administrative / Confidential

Additional Information

• Location: Central Office
• Start Date: TBD
• Supervision/Evaluation: Evaluated by Assistant Superintendents

Application Information

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment

• School-based leadership role in a comprehensive high school setting
• Requires attendance at evening events, community meetings, and school functions
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, families, and community partners

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform essential functions of the role
• Occasional lifting, movement, and supervision responsibilities
May be required to respond to emergencies and support student safety