High School Principal - Portland High

TITLE:  High School Principal - Portland High

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland High School is currently hiring a Principal who is deeply committed to great student outcomes. For this role, the school specifically seeks:

• A collaborative instructional leader, who can forge a shared, equity-oriented vision for the school that ensures all students have access to the instruction, resources and support to achieve at high levels;
• A strong partnership-builder with students, staff, families and the community, who sees Portland as a place where students, families and educators feel safe and a sense of belonging.

The Principal is responsible for administering and supervising the overall school program and providing educational leadership for the students and staff members consistent with the educational goals of the community and our5-Year Strategic Plan. This individual will recruit, retain and develop high-quality faculty and staff, and support all members of this diverse community in a culturally responsive manner with an emphasis on respect and inclusion. The position reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and supervises two assistant principals, educators and other staff.

The Principal must demonstrate exceptional leadership and administrative skills. In addition, this individual will be skilled at forming and maintaining relationships with a broad range of individuals and across areas of difference in cultural background, linguistic heritage, race, class, socio-economic status and family structure. They will be able to balance the urgency of problem solving in the moment with the need to establish enduring systems so the school can run efficiently over the long-term. They will be an exceptional people manager who inspires those who work for them, and helps staff identify areas for growth and opportunities to support them in their professional development.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruits, selects, and retains an outstanding faculty and staff. Supports educators on strong instructional practices, and holds them to high standards and expectations. Leads efforts to analyze and use school-level data to personalize instruction, and inform the teaching practices. Models a growth mindset and an openness to new approaches.
• Manages effective results driven teams in service of the school's mission and vision. Leads the implementation and refinement of all school systems, schedules, structures, and operations.
• Ensures the school provides adequate student services that meet students' academic and social emotional needs and those related to school safety, including developing and staffing these functions appropriately and measuring results to ensure their effectiveness.
• Fosters a culture of excellence, characterized by high levels of transparency, shared leadership, collaboration, organization and efficiency. Leads by example. Cultivates a school community that is reflective, collaborative, and inspiring for students, families, faculty, and community partners, and one that values innovation, accountability, and performance. Coordinates the development and implementation of a school discipline policy that is consistent with the PPS policy on Student Rights and Responsibilities and state law.
• Builds strong family and community partnerships in support of student learning. Oversees student recruitment and creates a welcoming environment for all students and families. Promotes effective communication between staff, parents, students, and community members. Creates and supports partnerships with local leaders and organizations to provide students with extended support and enrichment opportunities.
• Serves as a collaborative leader within PPS by serving on PPS task forces and committees, participating in district collaboration structures and ensuring that PPS policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws are followed.
• Performs related work as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• An experienced school leader and educator, with a proven record of success who is well versed in high-impact instructional practices and believes deeply in setting high expectations for all students.
• A proven collaborator devoted to coaching and developing colleagues while holding them accountable to measurable results.
• A reflective leader who understands the effects of race, class, ethnicity, income, disability, gender identity, and other areas of difference in our society and has personally worked in similar communities to ensure that all students have an opportunity to achieve their personal dreams of college and career success.
• A culturally-responsive leader who is knowledgeable about the academic and social emotional needs of students, especially those of different racial, linguistic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• A strong written and oral communicator who is able to engage students, parents, and faculty in dialogue and speak in a clear and authentic manner about the school's goals.
• An experienced administrator who is (or can quickly become) familiar with Portland Public Schools (PPS) policies and procedures, the5-Year Strategic Plan, and has a thorough knowledge of pertinent state and federal regulations and laws.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in supervision, educational administration and/or secondary school curriculum (or ability to complete a Master's degree within 3 years).
• Minimum of 5 years in teaching, administration or supervision of which at least 3 years must have been teaching in a High School classroom (equivalent experience will be considered).
• Completion of an administrative internship program is preferable.
• Experience as an assistant principal is preferable.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
• Maine State Administrator Certificate 040 (Building Administrator) (more info) 

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Year-round position
• Full time, 1.0 FTE
• Salaried position, not eligible for overtime
• Covered under the PAA contract (see 2023-2026 CBA here; future contract under negotiation)
• Salary based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Generous benefits package, including 25 vacation days per year and full health and dental benefits (see here)

ABOUT PORTLAND HIGH:

Portland High School, located in Portland, Maine, is a vibrant public school serving grades 9–12 with a commitment to academic excellence and student success. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including advanced placement and honors courses, alongside electives in arts, and sciences, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Portland's inclusive and supportive community promotes equity, celebrates diversity, and encourages student leadership through a rich array of athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities. Dedicated educators work collaboratively to create a positive learning environment that supports both academic and social-emotional growth. Strong partnerships with families and local organizations further enrich the educational experience, preparing students for college, career, and civic life.




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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.