Principal

Job Description Title:Principal Reports To: Superintendent of Schools Evaluated By: Superintendent of Schools Position Function/Job Purpose: This position is designed for the purpose of providing the leadership necessary to enhance the educational development of each student. Provides instructional leadership to staff, including: curriculum planning, review and implementation; professional development; the implementation of all school committee policies, and the development of administrative systems and procedures which maximize the effectiveness of the school. The Principal is responsible for the day-to-day building administration and the safety and welfare of both students and staff. Ensures a safe, pleasant and effective educational atmosphere, provides discipline as necessary and enforces school policy. Qualifications: Certified as a principal by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at the elementary level. A master’s degree or higher with a major in educational administration. A minimum of five years teaching and/or administrative experience at the elementary level. Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents. Ability to set standards of performance, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of all building personnel. Demonstrated success in the formulation and carrying out of policies, programs, and practices in prescribed areas. Experience with curriculum, including implementation and evaluation of curriculum and staff development programs. Demonstrated ability with developmentally appropriate programs, interdisciplinary curriculum and integrated Special Education programs. Strong public relations skills and tangible evidence of ability to relate to pupils, parents, colleagues, and the central office administration. Experience with developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning programs and/or curriculum. Knowledge of Special Education regulations. The successful candidate will have: Skills to manage personnel and programs; communicate effectively orally and in writing, problem solve, and work collaboratively with colleagues, students, parents, and the public. Knowledge of instruction, learning frameworks, school law, and district policies; communication methods to foster teamwork and collaboration among staff; effective time management skills to be organized and thorough in completing tasks; using the change process to effectively manage change to ensure a climate of continuous improvement. Dispositions include providing consistent, fair and policy-based direction to others and make independent judgement; possess a high moral personal standard; maintain a high degree of integrity in all facets of work; keep and maintain accurate records; maintain confidential and sensitive information; meet deadlines; communicate effectively with individuals of varied cultural and educational backgrounds; communicate in oral and written form; prepare and present materials in a professional nature. Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities Supervises classroom instructional practices. Plans, organizes, and directs the implementation of all school activities. Establishes and maintains an effective learning climate in the school. Works in cooperation with the Assistant Superintendent to assure the effective implementation of the school system curriculum and mandated assessments. Establishes programs, classes, and schedules to meet student needs. Maintains complete school records relating to enrollment, attendance, grading, health, etc. Establishes guidelines and fosters positive incentives for student behavior. Initiates, designs, and implements programs to meet specific needs of the school. Establishes and maintains favorable relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and solicit support for overall school objectives and programs; to interpret and implement School Committee policies and administrative directives; and to discuss and resolve individual student problems. Coordinates or supervises such building support services as maintenance, security, food services, recreational programs, financial and accounting functions, library and counseling activities, and the like. Implements and supervises the school’s Special Education Program, in cooperation with the Director of Student Services, coordinates Special Education services and oversees the implementation of 504 and curriculum accommodation plans. Receives and coordinates all referrals for special education or ELL services. Evaluates teachers in the school according to the state’s Educator Evaluation Standards and protocols and the terms of the Agreement Between the Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield School Committee and the Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield Educators’ Association. Participates in principals’ meetings and such other meetings as are required or appropriate. Prepares and submits the school’s budgetary requests and monitors expenditures of funds. Works collaboratively with other elementary principals, district directors, and members of the central administrative staff on district-wide planning and resolution of district-wide concerns. Keeps the Superintendent informed of the school’s activities and issues that may arise in the building. Keeps abreast of changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field. Co-chairs School Council as required by the Education Reform Act of 1993. Promotes effective instructional practices for students and teachers including instruction for students and consultative services for teachers. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools. Terms of Employment Determined by the School Committee and documented in an individual contract as negotiated by the Superintendent of Schools. FLSA Status: Exempt Physical Requirements: 1. Mobility and Movement Standing and Walking: Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods (up to 6-8 hours per day) to instruct students, circulate the classroom, monitor hallways, and supervise recess/lunch. Reaching and Lifting: Ability to reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally to access and arrange teaching materials, whiteboards, or bulletin boards. Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., boxes of books, educational supplies, or technology equipment) on an occasional basis. Bending and Kneeling: Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit on the floor frequently to interact with students at their level, assist with classroom activities, and manage behavior. Repetitive Motion: Use of hands and fingers for keyboarding, writing, grading, and manipulating materials. 2. Sensory Requirements Visual Acuity: Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus (e.g., to read student work, observe students across a classroom, and monitor computer screens). Hearing Acuity: Ability to hear and understand spoken directions at a conversational level, as well as the ability to distinguish and interpret sounds (e.g., a whisper, fire alarm, or distress calls from students) in a noisy environment. Speaking/Verbal Communication: Ability to clearly articulate verbal information to students, parents, and colleagues, including the ability to project one's voice in a classroom or auditorium setting. 3. Stamina and Duration Sustained Energy: Ability to maintain a high level of energy and mental alertness throughout the entire school day, managing the physical and mental demands of teaching. Sitting: Ability to sit for moderate periods to complete administrative tasks, planning, grading, or conduct small group instruction. 4. Safety and Emergency Management Quick Response: Ability to physically respond quickly to emergencies, safety concerns, or unexpected physical demands (e.g., intervening in a student dispute, assisting an injured student, or performing emergency evacuation procedures). Pushing/Pulling: Ability to push or pull classroom furniture or equipment as needed. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement The Tri-Town School Union (Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield Public Schools) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, limited English proficiency, disability, or any other protected class in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies. These protections extend to all applicants and employees. Applicants are informed that school systems are required to obtain all available criminal offender record information (CORI and SAFIS Background Check per 603 CMR51.00) from the criminal history systems board (CHSB) of any current or prospective employee of the school department.

Salary : $123,000 - $135,000