2025-26 Principal Pool

Somerset County Public Schools is seeking to establish a pool of qualified candidates for potential school-based administrator positions (Principal) that may become available for the 2025–2026 school year and future school years. Qualified internal candidates will receive priority consideration.

The Principal provides leadership for the administrative, instructional, and operational functions of the school and supports the overall mission and goals of Somerset County Public Schools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Principal is responsible for providing effective leadership to all administrative, instructional, and support functions of the school. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Other duties may be assigned by Director of Schools, Superintendent or designee.

• II. Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  Instructional Leadership

  • Uses multiple data sources to monitor student progress and support continuous improvement.

  • Ensures implementation of aligned curriculum and evidence-based instructional practices.

  • Plans and facilitates professional learning, staff meetings, and collaborative planning.

  • Conducts teacher and staff observations and provides timely feedback.

  • Completes performance evaluations in accordance with district requirements.

  School Climate, Culture, and Student Support

  • Establishes and maintains a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.

  • Communicates and enforces student conduct expectations and discipline procedures.

  • Participates in IEP meetings, parent/guardian conferences, retention discussions, and attendance/discipline reviews.

  • Builds strong relationships with families and community partners.

  Operations & Management

  • Develops the master schedule and ensures appropriate staff assignments aligned to certification.

  • Manages the school budget and monitors expenditures.

  • Oversees school records, compliance reports, forms, and documentation.

  • Ensures adherence to Board policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

  • Supervises building operations, facilities, safety practices, and emergency procedures.

  Human Capital & Personnel

  • Leads and supports all school-based staff.

  • Participates in hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts.

  • Maintains confidentiality regarding personnel, students, and families.

  District & State Collaboration

  • Represents SCPS at required meetings and professional development sessions.

  • Communicates important updates and expectations to staff.

  • Supports district goals, strategic priorities, and Blueprint initiatives.

  Other duties may be assigned by the Superintendent, Director of Schools, or designee.

  III. Qualifications

  Education & Experience

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in education or related field.

  • Minimum of five (5) years successful teaching experience.

  • Prior school or district leadership experience preferred.

  Certification

  • Current Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate with Administrator II endorsement is required.

  • Only candidates who currently hold Administrator II will be considered.

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

  • Ability to analyze data, lead improvement efforts, and monitor results.

  • Effective oral and written communication skills.

  • Experience with budgeting and resource allocation.

  • Commitment to continual professional learning.

  Technology

  • Proficient in instructional technology, student information systems, and productivity tools.

  Leadership & Interpersonal Competencies

  • Demonstrates integrity, empathy, and high expectations.

  • Ability to motivate and supervise staff.

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.

  Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to attend occasional out-of-town and overnight training.

  • Dependable attendance and punctuality.

  IV. Physical Demands

  The employee is regularly required to speak, listen, stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

  V. Work Environment

  Work is typically performed in a school setting with moderate noise. Occasional exposure to mechanical equipment or moving parts may occur. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required.