Elementary & Middle School Principal Pool ($102,762+)

Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a School Principal at South Dorchester PreK–8 School for the 2026–2027 school year. South Dorchester PreK–8 is a high-performing school serving students from PreK through Grade 8, with a strong foundation of academic success and a proud community history. While the school has demonstrated success, recent data trends indicate the need for intentional, focused leadership to accelerate student achievement and sustain long-term excellence.

Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal serves as the instructional leader and chief culture builder of the school, responsible for advancing teaching and learning across both elementary and middle school grade bands. Dorchester County Public Schools is actively implementing its strategic plan, Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together, aligned to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. This position offers a unique opportunity for a leader who is ready to build on a strong foundation, address emerging challenges, and move a high-performing school to the next level of excellence.

The successful candidate will be a strong instructional leader, skilled communicator, and relationship-driven leader who understands the importance of working collaboratively with families in a rural community. This role requires someone who can engage authentically with the community, build trust, and navigate complex relationships with confidence and respect.

The Principal of South Dorchester PreK–8 School will:

• Lead a cohesive PK–8 instructional program, ensuring alignment, rigor, and strong outcomes across all grade levels.
• Drive continuous improvement through data-informed decision making.
• Develop and support teachers and instructional coaches to strengthen Tier 1 instruction in every classroom.
• Foster a positive, structured, and student-centered school culture.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with families and the community.
• Ensure alignment with the district’s strategic plan, instructional framework, and state priorities..

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Instructional Leadership
  • Establish and communicate clear instructional priorities across PK–8.
  • Ensure implementation of high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in all classrooms.
  • Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan.
  • Use multiple data sources to monitor progress and adjust instruction.
• Coaching & Staff Development
  • Support and develop instructional coaches and teacher leaders.
  • Ensure coaching, professional learning, and classroom practice are aligned to district expectations.
  • Conduct regular walkthroughs and provide actionable, feedback-driven support.
• School Culture & Climate
  • Maintain high expectations for student behavior and academic engagement.
  • Foster a safe, inclusive, and structured learning environment.
  • Promote student responsibility and positive decision-making.
• Family & Community Engagement
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the school and community.
  • Build strong, respectful relationships with families in a rural setting.
  • Communicate effectively and proactively with families, even in challenging situations.
  • Create opportunities for meaningful family involvement in the school.
• Operations & Management
  • Supervise and evaluate all school personnel.
  • Lead hiring processes and develop strong teams.
  • Manage school budget and resources effectively.
  • Ensure compliance with Board policies and state/federal requirements.
  • Maintain the school facility and ensure safe operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Eligible for and hold Maryland Administrator II Certification prior to appointment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful school-based administrative experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead both elementary and middle school instructional programs.
• Strong background in:
  1. Instructional leadership and curriculum development.
  2. Data analysis and school improvement planning.
  3. Coaching and developing educators.
• Deep understanding of:
  1. Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL)
  2. Blueprint for Maryland’s Future
  3. DCPS Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together Strategic Plan
• Proven ability to:
  1. Build strong teams and develop staff capacity.
  2. Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  3. Establish and maintain trusting relationships with families and community members.
• Demonstrated success in moving student achievement forward, particularly in schools needing renewed momentum.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work with multiple agencies.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with precedents, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to apply Board policy to daily work decisions, exercise good judgment,
  courtesy, and tact in dealing with all stakeholders on the telephone, writing, and in person. 
• Must be able to work independently on routine, complex and confidential tasks.
• Must maintain good attendance record and be willing to work outside of general
  working hours occasionally.

 Please Note:

• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal candidates will be considered alongside external applicants, and only those whose qualifications most closely match the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.

SALARY:                    This is a twelve (12) month, benefited position. This position is on the A-S V Middle School Principal Lane of the Dorchester County Administrators’                    
and Supervisors’ Association Salary Scale. The current base salary range
for this position is $102,762.00 - $130,307.00.

Salary : $102,762 - $130,307