Middle School Principal

The North Reading Public Schools invites qualified candidates for the position of Middle School Principal. The North Reading Public Schools provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students develop both their social-emotional and academic skills and abilities through an exploration of a wide range of content areas, the arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities. With a dedication to excellence, service, and life-long learning our students will engage collaboratively, think critically, embrace diversity, and value equity in order to become productive global citizens. Our District's Strategy includes a focus on Student Services; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; and Teaching & Learning. We strongly encourage educators from diverse backgrounds to apply for this leadership position in our district. The mission of the North Reading Middle School is to create a safe, supportive, and challenging academic environment for all students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in a rapidly changing world. North Reading Middle Schools focused on three core values: Respect, accountability, and community. North Reading Middle School's student population is more than 500 students for the 2025-2026 school year in grades 6, 7, and 8. There are approximately 80 educators and support staff. The Middle School Principal is the instructional leader of the school. As such the principal leads the work to successfully carry out the mission of the school and does so with one Assistant Principal as the other member of the administrative team. The Middle School Principal works closely with Curriculum Leaders and other members of the school's leadership team that include, but are not limited to, the Coordinator of Secondary Special Education, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Coordinator, and the Coordinator of School Counseling Services. Our vision is that all students in North Reading will feel welcome, safe, and valued for who they are and supported to reach their potential as global citizens. Students will feel personally connected to their learning experiences and will feel represented inside and outside of the classroom ensuring a sense of belonging. Authority The Middle School Principal reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools The Principal shall supervise and evaluate all staff members whose major assignment is at the Middle School Essential duties General Administrative Responsibilities Be responsible for all areas of operation and management of the Middle School Make available to staff and students within the building all pertinent policies, regulations, directives, and information issued by the School Committee and the Superintendent Keep the Superintendent informed of all activities within the school Serve on committees and study groups as requested by the Superintendent Direct the activities of non-professional employees where the educational program and the welfare of the students and staff are concerned Be responsive to the need for good public relations between school and home, school and community, school and news media Serve as a member of the Superintendent's Administrative Council Maintain vertical curriculum articulation and alignment with the sending school Assume such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent Personnel Responsibilities As educational leader of the school, transmit and explain the philosophy of the North Reading Public Schools, identify the professional needs of the faculty, encourage staff participation in all school matters, seek to maintain high faculty morale, maintain high standards for teaching and learning, and encourage professional growth in teachers Interview and recommend staff for appointment Supervise and evaluate staff according to the district's adopted Educator Evaluation Plan model, this includes but is not limited to educators, paraprofessionals, and administrative assistants Make or confirm all teaching and activity assignments Conduct regular faculty meetings Act as liaison between the staff and the community Seek to improve the quality of instruction by interpreting the results of research, assessment, and professional and development to the staff Participate in the orientation and induction program for new staff Assist in the planning and coordination of professional development for staff members Pupil Responsibilities Assume responsibility for the welfare and safety of pupils Supervise pupil registration, report pupil progress to parents/guardians, and certify pupils for advancement Work with the faculty to supervise and interpret testing programs to identify the needs, capabilities, and interests of each student and utilize the results of such programs to further the progress of each student Maintain a safe and conducive learning environment Support students having school adjustment needs, and in more serious cases seek assistance from the Department of Student Services Maintain adequate communications and transparency between administration and pupils Enforce School Committee policies and regulations as they relate to pupils Implement programs/services for students with disabilities in concert with the Department of Student Services according to state and federal regulations (IDEA and Section 504) Lead efforts to create an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds-regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or ability-can thrive academically and socially Ensure the provision of home and hospital tutoring for students according to state regulations Develop the annual Student/Parent Handbook Building Responsibilities Cultivate a positive and collaborative school culture Prepare the schedule of classes and instruction Act as a champion for diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging within the school community, ensuring that every student and staff member feels respected and valued Under the direction of the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, prepare the annual operating budget, order and distribute supplies, textbooks and equipment, and inventory school equipment Assist in the development, revision, and evaluation of curriculum and instruction Serve as the co-chair of the School Improvement Council and oversee the development and implementation of the annual School Improvement Plan Support the Parent Association and other school-based parent/guardian support groups within the school Length of Work Year The successful candidate will begin employment as Principal on July 1, 2026. The Middle School Principal is a full year position, excluding District closures and holidays, and shall be entitled to vacation, which will be taken during the summer months and during designated school vacations under ordinary circumstances. Requirements Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in Principal/Assistant Principal, grades PreK-8 and/or grades 5-12 A master's degree in Education/Educational Leadership from an accredited college or university with courses weighted heavily in the areas of secondary education, curriculum, and school administration Successful administrative and teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level Demonstrated capacity for leadership through successful experience as an assistant principal, principal, director, department chair, or similar administrative position Citizenship, residency or work visa required The Superintendent may recommend a candidate who does not have all of the above qualifications if it is in the best interest of the North Reading Public Schools. Application questions How do you envision fostering a positive school culture that promotes both academic excellence and personal growth? How do you plan to support diverse learners, increase student engagement, and ensure equitable access to opportunities for all students? (answer limited to 5000 characters, including spaces) Middle school is a unique developmental period where 'mistakes' are often essential learning opportunities. Describe a time when you had to manage a significant disciplinary incident involving a student or group of students, how your philosophy shaped the practices that you followed, and how you've reflected on this experience. (answer limited to 5000 characters, including spaces) Salary/Compensation benefits Range: $150,000-$170,000 Paid vacation, sick, and personal days Health, dental, and other insurance options as available through the Town of North Reading The deadline for applications to be submitted is March 20, 2026. Note: all candidates will remain confidential until the announcement of finalist level candidates The North Reading Public Schools (NRPS) provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students develop both their social-emotional and academic skills and abilities through an exploration of a wide range of content areas, the arts, athletics, and extra-curricular opportunities. With a dedication to excellence, service, and life-long learning our students will engage collaboratively, think critically, embrace diversity, and value equity in order to become productive global citizens. NRPS is actively looking to build a diverse workforce to ensure all students feel welcome, safe, and valued for who they are and supported to reach their potential. Candidates with different perspectives and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply to grow our school community and help students feel personally connected to their learning experiences and feel represented inside and outside of the classroom ensuring a sense of belonging. North Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin age, sex, gender identity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the District's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact the Human Resources Administrator.

Created: 2026-03-10