Principal

Overview of Fitchburg Public Schools

Fitchburg Public Schools is a small urban district of 5400 students located in North Central Massachusetts. As a Gateway City, Fitchburg continues its legacy of welcoming newcomers and Fitchburg Public Schools continues its mission of preparing all students for a rapidly changing world. Fitchburg Public Schools has partnerships with Fitchburg State University, Mount Wachusett Community College, and the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Fitchburg Public Schools believes deeply in the potential for every student to succeed and works tirelessly each day to create an anti-racist school environment that is built around high expectations, an inclusive and welcoming culture, and an expectation of excellence for all. Fitchburg's goal is to increase personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century.

Job Details:

The Middle School Principal facilitates the development of strong systems and structures that support the growth and achievement of all FHS students. They actively participate in the work of the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) and promote the mission, values, and theory of action of the district. The FHS principalship is an opportunity to lead a dedicated staff and support students as the school community.

Qualifications:

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in:

Principal/Assistant Principal (5-12)
SEI Endorsement

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university; Advanced Degree preferred;
Previous experience as a principal, headmaster, or equivalent;
Proven track record of improving a school’s students’ growth and achievement;
Proven track record of supporting and actively engaging instructional leadership teams;
At least five (5) years of classroom teaching experience; middle school preferred;
Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations;
Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children to effectively problem-solve;
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders;
Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Middle School Principal will

Provide instructional leadership ensuring ALL MMS students grow and achieve;
Provide leadership to staff in preparing students to have either career or college options;
Supervise the daily activities of the instructional team and the support staff and strive to be present in classrooms each day. Initiate, design, and implement programs that meet the needs of the school in concert with the Superintendent, the School Committee, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and Department Coordinators;
Administer and guide the supervision and evaluation plan for all staff members;
Contribute to the evaluation of the curriculum offerings in cooperation with the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning;
Coordinate the development and implementation of the School Improvement Plan
Serve as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) which develops, implements, and monitors the progress of the Schoolwide Instructional Focus;
Prepare and administer the budget for the school in conjunction with the school council and the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations;
Develop and implement a code of conduct that ensures a safe and supportive school climate;
Establish and maintain ongoing communications with parents and the community about the school through newsletters, media presentations, or press releases;
Establish and maintain healthy relationships with parents, local community groups, and individuals to foster understanding and solicit support for overall school objectives and programs. Keeps abreast of trends, developments, and research as they relate to education and school operations;
Establish a school schedule and assign students to appropriate learning environments based on district policies and procedures;
Develop an effective transition and orientation program for students entering the school;
Administer the implementation of the educational plans for special needs children under the IDEA federal and state regulations and supervise the special education staff in the school;
Assume responsibility for monitoring the establishment of professional development plans for all faculty members following the local and state-wide professional development plan;
Serve as a member of certain subject area study committees, the administrative council, and other district-level committees as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools;
Be the primary hiring manager responsible for hiring professional and support staff following School Committee policy and with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools;
Identify instructional leaders to build school instructional leadership skills and capacity to improve students’ academic and social growth;
Conduct faculty meetings;
Provide consistent communication with the Superintendent regarding important school events and situations;
Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues;
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy;
Provide an environment for learning experiences as guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment that is conducive to student learning;
Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement;
Be responsible for modeling innovative approaches, and instructional strategies including the effective use of technologies, to increase student learning and confidence to learn;
Maintain accurate and complete records as required by district policy and administrative regulation;
Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or English learners (EL);
Perform other duties that may be assigned by the building principal/assistant principal
Implement the district's mission, strategic plan, values, commitments, philosophy of education, and instructional standards and objectives;
Implements all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification
Completes other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

Reports to: Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Evaluated by: Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

Salary range: $125,000-$135,000

The work year shall consist of 215 days during the twelve months commencing each July 1. Such work year shall include days when school is scheduled to be in session. The Principal may also be required to work the one full week before the opening day of school and the one full week after the final day for staff. The scheduling of all their workdays during the contract year shall be at the discretion of the Principal but subject to the submission by the Principal of a written proposed schedule which is subject to the approval of the Superintendent, together with the requirement of working the days set forth above.

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits.

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI before your start of employment.

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.

Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us