Elementary Principal- Ford Elementary School

About Ford Elementary School

The Ford Elementary School is an inclusive community school where individual differences are respected and celebrated. At Ford, the staff is committed to setting high expectations while supporting the whole student as they strive to reach their potential. With student achievement at the center, the staff prioritizes individual effort so that each child will acquire skills to help them become a lifelong learner and problem solver. With the voices of families at the center, we will continue to collaborate together to create a strong support team for each student while providing academic and social opportunities for our students

Vision Statement

At the Ford School, we envision is a vibrant and inclusive learning community where every student feels a deep sense of belonging and is empowered to reach their full potential. We strive to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful relationships, and celebrate the unique strengths of every individual. Through equitable opportunities, high expectations, and a commitment to excellence, we prepare students to become compassionate, confident, and engaged citizens who contribute positively to an ever-changing world.

Mission Statement

At the Ford School, the mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student is valued, supported, and challenged to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. Through meaningful partnerships with families and the community, we foster a culture of belonging, equity, and respect that empowers all learners to become critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners.

Core Values

At Ford School, we believe every student, family, and staff member deserves to feel valued, respected, and connected. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community where diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities, and experiences are celebrated as strengths. We cultivate a culture of belonging by ensuring that all individuals are welcomed, heard, supported, and empowered to thrive. Through empathy, collaboration, equity, and mutual respect, we create an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and contribute with confidence and purpose.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid license from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and SecondaryEducation in Principal/Assistant Principal PreK-8
• SEI endorsement
• Master's Degree in an appropriate field
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a public school administrator or a district level administrator; or an instructional coach; or, a curriculum specialist
• Minimum six (6) years of successful teaching experience at the elementary level in an urban environment
• Demonstrated success leading strategic educational initiatives that result in measurable improved student achievement
• Thorough knowledge of public education in Massachusetts, administration/supervision, and curriculum development
• Demonstrated educational leadership with the ability to build consensus and process critical issues for decision making
• Proven ability in curriculum development, supervision, and organizational and strategic planning
• Proven ability in budget preparation and line-item expenditure process.
• Proven ability to successfully communicate with parents, teachers, and members of the community
• Proven ability to work as part of a management team
• Ability to perform and multi-task in a highly energized work environment
• Ability to withstand strong public and professional scrutiny
• Equipped with personal characteristics required to lead people through an intense change process
• Proven ability to deal effectively with many constituencies
• Strong commitment to work on school redesign
• Proven ability to work with all types of data related to school performance and organizational practice
• Willingness to self-reflect and to grow professionally
• Understanding of new Massachusetts Reform Law of 2010 (An Act Relative to the Achievement Gap)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications of Word, Excel, Power Point

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads school-based leadership team in defining short- and long-term goals as part of school redesign.
• Monitors, coordinates, and organizes the total educational program at the school level.
• Reports on and recommends continuous improvements in the school's administrative and instructional support programs, needs and services.
• Utilizes data management systems to collect, analyze and interpret data which focus on progress in student achievement.
• Responsible for the implementation of all School Committee policies and regulations within his/her area of responsibility
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of district curriculum.
• Responsible for school-level performance, improvement mapping and School Improvement Planning.
• Promotes district-wide goals and initiatives in curriculum, instruction, and professional development
• Implements district and state required assessment systems and utilizes performance data to guide decision making.
• Assists the Deputy Superintendent in the preparation and implementation of the school budget and organization.
• Allocates materials, equipment, and space to accomplish instructional goals at his/her school in accordance with the district policy and program requirements.
• Prepares reports and recommendations as requested.
• Advises the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent on matters concerning negotiations and administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Monitors the school required implementation of all aspects of Massachusetts Education Reform and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations.
• Collaborates with other principals and central office administrators to audit programs and satisfy Coordinated Program Review requirements.
• Supervises and evaluates all professional, paraprofessional, and administrative personnel within his/her area of responsibility.
• Works with the Superintendent and her senior leadership team to redesign the school, dependent upon federal and state improvement status.
• Recommends to the Superintendent/Deputy Superintendent the hiring, assignment, retention, promotion, tenure, and dismissal of staff within his/her area of responsibility in keeping with state and federal licensure regulations.
• Establishes communication with the school community to assess needs and increase community awareness.
• Explains school instructional policies, procedures, and achievements to the school community.
• Collaborates with United Way and other community school advocates to support implementation of the community school strategy at Ford Elementary School
• Acts as liaison between the school and the community, interpreting activities and policies of the school/district and encouraging community participation in school life.
• Adheres to proper protocols for chain of command.
• Performs any other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent and/or Deputy Superintendent.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• This is a 12-month position.
• The nature of this position requires hours beyond the regular school day. The person filling this position will prioritize completing the necessary tasks and set hours accordingly.

SALARY: $130,000- 142,000

BENEFITS: The City of Lynn offers comprehensive and competitive health and dental benefits; Harvard Pilgrim PPO/HMO, Altus Dental High/Low, and Vision Insurance. Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan (FSA) as well as Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability are available on a voluntary basis. Please see the website:City of Lynn for more details.

Interviews for this posititon will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026. Qualified candidates selected to move forward will be contacted to schedule a time.