Anticipated Assignment: Leave Coverage from October 26, 2026 to March 5, 2027.
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent
Status: Exempt, Non-Union
Hours: Full-time
Position SummaryThe Lower School Principal provides visionary, student-centered leadership that upholds Paul Cuffee School's mission and core values. The Principal cultivates a conscious community of continuous learning, high expectations, and belonging for all students and staff. Working closely with the Assistant Superintendent, administrative team, and staff, the Principal ensures academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and community engagement so that every student graduates prepared for college and career.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstructional Leadership & Student Learning - Set vision and priorities for the school. Establish an instructional vision aligned with the District's mission and improvement goals.
- As the instructional leader for the school, provide supervision, training and coaching to all teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Lead the school's observation, feedback, and evaluation system for all teaching & non-teaching staff. Supervise instructional coaches and deans.
- Promote data-driven decision-making, goal setting, and celebration of progress.
- Ensure effective implementation of Responsive Classroom and restorative and preventative approaches to student behavior that reinforce dignity, accountability, and belonging. Integrate latest research and evidence based practices.
- Advance a growth mindset and asset-based approach across the community. Foster a community centered on empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.
- Facilitate professional learning communities and lead professional development.
- Support goal setting, progress monitoring, and public recognition of student and faculty achievements.
- Ensure all students have access to a full elementary school program as defined by the RI Board of Education. Oversee a process to monitor credit attainment, retention and progress toward graduation requirements.
- Work collaboratively with MLL Coordinator and Director of Special Education to ensure all students have full access to educational program.
Leadership & Management - Model integrity, empathy, and reflection, high expectations, responsiveness, and clear communication.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise lower school faculty and staff.
- Provide oversight of all enrichment and after school programming at the lower school. Supervise and support the Enrichment/ASC Supervisor to ensure all programming aligns with school goals, safety expectations, and district policies. Approve staffing and program offerings and maintain awareness of overall program operations.
- Partner with the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Finance and Administration on budget development and strategic planning.
- Represent the Lower School at Board, Parents' Association, RIDE, and community meetings.
- Ensure safe, equitable, and orderly school operations-including scheduling, attendance, supervision, and crisis management, and mandatory reporting. Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.
- Oversee safe, equitable, and orderly school operations-including student and staff scheduling, duties, attendance, supervision, and crisis management, and mandatory reporting. Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.
Culture, Community & Engagement - Foster an inclusive culture of high academic and social-emotional expectations.
- Build strong relationships with students, families, and community partners.
- Serve as a visible, welcoming presence at school events and traditions, reinforcing community pride and connection.
- Maintain a safe, orderly, and equitable learning environment and school facility; oversee emergency drills and responses, crisis response, discipline systems, and student supervision. Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.
Qualifications Education & Experience - Rhode Island Building Administrator Certificate PK-12 or ability to obtain one required.
- Master's Degree in Education required
- Minimum of five years of teaching experience required
- Prior school administrator experience
Skills & Competencies - Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and data analysis tools.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Proven leadership in Pre-K-12 curriculum development, instructional improvement, assessment, and professional development.
Working Conditions - Ability to move between school buildings.
- Attendance at out-of-school events and Board meetings.
- Ability to work inside and in outdoor environments.
- The role involves both office-based work and active engagement with classrooms, students, families, and community partners.
