Interim MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (2026) Kennedy Middle School, Waltham Public Schools

The purpose of this position is to have an individual serve as the educational leader and chief administrator of the Middle School, responsible for leading the learning in the school, implementing policies, regulations and procedures effectively to ensure that all students are supervised in a safe learning environment and provided instruction which meets and exceeds the State Curriculum Frameworks. Achieving academic excellence requires that the Middle School Principal work collaboratively to lead and nurture all members of the school staff and to communicate effectively with parents/guardians/caregivers, members of the community, and colleagues in other districts and schools. Inherent in each position are responsibilities for planning, curriculum development, program evaluation, extra curricular activities, personnel management, financial management, emergency procedures, resource scheduling, and facilities operations.

This position is for the [redacted] school year. The successful interim candidate will have the ability to apply for the permanent position.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university required.
• Certification as a Principal/Assistant Principal by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (DESE Cert. # 1021 or 1023)
• Demonstrated competencies in middle school (Gr. 6-8) administration.
• At least nine (9) years experience in the field of public education, including experience in administration and teaching.

Knowledge Required

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of curriculum development and program evaluation, child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning.
• Knowledge of the State Curriculum Frameworks as related to the subject areas in grades 6-8.
• Thorough knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques needed to exemplify high quality instruction.
• Knowledge of Chapter 766 special education and Section 504 rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of current practices in curriculum, instruction and supervision.

Abilities Required

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Ability to use computers for word processing, data management, and telecommunication.
• Ability to design, implement and consistently enforce a school-wide student disciplinary system.
• Ability to develop and manage a school budget in a cost effective manner.
• Ability to carry out a professional evaluation and supervision program.
• Ability to deal with all staff effectively.
• Ability to work independently to complete all aspects of their job.
• Ability to work collaboratively with program directors.
• Ability to apply technology to meet the needs and duties as outlined in the job description.

Skills Required

• Excellent managerial and leadership skills.
• Skilled in developing and implementing procedures to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Skilled in developing a positive working relationship with teachers and parents/guardians/caregivers.
• Skilled in evaluating programmatic needs on a continual basis.
• Skilled in working collaboratively with other administrators.

Supervision Scope

Performs varied and responsible duties with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action while planning, administering and executing duties. Works independently and in concert with others.

Supervision Given and Received

Work under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools. Hires, supervises and evaluates all staff including teachers, instructional aides, secretaries, nurses, building maintenance workers, and assistant principals in accordance to their contracts.

Description of Duties:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be 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.)

• Fosters a school climate that promotes high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance and responsibility for behavior.
• Organizes, manages, evaluates, and supervises effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the entire school consistent with the philosophy, mission and goals of the schools and district. This includes instructional programs, which meet and exceed the State Curriculum Frameworks, extracurricular activities, and discipline systems to ensure a safe and orderly climate, financial management, facilities maintenance, program evaluation, personnel management, office operations, emergency procedures, and community relations. Ensures compliance with all laws, regulations, and school committee policies and regulations.
• Leads and manages the instructional program as reflected in the School Improvement Plan.
• Leads school level planning processes to ensure the development, implementation, and evaluation of all school programs and activities.
• Supervises the instructional programs of the school, evaluating lesson plans and observing classes on a regular basis to encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and district goals.
• Ensures that the instructional programs engage the learner in tasks that require analytical and critical thinking, questioning the known, problem solving and creativity, that they address each student's needs, interests, and skill levels. Also, that they encourage the student to define individual goals and accept responsibility for learning, and that they provide a variety of methods for the student to demonstrate performance and accomplishments.
• Interprets and appropriately uses student data to improve student achievement.
• Exhibits and facilitates human relations and communication skills.
• Protects confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and uses discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
• Provides staff leadership, development and training. Provides opportunities for effective staff development that addresses the needs of the instructional program and needs of the staff, including workshops, conferences, visitations, and sessions in which the staff shares successful practices and strategies.
• Efficiently manages a school-based operation.
• Establishes procedures for evaluation and selection of instructional materials and equipment with the directors.
• Demonstrates professional growth and self-improvement.
• Selects, supervises and evaluates staff. Direct supervision and evaluation of all non-professional status teachers must be done on a yearly basis. Professional status staff must be evaluated at least every two years. Ensures that personnel evaluation procedures are accomplished in a fair and consistent manner that encourages accountability, growth and excellence, in accordance with the law, school committee policy, and contractual requirements. Recommends to the Superintendent the renewal, dismissal or other actions for all personnel assigned to the school, following established procedures and timelines.
• Recommends to the Superintendent personnel to fill all vacant positions in the school, following recruitment and established selection procedures.
• Develops positive school community relations.
• Integrates technology to meet the goals and objectives of the total school program.
• Supports and implements system-wide initiatives.
• Implements provisions of collective bargaining agreements for building staff.
• Works with the Director of Special Education to assure procedures for identifying and addressing special needs of students are being met.
• Communicates in a timely and effective manner with staff and parents/guardians/caregivers.
• Implements school department rules and regulations. Adheres to Massachusetts and federal school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, School Committee policies and regulations, school regulations and procedures, and contractual obligations.
• Establishes norms for effective use of time in Faculty Inquiry Teams and Cluster Team meetings.
• Completes in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or as requested by the Superintendent. Maintains accurate attendance records. Answers correspondence promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintain an effective accounting and inventory system for all school materials and equipment.
• Assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students, personnel, and visitors. Develops clearly understood procedures and provides regular drills for emergencies and disasters, following state, local, and district guidelines. Notifies the Superintendent immediately of any unusual circumstances.
• Maintains a master schedule for the use of the school facilities.
• Establishes schedules and procedures for the supervision of students in non-classroom areas, including before and after school, and bus loading and unloading.
• Efficiently schedules all subject area classes for students.
• Maintains an atmosphere of respect and achievement in the school.
• Remains abreast of developments and innovations in the field by reading current and cogent literature and participating in annual professional development programs.
• Ensures that personnel and student record keeping procedures comply with state and federal law and district policy. Maintains procedures for safe storing and integrity of all public and confidential school records.
• Efficiently and accurately manages the school budget.
• Communicates with the Superintendent regularly about the needs, successes, and general operation of the school.
• Performs any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation, as assigned by the Superintendent.

Salary:
Individual Contract, non-union

Salary Commensurate with Experience in the range of $150,000-$165,000 (12 months) Excellent Benefit Package available