Department:
Secondary Education
Job Title:
Interim Principal Newton High School 2026-2027 SY
FLSA Status:
(Exempt/Non-exempt)
Non-Aligned/ Exempt
Reports to:
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education
In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism, and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees, and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal law. The Newton Public Schools places a high value on the active recruitment of qualified teachers who represent the backgrounds and ethnicities of our student body.
Summary:
The Principal of Newton South High School serves as the instructional and operational leader of a comprehensive high school (grades 9-12), responsible for ensuring high levels of academic achievement, equitable access to rigorous learning, and a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive school environment.
Grounded in the district's mission "Every student, every day, nurtured, challenged and empowered," while fostering integrity, civic responsibility, and respect for all, the Principal leads continuous improvement aligned with Massachusetts DESE Standards I-IV.
The Principal uses data-driven decision-making to sustain strong outcomes (e.g., high MCAS performance and graduation rates) while addressing persistent opportunity gaps across student groups.
(Equity-Centered Leadership Lens)
The Principal will be expected to lead improvement efforts focused on the following key areas identified in the school's data:
- Access to advanced coursework is improving, but subgroup gaps remain. Overall, advanced coursework completion increased significantly to 80.4%. However, participation remains lower among students with disabilities (42.4%), low-income students (52.0%), Hispanic/Latino students (59.1%), and English Learners/former English Learners (66.0%), despite strong year-over-year growth for each subgroup.
- Graduation outcomes are exceptionally strong overall and across most subgroups: The overall four-year graduation rate is 98.7%, with Hispanic/Latino students at 97.4%, English Learners at 95.5%, and students with disabilities at 96.6%.
- Grade 9 and student success indicators are generally strong, though some opportunity gaps persist: Accountability data shows strong academic growth and achievement overall, but lower outcomes continue for some high-needs populations, particularly students with disabilities and low-income students in areas such as chronic absenteeism and achievement growth. Students with disabilities had a chronic absenteeism rate of 25.1%, compared to 12.3% overall.
- Accountability performance remains high overall: Newton South is performing at a very high academic level, with a 97th-percentile accountability rating. However, DESE identified the district/school for targeted support related to participation rates among students with disabilities and English Learners/former English Learners. Continued focus is needed on equitable access, subgroup participation, and reducing chronic absenteeism among high-needs student groups.
The Principal will lead targeted strategies to ensure equitable access, opportunity, and outcomes for all student groups, consistent with district and DESE priorities.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
- Massachusetts DESE licensure as a High School Principal (9-12)
- Master's degree (advanced degree preferred)
- Minimum of 7 years of successful teaching experience at the secondary level
- Demonstrated success in instructional leadership, supervision, and evaluation
- Experience leading equity-focused school improvement initiatives
- Strong knowledge of curriculum frameworks, assessment systems, and culturally responsive practices
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience as a high school principal or assistant principal
- Experience in large, comprehensive high school or district leadership settings
- Demonstrated success in improving outcomes for historically marginalized student groups
- Experience with data analysis and continuous improvement cycles
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):
Instructional Leadership
- Lead the design and implementation of high-quality, culturally responsive curriculum and instruction
- Use data (MCAS, course completion, graduation rates) to drive equitable student outcomes
- Expand access to advanced coursework and rigorous learning opportunities for all students
- Monitor and support effective instructional practices across departments
Management & Operations
- Oversee school operations, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation
- Ensure systems support student achievement, safety, and well-being
- Align staffing and course offerings to student needs and equitable access goals
- Collaborate with central office to address operational and programmatic needs
Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong, inclusive partnerships with families and community stakeholders
- Ensure transparent and culturally responsive communication
- Promote student voice, civic engagement, and community participation consistent with the school's mission
Professional Culture
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented professional culture
- Supervise and evaluate staff using DESE-aligned frameworks
- Lead professional learning focused on equity, culturally responsive practices, and instructional improvement
- Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and highly effective staff
Terms of Employment
- Work Year: 12 months
- Schedule: Full-time
- Salary Range: Commensurate with experience (Non-Aligned Administrator)
- Position Type: Administrative
- Application Requirements: Resume, cover letter, DESE licensure, references
Additional Information
- Location: Newton South High School
- Employment Start Date: July 1, 2026
- Supervision/Evaluation Framework: Massachusetts DESE Administrator Evaluation System
- Other Duties: As assigned
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Department:
Secondary Education
Job Title:
Interim Principal Newton High School
FLSA Status:
(Exempt/Non-exemp)
Non-Aligned/ Exempt
Reports to:
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education
Role Designation
This position is designated as confidential due to regular access to sensitive personnel, legal, bargaining, and operational information.
Terms of Employment
- Work Year: 12 months
- Schedule: Full-time
- Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
- Position Type: Administrative / Confidential
Additional Information
- Location: Central Office
- Start Date: TBD
- Supervision/Evaluation: Evaluated by Assistant Superintendents
Application Information
- Resume, cover letter, and references required
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
Work Environment
- School-based leadership role in a comprehensive high school setting
- Requires attendance at evening events, community meetings, and school functions
- Frequent interaction with students, staff, families, and community partners
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform essential functions of the role
- Occasional lifting, movement, and supervision responsibilities
- May be required to respond to emergencies and support student safety
Date Updated: 5/21/2026
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