Job Description

Job Title: School Principal (Grades k-8)

Department: School Leadership

Reports to: Superintendent of Schools

Location: Lawrence Public Schools – K‑8 Campus (specific site TBD)

Job Type: Full‑Time, 230 days

Welcome to Lawrence Public Schools

Lawrence Public Schools (LPS) is committed to ensuring that all students master the knowledge and skills necessary to graduate high‑school ready for college, career, and life. We provide a rigorous, standards‑based instructional program paired with comprehensive academic, social‑emotional, and enrichment supports. Progress toward these goals is continuously monitored to ensure accountability to students, families, staff, and the wider community.

Position Summary

Serving as the school’s chief administrative and instructional leader, the K‑8 School Principal sets a clear vision for high academic achievement, equitable practices, and a positive, inclusive culture. Under the general supervision of the Superintendent—and with wide latitude for independent judgment—the Principal oversees curriculum and instruction, talent management, budgeting, family and community engagement, and the daily operations necessary to create a safe, welcoming, and high‑performing learning environment for a diverse student population.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Vision & Strategic Planning
• Lead the development and implementation of a Comprehensive School Improvement Plan aligned with district priorities and student data.
• Instructional Leadership
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate educators to ensure high‑quality, culturally responsive instruction and effective use of assessment data.
• Promote professional learning communities and small‑learning‑community models to personalize instruction and accelerate achievement.
• Talent Management
• Screen, hire, and retain outstanding faculty and staff; foster a collaborative, growth‑oriented culture.
• Budget & Resource Allocation
• Develop and manage the school‑based budget; secure and align grants and other resources to instructional priorities.
• School Culture & Climate
• Cultivate an inclusive, asset‑based environment that affirms the identities of all students, families, and staff.
• Implement restorative and trauma‑informed practices to support student behavior and well‑being.
• Family & Community Engagement
• Build strong partnerships with families, community organizations, and local agencies to support student learning and wraparound services.
• Compliance & Operations
• Ensure adherence to district, state, and federal policies—including accreditation standards, safety protocols, and special‑education regulations.
• Data‑Driven Improvement
• Analyze academic and operational data to guide decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Other
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of effective K‑8 instructional practices, assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Demonstrated success working in urban school settings and serving culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Expertise in developing small‑learning‑community or small‑school models.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire and manage change.
• Proficiency with data analysis, budgeting, and educational technology platforms.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish highly preferred.
• Unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti‑bias practices.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (preferred emphasis in supervision/administration).
• Licensure: Massachusetts Principal/Assistant Principal license (All Levels) or eligibility to obtain licensure upon hire.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of successful teaching and supervisory/administrative experience.
• Other:
• Experience leading diverse teams and engaging multilingual families.
• Alternatives to the above qualifications may be considered at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Pay Range

$125,000-$145,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lawrence Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for employees and applicants. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Non‑Discrimination Statement

LPS maintains a workplace and learning environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil‑union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by law. Retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in investigations is strictly prohibited.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of required background checks and the availability of funding.

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