Principal - Malden High School [SY26-27]

Malden Public Schools•Malden, MA

3d•$175,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Malden High School Principal REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools SALARY RANGE: $175,000 to $185,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience WORK YEAR: Twelve months, Individual Contract, starting July 1, 2026 QUALIFICATIONS: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership/Administration (advanced graduate study preferred) Valid Massachusetts Principal/Assistant Principal License at the high school level (or eligibility to obtain Massachusetts certification prior to July 1, 2026) At least five years of successful school leadership experience, urban experience preferred At least five years of successful secondary teaching experience (middle or high school), urban experience preferred Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools deems appropriate and acceptable Desirable, but not required: Proficiency in a language other than English (MHS students speak more than 40 languages with the most common being Portuguese, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese) Information for applicants for the position of Malden High School Principal About Malden High School: Malden High School, established in 1857, is a vibrant and inclusive learning community. The school currently serves just over 1,800 students in grades 9-12 and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Ranked by Niche as the most diverse high school in Massachusetts, MHS proudly reflects the strengths of its multicultural population; this year students represent more than 55 countries and speak over 40 languages. Guided by the district’s core values of Include and Collaborate, Embrace Growth, and Do Right by All Kids, the school strives to provide an environment where every student can thrive both academically and personally, and prepare themselves for the broadest possible range of post-secondary aspirations. Malden High offers a wide array of academic and enrichment opportunities, supported by nearly 200 dedicated faculty and staff and an annual budget of $16.5 million. In addition to core classes in Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages, students explore Visual & Performing Arts, Business, Technical Education, Physical Education, and Health classes. The school offers College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses, as well as Dual Enrollment and Early College opportunities through Bunker Hill Community College. Students’ diverse needs are met through its program for multilingual learners, inclusion supports and specialized classes for students with disabilities, and the school’s Pathways program. Extracurricular options include MIAA athletics; dynamic theater, choral, and band programs; and more than 70 student-run clubs. Malden High also celebrates its storied legacy with The Blue & Gold , the second-oldest public high school newspaper in the nation, The Maldonian yearbook, and “Junior Varieties,” the country’s oldest high school variety show. POSITION SUMMARY: The Principal of Malden High School serves as the chief educational administrator for the school, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the school program including instruction, school management, and community engagement. As an instructional leader, the principal makes data-driven decisions to set academic goals and ensure that all students receive high-quality instruction aligned with state curriculum standards. The principal manages staff and budgets while creating a safe, positive, and effective learning environment and ensuring compliance with laws, district policies, and collective bargaining agreements. The principal models visionary and collaborative leadership, excellent organizational skills, and effective communication with all members of the school community.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Educational Leadership/Administration (advanced graduate study preferred)
Valid Massachusetts Principal/Assistant Principal License at the high school level (or eligibility to obtain Massachusetts certification prior to July 1, 2026)
At least five years of successful school leadership experience, urban experience preferred
At least five years of successful secondary teaching experience (middle or high school), urban experience preferred
Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools deems appropriate and acceptable
Resume
Cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience
Upload official transcripts
Evidence of current valid licensure
Three (3) letters of recommendation

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in a language other than English (MHS students speak more than 40 languages with the most common being Portuguese, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese)

Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of a rigorous, engaging program of studies aligned with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and WIDA standards.
Leads the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on School Improvement Plans as guided by district leadership and School Committee policies.
Uses analysis of outcome data–MCAS, ACCESS, and AP performance; student attendance; graduation and dropout rates; disaggregated results for special populations (e.g., multilingual learners and students with disabilities); postsecondary matriculation–to inform school improvement efforts and ensure academic growth for all students.
Regularly leads professional development to enhance the capacity of staff to deliver evidence-based instruction and maintain high academic and behavioral standards.
Leads the development of the master schedule to best meet students’ instructional needs, support professional collaboration, and comply with all state regulations and collective bargaining agreements.
Implements curricular initiatives in partnership with district leadership.
Holds regular meetings with all instructional staff and participates in all administrative meetings and implements program suggestions or changes.
School Culture and Community Engagement Establishes and maintains a safe, positive, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff.
Promotes high expectations for high-level performance to staff and students, regularly recognizing excellence and achievement.
Serves as a role model of professional, ethical, and responsive service.
Maintains open and consistent communication with parents, community members, and staff through various media, including but not limited to newsletters, messaging platforms, school events, and parent advisory groups.
Leads engagement with parents and caregivers of prospective students who reside in the city, most of whom currently attend one of the district’s K-8 schools, and is a visible presence within the broader community.
Regularly attends and coordinates administrative supervision of extracurricular events, including but not limited to athletics, fine arts showcases, ceremonies, and community/district sponsored activities.
School Management and Operations Recruits, hires, assigns, supervises, and evaluates all professional and support staff in compliance with state law, district policy, and all collective bargaining agreements.
Ensures that collective expectations of mutual respect are consistently observed by all members of the school community.
Oversees the appropriate administration of student discipline in accordance with Student Handbooks and School Committee Policies, and in compliance with all statutory due process safeguards.
Oversees student services including Special Education (in accordance with state and federal regulations like IDEA and Section 504) and programs for multilingual learners.
Establishes procedures for the entry of newly enrolled students and caregivers, including their effective integration into the school community.
Develops, implements, and monitors the school's operating and student activities budgets, ensuring resources are aligned with established priorities.
Oversees the daily use, maintenance, and safety of school facilities, including developing and implementing emergency and security plans.
Ensures that accurate records for all students including cumulative records, grades, and attendance are maintained in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
Completes all required reports and surveys in a timely manner.
General Leadership The High School Principal also assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.
The performance responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position and not as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of the individual in this role.