CSDHS School Principal Pool ($104,519+)

Dorchester County Public Schools•Cambridge, MD

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Dorchester County Public Schools is seeking a School Principal for Cambridge-South Dorchester High School for the 2026–2027 school year. This high school is the district’s largest, serving over 700 students, and has shown progress in discipline, school climate, and student outcomes. The role requires a strong, focused leader to continue strengthening systems, build staff capacity, and lead with urgency and consistency to achieve sustained success. Under the Superintendent's supervision, the Principal will act as the instructional leader, culture builder, and manager of school systems, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning and preparing students for college, career, and life success. Key responsibilities include leading an instructional program to improve student achievement, increasing graduation rates and post-secondary readiness, maintaining a structured and safe school culture, implementing support systems for students facing barriers, overseeing college and career pathways, and using data for decision-making. The position offers an opportunity to lead meaningful changes aligned with the district’s strategic plan, Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. This role is ideal for a leader ready to lead a large, high-needs high school with complexity and urgency, build on existing improvements, understand the importance of relationships, structures, and high expectations, and be motivated by results and committed to sustained improvement for all students.

Requirements

Eligible for and hold Maryland Administrator II Certification prior to appointment.
Minimum of three (3) years of successful school-based administrative experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience.
Demonstrated success in improving outcomes in a high-needs secondary school setting.
Demonstrated success in increasing graduation rates and postsecondary readiness.
Demonstrated success in leading school improvement efforts using data.
Strong knowledge of secondary school structures and scheduling.
Strong knowledge of college and career pathways (CTE, dual enrollment, workforce development).
Strong knowledge of Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL).
Strong knowledge of Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and DCPS strategic priorities.
Proven ability to build and lead effective teams.
Proven ability to maintain high expectations while fostering positive relationships.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to lead with urgency, resilience, and a focus on results.
Strong financial and grant management skills.
Ability to analyze and use data to improve programs and student outcomes.
Ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work with multiple agencies.
Ability to make decisions in accordance with precedents, rules, and regulations.
Ability to apply Board policy to daily work decisions, exercise good judgment, courtesy, and tact in dealing with all stakeholders on the telephone, writing, and in person.
Must be able to work independently on routine, complex and confidential tasks.
Must maintain good attendance record and be willing to work outside of general working hours occasionally.

Responsibilities

Establish and communicate clear instructional priorities.
Lead and monitor the School Improvement Plan.
Ensure consistent implementation of high-quality instruction across all content areas.
Use data to monitor progress and adjust strategies.
Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
Implement and monitor MTSS to ensure timely and effective interventions.
Set and uphold high expectations for student behavior, engagement, and achievement.
Support and strengthen CTE programs, dual enrollment, and workforce partnerships.
Monitor graduation indicators including credit attainment and on-track status.
Ensure students are prepared for post-secondary success.
Supervise, evaluate, and develop all staff.
Provide consistent coaching and feedback to improve instruction.
Build a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement.
Lead hiring and retention of high-quality staff.
Build strong, trusting relationships with families.
Communicate clearly and consistently with stakeholders.
Develop partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and higher education.
Manage the school budget and allocate resources strategically.
Ensure compliance with Board policies and state/federal regulations.
Oversee safe and effective school operations and facility management.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.