Amherst Regional High School Principal

High School Principal

Amherst Regional High School (9-12)

Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools

Position Overview

Amherst Regional High School (9-12) seeks a strong, student-centered High School Principal to serve as the instructional, operational, and cultural leader of our comprehensive public high school. The Principal will lead rigorous teaching and learning, cultivate a collaborative and inclusive school culture, supervise and develop staff, and ensure that all systems operate effectively in support of student success.

We seek a visible, resilient leader who communicates with clarity and integrity, builds trust across diverse perspectives, and remains grounded in what is best for students.

Key Responsibilities

* Provide strong instructional leadership to ensure rigorous, equitable, and engaging learning for all students.

* Lead and monitor implementation of the School Improvement Plan using data-driven decision-making and measurable outcomes.

* Supervise, evaluate, and develop staff in alignment with district procedures, educator evaluation standards, and collective bargaining agreements.

* Foster a safe, inclusive, and student-centered culture that supports academic growth as well as social and emotional development.

* Ensure fair, consistent, and restorative approaches to discipline and attendance.

* Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, safety, supervision, and emergency preparedness.

* Communicate proactively and transparently with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.

* Collaborate with district leadership and feeder schools to strengthen alignment and support student transitions within the system.

Qualifications

* Massachusetts certification as Principal (5-12).

* Master's degree in educational leadership or related field.

* Demonstrated secondary-level leadership experience; experience in 7-12 settings strongly preferred.

* Strong knowledge of instructional leadership, adolescent development, educator evaluation, and school improvement practices.

* Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership.

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

* Deep instructional expertise grounded in evidence-based practice.

* Strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.

* Clear, transparent, and steady communication.

* Strong managerial competence and systems thinking.

* A collaborative, solution-oriented leadership style.

* Consistent follow-through and accountability.

* Resilience and the fortitude to lead through complexity and public scrutiny.

* A deep understanding that adolescents come to school for more than academics and require holistic support to thrive.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

What ARPS Needs in Its Next High School Principal

Amherst Regional High School is at a pivotal moment. As the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools continue to strengthen alignment and navigate complex community dynamics, we seek a Principal who can lead with instructional depth, cultural awareness, and steady resolve.

1. A Strong Instructional Leader

First and foremost, we need an educator who understands teaching and learning at the secondary level. The next Principal must:

* Demonstrate expertise in curriculum, assessment, and evidence-based instructional practice.

* Use student achievement, attendance, behavioral, and climate data to drive improvement.

* Develop and supervise educators with clarity, accountability, and support.

* Protect academic rigor while advancing equitable outcomes.

* Understand adolescent development across grades 9-12.

2. A Culture Builder

School culture is foundational. We seek a leader who:

* Builds trust across staff, students, and families.

* Creates shared expectations and collective accountability.

* Centers belonging and student voice.

* Promotes restorative and fair systems.

* Recognizes that students come to school with academic, social, and emotional needs.

3. A Strategic and Collaborative Manager

Our next Principal must lead complex systems effectively. This includes:

* Strong organizational and operational oversight.

* Alignment of priorities and disciplined follow-through.

* Delegation with accountability.

* Clear monitoring of initiatives to ensure implementation with fidelity.

This leader is not only visionary, but effective in execution.

4. A Skilled Communicator in a Public Environment

ARPS serves an engaged and thoughtful community. The Principal must:

* Communicate clearly and transparently.

* Navigate difficult conversations with composure.

* Address misinformation with factual clarity.

* Balance competing perspectives while remaining student-centered.

5. A Resilient and Solutions-Oriented Leader

Leadership in this moment requires steadiness and fortitude. We need someone who:

* Remains grounded during controversy.

* Thinks creatively within constraints.

* Maintains focus on long-term improvement.

* Demonstrates courage, consistency, and ethical decision-making.