Principal, Education Administration

District or Organization:
Washington Central Unified Union School District

Due Date:
February 27, 2026

Position Title: Principal
Location/School: U-32 Middle/High School, Montpelier, VT

Position

Description:

WCUUSD exists to nurture and inspire in all students the passion, creativity, and power to contribute to their local and global communities. We are seeking an innovative, collaborative, and equity-focused leader for U-32. We are currently a 7-12 school serving approximately 650 students from the rural communities of Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, and Worcester along with tuitioning students from surrounding choice districts.

The Opportunity :
Leading Through Transformation U-32 is currently at a pivotal crossroads. As part of the District’s strategic plan and due to declining enrollment, the school is transitioning from its historical structures as a 900+ student institution to a more sustainable model that may establish a developmentally appropriate 6-8 Middle School and 9-12 High School structure.

The ideal candidate will be a transparent communicator who can bridge our school’s history with its future. We need a leader who understands that systemic change requires more than a plan—it requires empathy, understanding and a collaborative approach. By acknowledging the difficulties of recent years, you will lead our dedicated staff toward a school model that prioritizes both student excellence and staff well-being.

Key Responsibilities and Strategic Goals :
The next Principal of U-32 must be prepared to actualize our strategic vision by ensuring that programming drives our structural decisions. Key priorities include:

Instructional Excellence :
Lead the implementation of evidence-based and inclusive instructional strategies and curriculum to ensure that all students—including those who have been historically marginalized—attain rigorous standards.

Student Engagement :
Shift the educational experience toward more relevant and rigorous work, fostering student agency and providing multiple pathways for students to demonstrate proficiency.

Collaborative Leadership :
Foster a culture of distributed leadership where students, families, and staff are active partners in school decision-making.

Transition Management :
Oversee the phased implementation of the configuration plan, including the possible transition of Grade 6 students to the U-32 campus in the  school year.

Community Schools Integration :
Utilize the Community Schools Framework to coordinate integrated student supports, including mental health and wellness services, ensuring U-32 remains the heart of its five-town community.

Candidate Profile – We seek a leader who:

• Demonstrates strong instructional leadership and a deep commitment to the success of each and every student.
• Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to navigate complex community dynamics and restore organizational health.
• Has a strong understanding of middle and secondary education, specifically the unique developmental needs of early adolescents.
• Is committed to transparent and responsible leadership, making decisions based on data and authentic stakeholder input.

WCUUSD offers a competitive salary and benefits. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Salary range: $103,000 – $146,000.

Principal certification required and prior high school experience preferred.

Please consult our website https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or email Search Lead Jen Miller-Arsenault at jmillerarsenault for additional information. Applications accepted until filled, but preference will be given to applications that are submitted by 01/31/2026.

Writing Prompt 1:
Leading Through Change and Rebuilding Trust

Washington Central UUSD has the following Core Beliefs that are the foundation for our Strategic Plan and guide our decision making. As the principal of U-32, how will your leadership reflect these values?

Core Values:

• Humanity, Justice, Community and Belonging
• Rigorous Curriculum and Instruction
• Transparent and Responsible Leadership
• Community Engagement and Relationships

Writing Prompt 2:
Instructional Excellence in a Smaller Model

Due to declining enrollment U-32 is transitioning from a historical structure as a 900+ student 7-12 middle and high school to an enrollment of approximately 650. How will you lead the faculty and community in this shift? Specifically, how will you ensure that rigor and relevance are enhanced during this change, and how will you measure success for students who have been historically marginalized?