Somerset Intermediate School Principal

Somerset Intermediate School Principal JobID: 1483 Position Type: Administration/PrincipalDate Posted: 11/3/2026Location: Somerset SchoolDate Available: 01/04/2027 Additional Information: Show/HideAbout the PositionNorth Plainfield School District is seeking a Principal for Somerset Intermediate School, serving grades 5 and 6. The Principal will lead standards-aligned instruction, use assessment data to drive improvement, and maintain a positive, structured school culture. Somerset serves approximately 500 students and more than 50 teachers. The student population is diverse in culture, language, and background. Grade 5 follows a traditional elementary model, and grade 6 is fully departmentalized to prepare students for middle school. The school uses restorative practices to address student behavior and build accountability. About the DistrictNorth Plainfield is a culturally diverse PreK through 12 district in Somerset County serving approximately 3,300 students. The district is committed to culturally responsive instruction and is guided by its core values of Caring, Appreciation, Respect, and Determination. Staff have access to professional learning and instructional coaching. Who We're Looking ForThe ideal candidate is a measured, solution-oriented leader with a clear plan for improving student achievement. The candidate understands the developmental and behavioral needs of students ages 10 to 12 and addresses problems calmly and directly. You will:Improve student achievement. Ensure instruction is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, and use assessment data to set goals and monitor student progress.Lead restorative practices. Implement consistent schoolwide behavior systems that create a preventative approach to discipline and student accountability.Maintain a positive school culture. Build a collaborative climate in which staff are supported and share responsibility for student success.Communicate clearly. Communicate consistently and professionally with staff, students, families, and district leadership.Manage operations effectively. Build and audit the master schedule before the school year begins and maintain safe, organized routines across both grade-level models.Steward resources responsibly. Build a school budget that reflects the needs and values of the building and the district.The Principal serves as a key member of the district leadership team and is responsible for instructional leadership, student support systems, staff supervision, budgeting, and overall school operations. QualificationsValid New Jersey Principal Certificate (Standard or Certificate of Eligibility)Minimum of five years of successful teaching experience (upper elementary or middle school preferred)Previous administrative experience required (upper elementary or middle school preferred)Strong instructional leadership with a deep understanding of standards-aligned curriculum, instruction, and assessmentDemonstrated record of improving student achievement and assessment resultsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with a calm, measured, and professional approachStrong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented mindsetDemonstrated capacity to build strong relationships with students, staff, and familiesExperience in instructional coaching, facilitating professional learning communities (PLCs), analyzing student achievement data, and leading school improvement initiativesBilingual preferred Preferred ExperienceExperience supporting multilingual learners, including ESL and bilingual program modelsTraining and experience implementing restorative practicesExperience leading schoolwide behavior, climate, and student support systems for early adolescentsExperience with departmentalized scheduling and supporting students' transition to middle schoolExperience with tiered intervention systems (NJTSS) and diagnostic dataExperience working closely with Child Study Teams and related service providersDemonstrated ability to manage staffing, master scheduling, supervision, facilities coordination, safety procedures, and large-scale school operationsExperience developing and managing a building-level budget aligned to instructional priorities and operational needs Salary and Benefits Salary: $122,452 (minimum) to $169,112 (maximum), commensurate with experience Benefits: Medical, dental, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and professional development, as per contract EOE/AA