Job Description
School Principal (TK-8th) 2026-2027 SY - Carmichael California Montessori Project - 4.0 Carmichael, CA Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $136,477 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Employee assistance program Vision insurance 403(b) Qualifications School experience CPR Certification Teaching Certification Montessori Certification Principal Certification Bachelor's degree First Aid Certification Parent-teacher conferences (communication methods)
Full Job Description Job Title :
Principal Reports To/Supervisor :
Executive Director Classification :
Full Time, Year Round, Exempt, Certificated Number of Working Days :
212 Work Calendar:
12 Month Salary - 212 [for new hires only: Salary/Pay Rate :
Principal Pay Scale About Us :
California Montessori Project (CMP) is a successful public charter school network based in the greater Sacramento area with an exceptional TK-8 Montessori program that is tuition-free and open to all students. The network serves over 3,000 students on seven campuses. CMP is authorized through, and maintains strong relationships with four school districts: Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District and Buckeye Union School District. CMP teachers are supported in pursuing dual-certification, holding a Montessori certification from an AMS-accredited training center and a California state multiple subject credential. The CMP Leadership Team, including the Governing Board, Directors, Principals, and Deans, provide stability and focused guidance to the organization. CMP's commitment to equity and student success is anchored in the frameworks of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which build sustainable systems and promote whole-child development. CMP Mission :
The Mission of the California Montessori Project is to provide a quality, tuition-free, TK-8, Montessori education that challenges our students to reach their full potential. Summary/Objective The Principal is a site-based position and directly reports to the Superintendent/Executive Director and supervises all site operations in accordance with School policies. Although the Principal may delegate appropriate powers and duties so that operational decisions can be made at various administrative levels, s/he is responsible for the execution of these powers and duties and will establish administrative regulations as needed to manage the campus. Principal leads the PBIS initiative for the campus implementation of PBIS Tiered approach. Essential Functions Duties related to Superintendent/Executive Director:
Advises the Superintendent/Executive Director on the need for new and/or revised policies and makes policy recommendations based on data and input from staff and advisory committees. Submits to the Superintendent/Executive Director recommendations relative to all matters requiring Superintendent/Executive Director action, together with the materials needed for informed decisions. Reports periodically on all school operations. Conducts special studies requested by the Superintendent/Executive Director. Play an active role as an LEA designee for IEP meetings Submits staff members' communications to the Superintendent/Executive Director, with or without recommendations. Oversight of Special Education implementation and management. Duties related to Campus Staff:
Coordinates the work of all school educators and volunteer staff. Assigns personnel within the school in accordance with School policy. Directs the employment and assignment of staff and coordinates staff activities. Selects and recommends to the Human Resources Department the best qualified and most competent candidates for employment in accordance with nondiscrimination policy and alternative action plan. Develops and maintains an effective campus through collaborating with the Human Resources Department on the selection, training, motivation, termination and review of all personnel. Collaborates with the Human Resources Department regarding the leave, classification, resignation, promotion, suspension or dismissal of school employees. Leads the PBIS initiative for the campus implementation of PBIS Tiered approach. Duties related to Supervisor Responsibility Annually provides written evaluation of each staff member and identifies appropriate opportunities for continued professional development. Maintains appropriate channels of communication within the school and ensures that staff is informed about relevant federal, state, and county laws, district policies, regulations and procedures and matters related to the improvement and welfare of the school. Duties related to Students and the Educational Program Enforces compulsory attendance laws. Supervise attendance procedures and daily teacher/student ratios. Coordinate substitute teachers for classes as needed. Continuously observes the instructional program in schools and provides the Superintendent/Executive Director with regular evaluations of school programs and student progress. Apply knowledge of the Montessori method, materials and equipment used. Ensures safety of equipment for indoor and outdoor areas including class materials, outdoor play equipment, and the buildings and grounds. Review and maintain a safe and healthy environment in compliance with state and local regulations. Apply knowledge of the California laws and regulations governing a school facility Together with staff studies the curriculum and makes recommendations to the Superintendent regarding the courses of study, major changes in activities and time schedules. Orientate parents/guardians in regard to the school's policies and guidelines. Apprises the Superintendent of contemporary educational practices and related legislative issues which s/he discovers by reading, attending professional conferences, and visiting other Montessori schools. Under appropriate circumstances, recommends to the Superintendent a student's suspension or expulsion. May serve as the LEA Designee for IEP meetings Duties related to Non-instructional Operations Assign staff members appropriate operational procedures regarding school upkeep to include all common areas (kitchen, work room, etc). Maintains and updates adequate census and scholastic records, business and property records, and personnel records. Submits to the Superintendent periodic financial and budgetary reports which identify the school's outstanding obligations and future needs. Annually prepares and submits to the Superintendent the school's budget for the upcoming year; revises this budget or takes other related action as the Superintendent designates. Approves all expenditures in accordance with School policy and within Superintendent-approved appropriation limits. Makes recommendations to the Superintendent regarding the maintenance, safety, improvement and/or expansion of school facilities, equipment and transportation services. Develops instructions and regulations governing the use and care of school property for school purposes. Must become CPI certified and respond to CPI calls as needed. Duties related to the Community Represents and advocates for the School in relationships with city, county and state governments, private agencies, and the school community. Sees that the community is informed about school matters through appropriate informational materials. Participates in appropriate community organizations and functions to obtain support for the attainment of school goals. Coordinates parent special activities to include special events, fund raising, parent education and parent/teacher conferences. Mail school information to parents as appropriate, and provide tours of the facility at specified times to the public or those interested in the school. Hears complaints against the school and resolves controversies between employees or between employees and students or parents/guardians. Perform other related duties as assigned. Competencies Ability to coordinate educational facility, supervise staff and communicate with parents, students, teachers, colleagues, volunteers and the public at large Advanced level Verbal Communication and Listening Skills Excellent Reading and Written Communication Skills Well developed Interpersonal Relationship skills Professionalism and Diplomacy High level Organizational skills Skilled at Curriculum Planning and Implementation Knowledge of Child Development and Age-Appropriate Instruction Project Management from conception to completion in respect to school needs Supervisory Responsibilities ( if applicable) This role supervises all campus staff directly, include Deans, Teachers, IAs, and Office Staff Work Environment Classroom Environment:
This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances. Emotional Demands:
Working with students can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations. Collaboration:
Regular interaction and collaboration with teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, and other professionals to support students effectively. Professional Development:
Ongoing learning and development to stay updated with best practices, behavior management techniques, and educational technology. Participates in meetings, professional development, and school events, both in-person and virtually as needed. Handles multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced educational environment while maintaining focus on student achievement and safety as well as staff development. May occasionally travel to the administrative office, meetings, or professional conferences. Physical Demands Frequently required to stand, walk, and move throughout classrooms, offices, and the school campus to observe instruction, supervise students, and support staff. Occasionally required to lift, carry, push, or pull instructional materials, office supplies, or equipment up to 25 pounds. Must have sufficient visual and auditory ability to observe student behavior, read reports, and communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents. Regularly required to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings. Occasionally required to bend, stoop, reach, or climb stairs while navigating the school environment. Must be able to respond quickly to emergencies or safety situations involving students or staff. Safety Measures Safety Protocols:
Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students. Proper Techniques:
Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff. Health Considerations:
Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have. Travel Requirements Primarily work on assigned school campuses, with occasional travel to central administration, other campuses, or school-related sites as needed. May attend conferences, professional development, or meetings at external locations, requiring occasional local travel. Required Education and Experience Degree Minimum:
Bachelors Degree Certifications:
California Teaching Credential and Montessori Certificate from an accredited Montessori Teacher Training Center. Candidates may complete this requirement concurrent with employment. Minimum two years elementary and/or middle school education experience required. Prior administrative experience in the educational field required. First Aid/CPR Certification, current TB testing and clear Live Scan Preferred Education and Experience Administrative Credential Compensation and Benefits Time Off:
Sick leave, paid holidays, vacation (as applicable by position), Retirement:
403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2 according to California state law, California Education code and CMP policy. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for Full Time Positions:
Comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents. Childcare Support:
Access to free before and after care through Club M for employees with students enrolled at a CMP campus (subject to availability; application fees apply). Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for health care and dependent care. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges. Mental Health Support:
Access to Nivati, a mental health platform offering counseling, coaching, and wellness tools. AAP/EEO Statement:
It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy applies to all employment practices including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and termination. Other Duties:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. WHAT DO I NEED IN MY APPLICATION?
Be sure to also completely fill out the application and attach all of the following. Please note that failure to follow directions could lead to non-consideration. Certificate Copy (copy of Montessori credential, if applicable) Copy of Transcript Credential Document Number Letter of Introduction (include grade and campus location preferences) Letter(s) of Recommendation (3 recent letters of reference attesting to your professional attributes) Other (3 professional references, with at least one from someone in a supervisory role) Resume
