Principal

Principal Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School - Palmer, Massachusetts Job Details

Job ID:

5697176

Application Deadline:

May 17, 2026 11:59 PM (UTC)

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Jul 1, 2026 Job Description Notice of Vacancy (Anticipated) Principal

Position:

Principal The district is seeking a highly qualified candidate who is eager to build upon an already strong foundation. This is an anticipated opening, and it is expected that a final determination regarding whether the position will need to be filled will be known by May 14, 2026. Experienced principals or educators with experience as an administrator in another capacity, as well as teacher leaders looking to take the next step in their careers, are encouraged to apply! Pathfinder Tech has experienced strong enrollment demand in recent years, with broad support from member towns, community members, parents, and other stakeholders. Recent growth has included the expansion of AP course offerings, four foreign languages, Music, Band, Art, Professional Skills, and much more! Athletics have also experienced tremendous growth across many programs, including football, wrestling, lacrosse, and others - Go Pioneers! Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School is a four year regional vocational technical high school serving approximately 650 students and currently offering fifteen technical programs. The district is in a period of continued growth, with projected enrollment increases over the coming years. As part of this expansion, the district is opening a new extended campus located in the former Cold Spring School in Belchertown, Massachusetts. The Belchertown campus is scheduled to open in September 2026 and is expected to serve approximately 100 students during its first year of operation.

Qualifications:

• Appropriately licensed by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Minimum of five years of full-time experience in education.
• At least three years of experience as a school or district administrator is preferred.
• Demonstrated school leadership and supervision experience.
• Demonstrated success leading and directing strategic educational initiatives that result in measurable student outcomes and achievements.
• Demonstrated experience with data-driven decision making and utilizing data for decisions around teaching & learning approaches to education.
• Skilled in critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Skilled in dispute resolution and proven ability to handle unforeseen challenges of a responsive school environment.
• Skilled in multiple methods of communication with diverse audiences, including parents, students, faculty, and the community as a whole.
• Tireless advocate for students and teachers and willingness to be an ever-present academic and CTE leader.

Standards/Responsibilities:

The Principal is responsible for staff and students in the school building and is responsible for the management of the school and the improvement of the instruction offered. In this position he/she oversees many services in the school and community among many other responsibilities. He/she is accountable for the following standards and responsibilities:

Standards Overview:

Instructional Leadership:

The education leader promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by cultivating a shared vision that makes powerful teaching and learning the central focus of schooling.

Management and Operations:

Promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by ensuring a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment, using resources to implement appropriate curriculum, staffing, and scheduling.

Family and Community Engagement:

Promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff through effective partnerships with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders that support

Professional Culture:

Promotes success for all students by nurturing and sustaining a school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning for staff.

Responsibilities Overview:

Most promote and uphold the Pathfinder Tech mission and core values with students, staff, and members of the community at all times. Mission Statement - To establish an educational community, anchored in rigorous and diverse academic and technical experiences, that ensures every student realizes their full potential and emerges as a responsible, engaged, and contributing member of society. Pathfinder Tech Core Values - PATH to Professionalism

Perseverance:

We believe in fostering resilience and the ability to persist through challenges in order to achieve scholastic and personal goals.

Achievement:

We value the pursuit of excellence in both academic and technical skills, encouraging all members to reach their fullest potential while celebrating individual and community accomplishments.

Teamwork:

We promote an environment of communication and collaboration where students, teachers, and staff work together toward shared goals. Honor We uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior, expecting all members of our school community to treat each other with dignity and respect. Responsibilities (cont.):

• Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws and requirements.
• Adhere to the Professional Standard for Administrators (603 CMR 7.10).
• Build relationships and connections with community members and schools within the District to promote Pathfinder Tech as a viable education choice.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying information in a clear and concise manner while adapting styles for different audiences.
• Broad knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and NEASC Standards.
• Understand Massachusetts School Law as it pertains to secondary and vocational education.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven record.
• Familiarity with school finance and budget formulation.
• Exemplary character, ethics, and professionalism.
• Proven leadership and dedication to maintaining and improving high academic and vocational student performance.
• Foster a positive environment of mutual trust and respect amongst administrators, staff, and students.
• Work collaboratively with the Superintendent on recommending and executing district policies.
• Work collaboratively with the Superintendent on setting goals and objectives and developing and implementing short term and long-range plans for the District.
• Oversees the hiring of new staff members.
• Arranges for the employment and assignment of substitute teachers as needed.
• Administers the school's professional development program activities in accordance with state and local regulations.
• Maintains high standards of student conduct and discipline.
• Assumes responsibility for coordinating custodial and other support services as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget in assigned areas.
• Maintains an active relationship with students and parents.
• Serves as the liaison between the school and parental and community groups including the School Council.
• Assumes responsibility for completion of periodic reports required by the state and federal government and/or as assigned by Superintendent.
• Maintains records of employees and maintains CORI information for all Staff, Substitutes, Cooperative Program Employers, Bus Drivers and Coaches.
• Fulfills other duties as appropriate or assigned by the Superintendent.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications and requirements as the Superintendent may deem appropriate and acceptable.

Position Type:

Full-time, 12-month.

Benefits:

Health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance are available. Attractive sick, personal, vacation, and other leave time available. College and university course reimbursement is offered. The MTRS pension plan is available, along with 457(b) and 403(b) retirement savings plans. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts are also offered. Numerous opportunities for professional development, conference participation, and training.

Reports To:

Superintendent

Effective Date of Position:

July 1, 2026 (anticipated)

Salary:

Estimated range $130,000 to $155,000 Optional paper/electronic copies of documents can be submitted to: c/o Carrie Boudreau, Administrative Assistant Boudreau@pathfindertech.org Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School 240 Sykes Street, Palmer, MA 01069 (413) 283-9701 An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of the Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, homelessness, or disability in its educational policies as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 and Chapter 622. Chapter 622 is a state law and Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 are federal laws.

Position Type:

Full-time