Principal - Swasey Central School, Brentwood

POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking an exceptional instructional leader to become the next Principal of Swasey Central School beginning July 1, 2026. Swasey Central School is a high-performing PreK–5 elementary school located in the welcoming town of Brentwood, New Hampshire, serving approximately 300 students in a close-knit, community-centered environment. Recognized as the 2023 New Hampshire Elementary School of Excellence, Swasey is a place where students, staff, and families work together to support academic growth and whole-child development. More than 60 dedicated staff members contribute to a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement. Students continue their educational journey within the Exeter Region Cooperative School District for middle and high school.

Brentwood is part of New Hampshire’s scenic Seacoast region and offers the charm of a small community with the convenience of nearby cities. Ideally located in Rockingham County, Brentwood is approximately 50 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and 50 miles south of Portland, Maine, with easy access to Route 101, Route 125, and Interstate 95. Just 20 minutes from ocean beaches, the town provides convenient travel to Exeter, Epping, Kingston, Manchester, Portsmouth, Boston, and Portland. Swasey Central School is a proud member of SAU 16, working collaboratively with neighboring communities to deliver an exceptional public education.

This is a year-round position with a competitive salary range of $111,000–$123,000, commensurate with experience.

We are seeking an educational leader who demonstrates the following Essential Core Values:

• Is student-centered and believes all students can and will learn when given the right support and when they feel a strong sense of belonging to their school community.
• Believes that helping all students grow socially, emotionally, and mentally well is important to the process of academic rigor.
• Believes in encouraging diverse thinking and seeking different perspectives from many different stakeholders.
• Believes in the empowerment of all educators.
• Understands and can implement the 7 Principles of Competency Based Education.

 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develops and administers school programs consistent with the SAU 16 Portrait of a Graduate, which defines our shared vision for student success, as well as the school’s mission, practices and principles.
• Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, including curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Promotes a school environment that is safe and conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.
• Ensures that Board policies and procedures are implemented and followed at the school.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Encourages staff to continue to grow professionally and to prototype new approaches or strategies to teaching.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and reporting for all student activities, attendance and records as required by law.
• Coordinates the work of school staff and program leaders to develop and implement instructional programs and teaching practices.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and works with teaching staff to modify instructional methods to fit students' needs, including students with special needs.
• Coordinates with the central office in recruitment and selection of employees, the proper maintenance of employee personnel files, the administration of collective bargaining agreements, corrective action, and other human resource issues.
• Organizes and conducts regular meetings with teachers for continuing development of instructional techniques.
• Involves staff in the evaluation of programs and the planning of new programs.
• Encourages parental engagement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and families/caregivers.
• Communicates behavioral expectations to build understanding and respect throughout the school community.
• Supervises and evaluates teaching staff and other building employees in accordance with the SAU’s Portrait of an Educator and other self-reflection and evaluation tools, and makes recommendations regarding goals, strengths and areas of growth opportunities.
• Organizes and manages the budgetary and financial affairs of the school consistent with school district policies.
• Develops strong relationships with families/caregivers and encourages active engagement and involvement in the school community through innovative opportunities.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Commitment to competency based education.
• Knowledge of social and emotional learning best practices.
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiation of instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of elementary school curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to develop and implement projects and plans with strong organization and efficacy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and families/caregivers.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation and reflection with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to resolve conflicts amongst different stakeholders including students, staff and families/caregivers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher, preferably in education leadership.
• Currently certified as a New Hampshire Principal.
• Demonstrated administrative and collaborative leadership experience at the elementary level.
• A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience at the elementary level, preferably in more than one grade level.
• Please apply online. Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation, certification and undergraduate and graduate transcripts have been attached to your online application.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above, in addition to the following: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employee must occasionally move equipment and/or supplies. The job is performed for the most part in an office or school setting with occasional outside weather conditions. The noise level is that of a typical school. Mental demands requiring decision making, analytical and organizational skills in order to achieve work objectives, draw daily operational conclusions, solve practical problems, use computer technology and to present information for use by administration in making decisions.

SAU 16 is committed to providing a supportive work environment for all employees. Accommodations may be available for individuals with disabilities or other needs to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment. If you require accommodations to participate in the application process or perform the essential functions of the job, please contact SAU 16 Human Resources at 603.775.8400 to engage in an interactive process.