Principal – Elementary & Middle School Leader

Bakersfield City School District; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 149,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Bakersfield City School District is seeking a Principal for the 2026-2027 school year to provide instructional leadership and equity-focused vision across elementary and middle grade levels.

You will guide Tier 1 instruction, align curriculum with standards, and manage resources to support diverse student needs. Strong communication with families and staff, plus collaboration with the School Leadership Team, is essential.

Qualifications

• Valid California administrative services credential
• Master's Degree preferred
• Minimum of three years successful site administrative experience or other related experience
• Successful teaching or related experience with at-risk students including English Learner and gifted students
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with staff and the public

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a shared vision that ensures equitable access, opportunities, and outcomes for all students
• Builds and maintains trust, teamwork, and strong relationships with staff, students, families, and community members
• Fosters a school climate grounded in integrity, ethics, and mutual respect
• Guides decisions and school activities based on values, mission, vision, and goals of the school and district
• Intentionally develops leadership capacity in assistant principals and staff for future leadership roles
• Provides instructional leadership through data-driven decision-making, classroom observations, and actionable feedback
• Oversees the implementation of Tier 1 instructional programs to meet diverse student needs
• Leads staff professional learning and development to improve instructional practices and student outcomes
• Guides curriculum and assessment alignment with standards and district expectations
• Monitors student performance and uses accountability systems to improve teaching and learning
• Monitors academic progress through measurable student outcomes in collaboration with School Leadership Team and School Site Council
• Ensures grade level standards and proficiency targets are met at all grade levels
• Implements strategies to support English Learner reclassification
• Creates a supportive and inclusive environment to address the intellectual, social-emotional, and cultural needs of all students
• Assists in the recruitment, selection, and evaluation of certificated and classified staff
• Manages fiscal and human resources efficiently to support student learning and operational needs
• Oversees budgeting and the allocation of funds for instructional materials and school programs outlined in the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)
• Aligns resources with multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to promote intervention and acceleration for students
• Builds meaningful relationships with families, especially underrepresented communities, to support student success
• Organizes family engagement activities, including Parent Cafes, home visits, and other school events
• Establishes and leverages community partnerships to meet student needs and enhance college and career readiness
• Leads professional learning initiatives for staff aligned with school and district goals
• Promotes a culture of continuous learning among staff to drive instructional improvement and leadership growth
• Supports teacher collaboration and growth through coaching and mentorship
• Ensures a safe, functional, and respectful learning environment for all students and staff as outlined in the School Safety Plan
• Leads safety initiatives, campus supervision protocols, and professional development for emergency preparedness
• Implements programs and events, such as college and career weeks, to prepare students for postsecondary success
• Models personal and professional values of equity, integrity, caring, collaboration, personal and collective accountability
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

Effective communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Education

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Bakersfield City School District is seeking a Principal for the 2026-2027 school year to provide instructional leadership and equity-focused vision across elementary and middle grade levels.

You will guide Tier 1 instruction, align curriculum with standards, and manage resources to support diverse student needs. Strong communication with families and staff, plus collaboration with the School Leadership Team, is essential.