Principal - Gates Chili Middle School

Gates Chili Central School District; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gates Chili Central School District seeks a qualified Middle School Principal to serve as instructional and organizational leader, guiding high-quality teaching and learning while advancing equity and inclusion across the campus.

You will work with district leaders to align priorities, support staff development, and implement MTSS to meet every student’s needs within a collaborative, transparent framework.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required and CAS program completed.
• New York State School Administrative certification required.
• Experience as a teacher with successful administrative and supervisory experience.
• Experience with diverse student populations desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional and organizational leadership to ensure high-quality education and daily school operations.
• Establish and communicate a shared vision for student success and continuous improvement.
• Lead, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff, including Assistant Principals, fostering growth and accountability.
• Promote high-quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment through observations and professional learning.
• Oversee operations including staffing, scheduling, budgets, facilities, and programs.
• Cultivate a safe, inclusive environment and strong student engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Educational equity

Communication

Staff development

Education

Master's Degree

CAS program

New York State School Administrative Certification

Job description

The Gates Chili Middle School Principal serves as the instructional and organizational leader of the school, responsible for fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment where all students and staff can thrive. As a member of the district leadership team and under the direction of the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, the principal provides strategic leadership in advancing high-quality teaching and learning, developing staff capacity, strengthening school culture, and ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students. Through collaborative leadership, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement, the principal aligns building priorities, practices, and resources with the district's mission, vision, and strategic goals.

Pertinent Details: Candidates selected for a first-round interview will be contacted by Human Resources. The date for first-round interviews will be January 6, 2027. Candidates invited back for a finalist "Day in the District" must be available January 12, 13 and 14, with all finalists being required to attend a finalist forum on the evening of January 14, 2027. More detailed information will be shared with finalists, if selected.

Essential Functions:

• Provides instructional and organizational leadership to ensure a high-quality educational experience and effective daily operations of the school.
• Establishes and communicates a shared vision for student success, high expectations, and continuous school improvement aligned with district priorities.
• Leads, supervises, supports, and evaluates faculty and staff, including Assistant Principals, while fostering professional growth, accountability, and leadership development.
• Promotes high-quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices through classroom observations, meaningful feedback, professional learning, and collaboration.
• Oversees building operations, including staffing, scheduling, budgets, facilities, resources, school activities, and the effective implementation of school programs and procedures.
• Cultivates a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive school environment that promotes positive relationships, student engagement, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Collaborates with district leadership and fellow administrators to advance district initiatives, align building practices with strategic priorities, and support districtwide improvement.
• Uses student learning data and other relevant evidence to identify needs, establish improvement priorities, monitor progress, and inform instructional and organizational decisions.
• Leads the implementation and continuous improvement of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Establishes and maintains consistent behavioral expectations and ensures effective implementation of the district's Code of Conduct and Support, restorative practices, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Develops a collaborative professional culture that promotes shared leadership, collective responsibility, staff engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures effective building safety and emergency preparedness procedures, including required drills, crisis response planning, and collaboration with district personnel.
• Establishes effective structures for faculty meetings, building leadership teams, committees, and collaborative decision-making.
• Ensures effective office procedures, records management, reporting, and stewardship of school property and resources.
• Fosters meaningful partnerships with families and community stakeholders through effective communication, engagement, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, Board of Education policies, and district procedures.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional learning, reflective leadership, and continuous improvement of personal and organizational practices.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or their designee

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to build trust, foster collaboration, navigate conflict constructively, and develop strong partnerships across school, district, family, and community groups.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  Ability to communicate clearly, proactively, and effectively with students, staff, families, district leaders, and community partners, including during sensitive or challenging situations.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, coordinate, and manage complex responsibilities and competing demands.
• Knowledge of research-informed teaching practices, adolescent development, and educational pedagogy.
• Knowledge of middle school curriculum, instruction, assessment, and effective systems of student support.
• Ability to interpret multiple sources of student and school data, identify trends, and develop, implement, and monitor actionable improvement plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to public education and students.
• Ability to use digital tools, educational technology, and information systems strategically to support communication, collaboration, instruction, and efficient school operations.
• Ability to reflect on leadership practices, seek feedback, and pursue continuous professional growth and cultural responsiveness.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership that recognizes and values the identities, experiences, and perspectives of students, staff, families, and the broader school community.

Qualifications Profile:

Certification/License: Must possess a valid New York State School Administrative certification. Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education: Master's Degree and successful completion of CAS program.

Experience: The Middle School Principal must have successful experience as a teacher and demonstrated success in administration and/or supervision. Experience working with a diverse population of students strongly desired.

Demands, Hazards:

Works in standard office and school building environments.

Equipment:

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel:

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.