Interim Principal 26-27 SY (Immediate Opening)

Bridges Public Charter School is seeking a thoughtful, committed, persistent and experienced instructional leader to serve as its Interim Principal for the 2026-2027 school year. Founded in 2005 Bridges PCS serves a diverse student population of more than 360 students from PreK through 5th grade.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility
• Engagement
• Acceptance
• Creativity
• Honesty

Bridges, the name of our school, symbolizes an inclusive learning community that builds bridges of understanding, awareness, and support by connecting children and families with a variety of different needs, cultures, and backgrounds. At Bridges, we believe that inclusive education is beneficial to all of the students who have the opportunity to participate. Inclusion builds compassionate relationships among students, develops self-esteem in individuals, and develops the awareness that everyone has strengths and challenges.

Overview of the Role

The Interim Elementary School Principal is responsible for leading his/her team to meet the academic and developmental needs of a highly diverse student population in partnership with the Head of School. The Interim Principal will ensure that the school programs provide all students with core academics (i.e. reading and writing, math, social studies and science) and that the students receive academic enrichment. The academic enrichment programs: art, health/fitness, gardening, and music. This is a one year position. The school will engage in a full Principal search during the 2026-2027 school year that includes community participation to identify and hire the next school’s Principal who will start in the summer of 2027.

The Interim Principal in partnership with the Senior Academic Leadership Team (SALT) will be responsible for supervising instructional staff, overseeing the development of curriculum, ensuring all students’ needs are met, and engaging families in the school community. Expertise in the core academic content area at the elementary school level is of significant value. Expertise in one of the following core academic areas is desired by not required: reading and writing, math, social studies, or science. Key for this role is being a strong Administrator who can support Teams and be a reflective partner in the work of the school.

The Interim Principal will work collaboratively with the Head of School, Chief Operating Officer, Assistant Principals, Directors of Student Support Services and Director of EL Services to provide consistent and effective school leadership for this elementary school program.

The following is a general list of responsibilities of the position; additional duties may be assigned.

Teaching and Learning

• Oversees and supports the effective, consistent teaching practices in all classrooms.
• Supports individual teachers in improving instructional practice and reaching professional goals.
• Leads the execution of the school’s Academic Plan.
• Oversees on-going development of curriculum and instruction with the support of the Assistant Principals, Director of Student Support Services, Director of EL Services and Instructional Coaches.
• Plans and facilitates Senior Instructional Leadership Team (SALT) and Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) meetings.
• Supervises Adminstrators and other assigned staff.
• Works with program staff to diagnose and monitor student learning, instruction, and the curriculum with data.
• Communicates with parents about the curriculum/instructional program at Bridges PCS.
• Supports the development and implementation of the school’s art, health / fitness and gardening program.

School Culture

• Communicates the school’s vision and builds teams to support its mission, vision, and values.
• Supports the implementation and development of the school’s social curriculum.
• Is accessible to students and parents.
• Engages families and the larger community in the life of the school.
• Is part of the school’s team to recruit students each year.

Staff Oversight and Development

• Facilitates / Leads the Senior Instructional Leadership Team (SALT) & Instructional Leadership Team (ILT).
• Supports the development of an annual strategic staffing plan to support the school's instructional needs.
• Is part of the school’s team to recruit, select and evaluate high-quality staff.
• Supports the planning of professional development aligned with the school's goals.
• Supports the planning of summer training for staff with SALT and ILT.
• Meets with teachers about individual professional development goals.
• Seeks professional development opportunities for individuals and the entire staff to support goals in coordination with the SALT and ILT.
• Prepares weekly staff notes to provide on-going communication with teachers and campus staff.

Systems and Operations

• Works with the Operations staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the campus.
• Develops a school calendar with the Head of School and Assistant Principals.
• Supports the development of the instructional schedule for all grade levels and subject areas with SALT.
• Attends Board meetings and Board’s School Performance Committee Meetings, as needed.
• Works with the Head of School and Chief Operating Officer to draft a budget.

Personal Leadership

• Utilizes behaviors of effective leadership: facilitative, adaptive, culturally-competent and solution oriented.
• Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to ongoing learning.
• Uses effective interpersonal skills to build trust.
• Takes personal responsibility for all students’ achievement and success.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Embraces serving students with Special Education needs and English language learners.
• Demonstrated track record of improving outcomes for students
• Demonstrated ability to coach, lead, and collaborate with adults from a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to build and keep strong relationships with a diverse community of students, families and staff.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically, translate thoughts to action, and follow-through with all details.
• Have a minimum of two years of school leadership experience as a Principal, as well as at least five years of classroom teaching experience.
• Content expertise in a core subject area (Math, Reading & Writing, Science or Social Studies) a plus.
• Master’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in K-12 school administration, curriculum & instruction, education or a related field.

Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401-(k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan.

Strong written and verbal skills in English required.