Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a School Principal at Choptank Elementary School for the 2026–2027 school year. Choptank Elementary is a high-needs, Title I school that is demonstrating meaningful and measurable progress in student achievement, attendance, and school climate. The school is at a critical point in its trajectory as it is moving from improvement to sustained success and requires a leader who is prepared to build on this momentum and accelerate results for all students.

 

Under the supervision of the Superintendent, the Principal serves as the instructional leader, culture builder, and systems manager, responsible for ensuring high-quality teaching and learning while meeting the comprehensive needs of students and families. Dorchester County Public Schools is actively implementing its strategic plan, Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together, aligned to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. This position presents a unique opportunity for a leader who is ready to make a lasting impact and establish themselves as a transformational, turnaround principal.

 

The Principal of Choptank Elementary School will:

• Lead a high-performing instructional program that continues to accelerate academic growth.
• Create and sustain a structured, supportive, and student-centered school culture.
• Ensure systems are in place to support students experiencing poverty, trauma, and significant barriers to learning.
• Oversee and implement all aspects of the school’s Title I program, ensuring full compliance with federal requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with families and the community.
• Align all school efforts to the district’s instructional framework and strategic plan priorities.

This is not a maintenance role. This is an opportunity for a leader who:

• Wants to prove they can lead a high-needs school to sustained success.
• Is motivated by results, not excuses.
• Understands that relationships, structure, and high expectations must exist together.
• Is ready to lead in a school where the work is challenging—but the impact is significant and visible.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Instructional Leadership

• Establish and communicate clear, focused instructional priorities.
• Ensure strong Tier 1 instruction in every classroom.
• Use data to monitor progress in academics, attendance, and behavior.
• Lead and monitor the School Improvement Plan.

Student Support & School Culture

• Implement systems that support students experiencing poverty, trauma, and adverse experiences.
• Maintain high expectations for student behavior and engagement.
• Ensure a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Oversee MTSS processes to ensure timely and effective interventions.

Title I Program Leadership & Compliance

• Oversee all aspects of the Title I program, including:
• Development and implementation of the Schoolwide Plan.
• Family engagement requirements and programming.
• Appropriate use and monitoring of Title I funds.
• Maintenance of required documentation and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Ensure all Title I practices align with district priorities and demonstrate impact on student outcomes.

Coaching & Staff Development

• Support and develop teachers and instructional staff through ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Ensure professional learning is aligned to district expectations and student needs.
• Build teacher capacity to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with the school community.
• Create meaningful opportunities for family involvement and partnership.

Operations & Management

• Supervise and evaluate all staff.
• Lead hiring and staffing decisions.
• Manage the school budget and resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all Board policies and regulations.
• Maintain the school facility and ensure safe operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Eligible for and hold Maryland Administrator II Certification prior to appointment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful school-based administrative experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated success in:
  • Improving student outcomes in a high-needs school setting.
  • Leading school improvement efforts and using data to drive decisions.
  • Supporting students impacted by poverty and trauma.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Title I requirements and federal compliance expectations
  • Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL)
  • Blueprint for Maryland’s Future
  • DCPS Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together Strategic Plan
• Proven ability to:
  • Build strong teams and develop staff capacity.
  • Maintain high expectations while building positive relationships.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Lead with resilience, urgency, and a focus on results.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work with multiple agencies.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with precedents, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to apply Board policy to daily work decisions, exercise good judgment,
  courtesy, and tact in dealing with all stakeholders on the telephone, writing, and in person. 
• Must be able to work independently on routine, complex and confidential tasks.
• Must maintain good attendance record and be willing to work outside of general
  working hours occasionally.

Please Note:

• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal candidates will be considered alongside external applicants, and only those whose qualifications most closely match the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.

SALARY:                    This is a twelve (12) month, benefited position. This position is on the A-S IV Supervisor Lane of the Dorchester County Administrators’ and Supervisors’ Association Salary Scale. The current base salary range for this position is $101,006.00 - $128,154.00.