John D. Runkle School Principal

The Public Schools of Brookline

Principal of the Runkle School

District Profile

The Public Schools of Brookline serves 7000 students and provides an extraordinary education for every child. Eight K-8 schools feed into one comprehensive high school. Brooklines Pre-K-8 system provides distinct advantages for children. Each childs unique path to achievement is supported in academically exciting and programmatically rich environments. A dynamic diverse community of teaching professionals works collaboratively innovating and inspiring each other and their students. Staff gets to know students intellectually developmentally and culturally.

School Profile

The John D. Runkle School is a vibrant academic and social community of students parents guardians and staff. Located in the Fisher Hill neighborhood between Boylston and Beacon Streets Runkle School has a PK-8 population of 476 students and is home to one of Brooklines K-8 RISE programs for students on the Autism spectrum. Runkle is proud of its rigorous academic program support for the arts and a belief in teaching the whole child. The school community values each individual member of our Runkle family and takes pride in the richness of our diversity.

We believe that children are most likely to succeed when a trusting partnership exists between home and school. Several Runkle groups are committed to continual school improvement and enhancement including the PTO School Council and the Student Council. The Runkle School is committed to developing a positive and joyful school culture and uses best teaching practices to help students develop as people meet high academic standards and develop Runkles Values: Respect Unity Nurturing Ideas Kindness Learning from our Mistakes and Effort.

For more information about The Public Schools of Brookline please visit our website at

Job Description

The Public Schools of Brookline seek an outstanding administrator to serve as Principal of the K-8 Runkle School responsible for Educational Leadership School Management Professional Development Equity and Relationships with Community.

Educational Leadership

• Leads with integrity courage vision hope and compassion
• Serves as the school site leader the primary liaison between the school and the district office
• Makes decisions based on sound educational principles
• Communicates the school and district vision goals needs and accomplishments to students school personnel families and the community
• Establishes and maintains a healthy school climate focusing on the learning of students and staff
• Promotes ongoing positive communication with parents and community agencies effectively involving them in the education of children
• Provides direction to staff in developing and maintaining a rigorous and relevant course of study meeting the needs of students
• Implements and monitors school curriculum to ensure that content scope and sequence are appropriate to student learning at different grade levels and reflect the principles of the states Curriculum Frameworks
• Leads pedagogy and curriculum within established parameters designed to meet student needs; to influence continuous improvement for all students.
• Fosters creative and innovative learning environment in which all students are inspired to excel.
• Establishes standards and expectations for proper student conduct; supports the appropriate methods to encourage discipline and commitment to adhere to established guides; maintains high expectations and motivation for all students to engage in continuous learning and development.
• Implements and supervises the evaluation of instructional programs; interprets data to improve learning and teaching.
• Integrates theory principles practices and recent research for effective teaching learning and curriculum development.
• Works closely with the Director of Special Education and Deputy Superintendent of Student Services to ensure that the special education needs of children are met effectively and efficiently
• Oversees the implementation of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System within the school as appropriate
• Supervises and evaluates staff using performance standards; works to ensure excellence in instruction and ongoing improvement
• Implements comprehensive student support services and activities geared to the needs and interests of all students

Equity

• Serves as an advocate for equal access to education and equal opportunities in education for all children
• Applies and adapts school or state guidelines to meet needs of a diverse student population in compliance with federal and state law state regulations and school committee policy as applicable
• Promotes respect for all members of the school community. Fosters a school climate that addresses the individual needs of students in a diverse society
• Recognizes and addresses bias in teaching materials assessment instruments school practices and school organization. Works to eliminate bias
• Works closely with the Deputy Superintendent of Student Services and the Director of Special Education in ensuring that appropriate instruction and services are provided for students with special needs

School Management

• Manages the school effectively
• Collaborates well with staff in decision-making team building and developing productive strategies which foster improving learning and teaching
• Develops and administers the school budget. Serves as the liaison between the central office and the school regarding financial decisions and concerns; works closely with the Deputy Superintendent Office of Administration and Finance; communicates prudent fiscal practices to staff
• Maintains respectful honest open and effective communication with school staff the district office parents and community members; apprises the Superintendent of significant events occurring in the school
• Oversees the management of the school facilities and services working closely with the Director of Operations to ensure productive practices
• Oversees data collection at the site level; ensures accuracy of school reporting to the central office and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• Understands effective methods and approaches to organizational change and uses these in creating and maintaining a healthy school climate which promotes dialogue and the exchange of ideas leading to increased student learning
• Foresees potential difficult negative and/or volatile situations and takes productive steps to prevent them from happening
• Promotes the use of conflict resolution mediation and negotiation strategies to resolve conflict; foresees problems and works to avoid them

Professional Development

• Coordinates effective professional development programs with staff members focusing on the vision and goals of the school and consistent with district staff development goals and objectives
• Works closely with the Deputy Superintendent Office of Teaching & Learning in ensuring that school goals and professional development practices dovetail with and reinforce district goals
• Models ongoing professional development through personal scholarship reflective practices and serving as a teacher of teachers
• Applies knowledge of adult learning to effective staff development programs and in-service education
• Provides resources and opportunities to enhance staff performance
• Administers services and programs which acknowledge the diverse needs of both seasoned educators and new teachers
• Develops a personal plan for professional development based upon self-reflection and external evaluation

Relationships with the Community

• Promotes partnerships among staff parents business and the community
• Assesses the needs of parents and community members and involves them in decision-making as appropriate
• All other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Masters or higher in education administration supervision curriculum or other related areas.
• Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Principal/Assistant Principal Grades PreK8 or Elementary School Principal/Assistant Principal with SEI Endorsement is required
• a minimum of 3 years elementary or Middle school teaching experience
• a minimum of 3 years experience as an elementary or Middle school principal assistant principal or similar leadership experience; experience as a principal is preferred
• Thorough knowledge of public education laws in Massachusetts (special education 504 discipline evaluationetc.)
• Knowledge of administration/supervision K8 curriculum instruction and pedagogy assessment and professional development
• Excellent communication and resource management skills

Job Requirements: Citizenship residency OR WORK VISA IN United States required

Salary: Highly competitive compensation package

Application packets must include:

• Copy of Massachusetts DESE license or license number
• Current professional resume
• Reference letters
• Cover Letter (preferred)

Note Revised Date: The posting will close on Sunday 3/15 2026.

Timeline:

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.

The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.