Build a School. Build a Community.

Cleveland principals have a unique opportunity to reimagine urban education. They are making their mark by developing innovative learning communities and exercising greater control over their budgets and staffs. If you join their ranks, you will be part of a community of leaders in over 100 schools who are dramatically improving student outcomes. You will help inaugurate a new future for our young people, their families and our city.

True Leadership

In too many school districts, principals are held accountable for student learning but lack the authority to make any real change in their buildings. CMSD once operated this way, too. But under The Cleveland Plan, principals now have autonomy to use their school budgets as they see fit. They can hire the teachers they believe will serve their students best. They have the support of a robust teacher development and evaluation system to grow their talent and exit their lowest performers. They have access to networks of their peers to support their own growth as leaders. In short, when you become a principal in Cleveland, you become more than an administrator. You become a true leader.

New Schools for a New City

CMSD’s portfolio school model is reshaping our city’s educational landscape. We are opening eight new schools by 2016. We need driven, entrepreneurial leaders who can transform instruction for students and spark our community’s imagination. We’re looking for principals who will launch the next MC²STEM school on a Fortune 500 company’s campus, the next Girls’ or Boys’ Leadership Academy, the next School for the Digital Arts, or the next Early College High School with the highest ranking in the region on our state graduation test.

Valuing Educators like Professionals

As a Cleveland educator, you are community builder. Your work lays the foundation for the future of our city and our country. CMSD pledges to value you like the professional you are.

We offer minimum principal salaries of $89,600 for K-8 schools and $91,600 for high schools, as well as a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and disability coverage, life insurance, flexible spending account options and paid vacation time. Our total rewards package affords Cleveland principals the ability to own homes, raise families, and enjoy all the perks of living in a booming city that has maintained a low cost of living.

Principal Compensation

Depending on whether you are a K-8 or High School Principal, your starting salary level⁽¹⁾ is as follows:

K-8 starting salary is $101,380;
High School starting salary is $103,642.

⁽¹⁾- Additional consideration may be given for previous relevant experience and/or competencies.

Assistant Principal Compensation

Depending on whether you are a K-8 or High School Assistant Principal, your starting base salary level⁽²⁾ is as follows:

K-8 starting salary is $83,979;
High School starting salary is $85,110.

⁽²⁾- Additional consideration may be given for previous relevant experience and/or competencies.