Darlington County School District
Excellence in Teaching & Learning for Each Child, Every Day
Now Hiring: Principal
240-Day / 12-Month Administrative Position
Darlington County School District is seeking an exceptional, transformational leader to serve as Principal of one of our middle schools.
At the center of this role is a clear responsibility: preparing every student for success in high school and beyond.
Middle school is the bridge. It is where foundational skills are strengthened, expectations rise, and students begin to define their path. This role requires a leader who will set a high bar, align systems to that expectation, and ensure every classroom delivers results for students.
This is not about maintaining the status quo. This is about leading for excellence.
What This Leader Will Do
Lead for Student Success
* Ensure students build strong literacy and numeracy skills while increasing readiness for high school coursework
* Drive measurable gains in student achievement and growth across all grade levels
* Implement rigorous, standards-aligned instruction in every classroom
* Lead the effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) aligned to district priorities
* Build systems of support that respond early, consistently, and effectively
* Reduce chronic absenteeism and increase student engagement
Build and Support Strong Teams
* Recruit, develop, and retain high-quality educators
* Set clear expectations for instructional excellence in every classroom
* Provide direct, actionable feedback that strengthens teaching and learning
* Lead focused, data-driven professional learning aligned to student needs
* Build a culture of accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement
Strengthen Student Experience And Culture
* Establish a safe, structured, and student-centered learning environment
* Set and reinforce clear expectations for behavior, attendance, and academic effort
* Build systems that support adolescent learners, including engagement, motivation, and positive peer interactions
* Support athletics, arts, and extracurricular programs that strengthen connection to school
Partner with Families and Community
* Engage families as active partners in student success
* Communicate clearly and consistently about progress and expectations
* Build trust through strong relationships and responsiveness
* Strengthen partnerships that support student well-being and academic successStudent success in middle school requires strong alignment between school and home
Steward Resources with Integrity
* Align staffing, scheduling, and resources to academic priorities
* Maintain safe, structured, and well-managed school operations
* Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal expectations
Who We're Seeking
* Believes excellence is the standard and builds systems that deliver it
* Sees middle school as a critical bridge to high school succes--and leads accordingly
* Demonstrates a proven record of improving student achievement and growth
* Understands the importance of strong instruction, clear expectations, and consistent systems
* Leads with clarity, courage, and purpose
* Builds trust with students, staff, and families
* Translates vision into disciplined, measurable results
Qualifications
* South Carolina Secondary Principal Certification
* Master's degree required; advanced degree preferred
* Minimum five (5) years successful teaching and/or school leadership experience
* Successful experience as a high school principal preferred
* Demonstrated record of improving academic performance and school culture
Compensation
* Base salary begins at $96,315, commensurate with experience and credentials, according to the DCSD Administrative Salary Schedule
* Comprehensive benefits package including state retirement and health insurance
* Competitive administrative contract (240-day position)
* Darlington County School District values strong leadership and invests in those who deliver results for students.
Our middle schools require leadership that is focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence.
This is a transformational leadership opportunity.
If you are ready to lead with urgency and purpose—and ensure students are prepared for what comes next—we encourage you to apply.
Because what happens in middle school shapes everything that follows.
Click HERE to apply through the Darlington County School District Human Resources portal.
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