Superintendent of Schools (Anticipated Start July 1, 2026)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reading Public Schools seeks an experienced educational leader to serve as Superintendent of Schools, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. Reporting to the School Committee, the Superintendent provides executive leadership for all aspects of district operations, instructional programming, and community engagement.

Guided by district policies, mission, vision and strategic plan, the Superintendent works collaboratively with staff, families, and municipal partners to support student success, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement across the district.

DISTRICT CONTEXT

Reading Public Schools is operating from a position of strength. The district benefits from a well-established strategic plan, experienced and tenured leadership, and stable governance. Clear, well-socialized priorities, a highly engaged School Committee, and collaborative relationships with employee groups and municipal partners have created strong internal capacity and a solid foundation for continued growth and improvement. Together, these conditions make this an exceptional opportunity for the right candidate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Superintendent is responsible for providing strategic, instructional, and operational leadership to advance district priorities and ensure high-quality educational opportunities for all students. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing instructional and organizational leadership aligned with district goals and improvement initiatives
• Leading the recruitment, retention, development, evaluation, and support of district staff and administrators
• Overseeing fiscal planning, budget development, and responsible financial management
• Serving as the district’s primary liaison to families, community members, and external partners
• Building and sustaining strong partnerships with municipal leadership and the School Committee
• Ensuring effective operational, administrative, and compliance systems
• Supporting continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability across all schools and departments

QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed or eligible for licensure as Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts
• Master’s Degree in relevant field required; Ed.D., Ph.D., or similar doctorate preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in education, including classroom teaching and progressively responsible administrative leadership

SELECTION CRITERIA

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualities and competencies:

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring high outcomes for all students
• Outstanding collaboration and communication skills with diverse voices across the community
• Ability to establish trust and credibility with staff, families, municipal partners, and the School Committee members
• Leadership grounded in humility, service, and a commitment to maintaining and strengthening Reading as a high-performing public school district
• Strong people management and leadership development skills
• Ability to balance innovation and improvement with effective implementation of existing initiatives
• Understanding of Massachusetts school district and municipal finance
• Familiarity with operational and administrative functions, including school building projects
• Knowledge of relevant Mass General Laws and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) policies and procedures

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Superintendent reports directly to the Reading School Committee.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $200,000-$250,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position includes Town of Reading benefits and is subject to contract negotiation.

START DATE

July 1, 2026 (target)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Cover letter or personal statement describing career accomplishments and interest in the position
• Two to three letters of reference
• Evidence of current Massachusetts Superintendent licensure or eligibility
• Completed application through the SchoolSpring website

All materials must be submitted via SchoolSpring by 3 PM EST on March 1, 2026. No paper submissions will be accepted.

INQUIRIES

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (781) 944-5800 (Olivia Lejeune)