The Washington Central Unified Union School District (WCUUSD) exists to nurture and inspire in all students the passion, creativity, and power to contribute to their local and global communities. We are seeking an innovative, collaborative, and equity-focused leader for U-32. We are currently a 7-12 school serving approximately 650 students from the rural communities of Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, and Worcester along with tuitioning students from surrounding choice districts.
The Opportunity: Leading Through Transformation U-32 is currently at a pivotal crossroads. As part of the District’s strategic plan and due to declining enrollment, the school is transitioning from its historical structures as a 900+ student institution to a more sustainable model that may establish a developmentally appropriate 6-8 Middle School and 9-12 High School structure.
The ideal candidate will be a transparent communicator who can bridge our school’s history with its future. We need a leader who understands that systemic change requires more than a plan—it requires empathy, understanding and a collaborative approach. By acknowledging the difficulties of recent years, you will lead our dedicated staff toward a school model that prioritizes both student excellence and staff well-being.
Key Responsibilities and Strategic Goals The next Principal of U-32 must be prepared to actualize our strategic vision by ensuring that programming drives our structural decisions. Key priorities include:
Instructional Excellence: Lead the implementation of evidence-based and inclusive instructional strategies and curriculum to ensure that all students—including those who have been historically marginalized—attain rigorous standards.
Student Engagement: Shift the educational experience toward more relevant and rigorous work, fostering student agency and providing multiple pathways for students to demonstrate proficiency.
Collaborative Leadership: Foster a culture of distributed leadership where students, families, and staff are active partners in school decision-making.
Transition Management: Oversee the phased implementation of the configuration plan, including the possible transition of Grade 6 students to the U-32 campus in the 2027-2028 school year.
Community Schools Integration: Utilize the Community Schools Framework to coordinate integrated student supports, including mental health and wellness services, ensuring U-32 remains the heart of its five-town community.
Candidate Profile - We seek a leader who: - Demonstrates strong instructional leadership and a deep commitment to the success of each and every student. - Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to navigate complex community dynamics and restore organizational health. - Has a strong understanding of middle and secondary education, specifically the unique developmental needs of early adolescents. - Is committed to transparent and responsible leadership, making decisions based on data and authentic stakeholder input.
WCUUSD offers a competitive salary and benefits.
Please consult our website https://www.wcuusd.org or email Search Lead Jen Miller-Arsenault at jmillerarsenault@u32.org for additional information. Applications accepted until filled, but preference will be given to applications that are submitted by 01/31/2026.
About Washington Central Unified Union School District
Washington Central Unified Union School District is a public school district serving students in preschool through grade 12 in the Central Vermont towns of Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex and Worcester with 6 schools, both elementary and middle and high school levels.
Washington Central is dedicated to providing quality education to its students and is guided by three areas of focus: Academic Achievement, Safe & Healthy Schools and Humanity and Justice. Washington Central offers a variety of benefits such as competitive salaries and benefits, career growth opportunities and access to a supportive work environment.
Our mission statement: WCUUSD exists to nurture and inspire in all students the passion, creativity and power to contribute to their local and global communities.
