Principal (260 Day Contract) - Vacancy ID: 258624

Position:                          Principal (260 Day Contract)

Posting Date:                  April 9, 2026

Closing Date:                  April 26, 2026

Start Date:                       July 1, 2026 

Location:                         McFarland Primary School, McFarland, WI

Compensation:               Competitive as negotiated

Required Certification:  Valid WI Principal License (5051)

Hiring Timeline: Ideally, 4 weeks after the closing date

Meeting the Needs of Every Learner, Every Day

McFarland School District is seeking highly dynamic candidates to fill an opening for a Principal position at the McFarland Primary School serving grades Early Childhood through second grade beginning in the 2026-27 school year.  We aspire to hire individuals who can help us work toward our mission of meeting the needs of every learner, every day and our vision of being an equitable and inclusive community committed to student belonging, achievement, and growth.

What Your Day Will Look Like:

Each day includes maintaining a strong, visible presence throughout the school, building relationships with students, staff, and families, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. You will lead instructional practices by collaborating with staff, using data to guide decisions, and supporting continuous improvement aligned with district priorities. The role also includes facilitating meetings, supporting professional learning, and engaging with the broader school community through events and partnerships.

Our Ideal Candidate: 

• Builds Strong Relationships and Community
  Develops trusting, supportive relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community. Is visible, approachable, and fosters a sense of belonging where all feel valued and connected.
• Communicates Effectively and Collaborates with Purpose
  Demonstrates strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Engages stakeholders with transparency, listens actively, and builds meaningful partnerships while honoring staff voice and family engagement.
• Leads with Confidence, Integrity, and a Student-Centered Focus
  Makes thoughtful, timely decisions grounded in what is best for students. Balances empathy with accountability, holds high expectations for all, and leads with fairness, consistency, and care.
• Creates and Sustains a Positive, Safe, and Inclusive School Culture
  Promotes a welcoming, engaging, and student-centered environment with clear expectations for behavior and achievement. Effectively addresses student behavior through proactive, restorative practices.
• Demonstrates Strong Instructional Leadership in Early Learning
  Ensures high-quality curriculum implementation aligned to standards and best practices. Uses data and assessment to drive instructional decision-making and improve student outcomes, with an understanding of early childhood development and the whole child.
• Advances Equity and Meets the Needs of All Learners
  Demonstrates a strong commitment to culturally responsive practices and equity. Possesses knowledge of special education systems, programming, and services to support diverse learners.
• Develops and Supports High-Quality Staff
  Recruits, develops, and retains strong educators while fostering a positive, collaborative culture. Implements evaluation processes with integrity and provides meaningful, growth-oriented feedback. Leads professional development and continuous staff growth.
• Leads Strategic Improvement and Manages School Systems Effectively
  Leads school improvement efforts aligned to the district’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Manages school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and compliance, while using data and continuous improvement practices to strengthen outcomes.
• Brings Relevant Experience and Expertise
  Has experience as a Principal and/or Associate Principal. Has elementary teaching experience and a strong understanding of the developmental and instructional needs of young learners.

Why People Stay:

Through one-on-one interviews, McFarland staff say making deep connections with colleagues (including administrators) and students help them feel supported in McFarland. Staff who have worked in other districts noted that in McFarland class sizes are lower, special education caseloads are smaller, team budgets are larger, and they are glad to work in a community that supports schools, has a positive climate and a school board who respects teachers.  We have a full-time librarian, social worker, school psychologist, and at least one school counselor in each building. 

The District:

The McFarland School District stands out as one of the top academic districts in Dane County and Wisconsin, offering a strong educational foundation that families and educators are proud of. With an average enrollment of 2,100 to 2,400 students, McFarland is large enough to provide a comprehensive EC-12 academic and co-curricular program, yet small enough to focus on each student's unique needs. Known statewide for its welcoming atmosphere and student-centered approach, McFarland consistently attracts top-quality staff who enhance our vibrant, thriving community.

The Schools:

For more information, visit our school websites:

• McFarland Primary School (K-2) click here. 
• Waubesa Intermediate School (3-5) click here. 
• Indian Mound Middle School (6-8) click here.
• McFarland High School (9-12) click here.

APPLICATION:                                     

*ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE VIA WECAN @ (http://wecan.education.wisc.edu/). 

Please submit all materials through WECAN (i.e., letter of application, resume, letters of reference, and transcripts).                                                

HIRING AUTHORITY:

Aaron Tarnutzer, District Administrator, 5101 Farwell Street, McFarland, WI 53558 608-838-4550, TarnutA@mcfsd.org

TITLE IX – COMPLIANCE

McFarland School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation (including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity), English language proficiency, age, military status, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability in its education programs or in employment. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to: SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MCFARLAND 5101 Farwell Street McFarland, WI 53558 or to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Dept. of Health, Education & Welfare, Washington DC.