Board Initiative · 2026
Our Search for the Next Principal
Choosing our school's next leader is one of the most important responsibilities our Board carries. This page keeps families informed every step of the way: the process, the timeline, who's involved, and how to take part.
Where things stand
The search at a glance
Current Status
The position is posted. The job description, shaped by staff and community input, is published, and applications are open through October 11, 2026. Read the job description.
Our Goal
To place an interim principal for the coming school year and welcome our permanent, mission-aligned Montessori leader in January 2027.
Target Decision
December 2026. The Board expects to make its hiring decision in December for a January 2027 start.
Our approach
How the search works
We are committed to a thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive process. Our aim is to find a leader who embodies the Montessori philosophy and will support our students, staff, and families for years to come.
1. Listen
Hold staff conversations and listening sessions to hear what strengths and qualities matter most in our next leader.
2. Recruit
Create the job description and post the position to attract a strong pool of qualified, Montessori-experienced candidates.
3. Review
The search committee reviews every application against a shared rubric.
4. Interview
Initial video interviews narrow the field, and finalists interview in depth with the committee and the Board.
5. Select
The Board makes the final decision, informed by the committee's recommendation and the input gathered along the way.
6. Welcome
We introduce our new principal and support a smooth transition for students and staff.
What happens when
Search timeline
Our anticipated schedule. Dates may shift, and we'll update this page as the search progresses.
-
Completed · Summer 2026
Search committee applications received
Parents, guardians, and staff applied to serve on the search committee. The application window has closed.
-
Completed · Summer 2026
Interim principal applications received
Candidates applied to lead the school while the search for our permanent principal continues. The application window has closed.
-
Completed · Summer 2026
Search committee formed
The Board has appointed the seven-member committee that will carry out the search. See the members below.
-
Completed · Summer 2026
Interim principal selected
The Board has selected Erin Wollard to serve as interim principal while the search for our permanent leader continues.
-
Completed · Late Summer 2026
Staff conversations & listening sessions
The committee met with staff to hear what strengths and qualities matter most in our next leader.
-
Completed · September 2026
Job description created & posted
Shaped by what we heard from staff and community, the job description is finished and the position is posted. Read the job description.
-
In progress · Applications close October 11, 2026
Applications accepted
The position is open. Candidates submit a resume and a letter of introduction through the online application or to search@mpaboard.org.
-
Fall 2026
Applications reviewed
The search committee reviews every application against a shared rubric and chooses candidates to interview.
-
Late Fall 2026
Initial & video interviews
First-round interviews narrow the pool to a small group of finalists.
-
Early Winter 2026-27
Finalist interviews
Finalists interview in depth with the search committee and the Board.
-
Winter 2026-27
Leader selected
The Board makes the final decision and announces our next principal to the community.
Who's leading the search
The search committee
The committee has seven members: two Board members, two staff members, and three parents from the school community.
Take part
How to stay involved
This is our community's search. The Board has set up specific ways to take part at each stage.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How do candidates apply?
The full job description is posted on this site, including salary, qualifications, and instructions. Candidates submit a resume and a letter of introduction through the online application, or to search@mpaboard.org, by October 11, 2026.
Who makes the final decision?
The Board of Directors makes the final hiring decision, informed by the search committee's recommendation and the input gathered during the process.
How can families give input?
The Board is still finalizing how family input will be gathered during this search and will post updates on this page. In the meantime, Board meetings are open to the public, and the Board takes public comment at each regular meeting.
Will we get to meet the candidates?
That part of the process has not been finalized. If community sessions with finalists are scheduled, we will announce them on this page and at Board meetings.
Questions about the search?
Start with the FAQ above, and watch this page for updates as the search progresses. The Board also takes public comment at each regular meeting.