Interim Principal
Garden Academy | West Orange, New Jersey
Planned Leadership Transition Role
Garden Academy is a New Jersey Department of Education–approved private school for students with disabilities, specializing in autism education grounded in applied behavior analysis (ABA). We partner closely with families to provide highly individualized, data-informed educational programming that supports meaningful student outcomes and long-term independence.
Garden Academy is entering a period of planned leadership transition and succession, and we are seeking an experienced Interim Principal to provide educational leadership, staff support, and operational continuity while mentoring and supporting the development of an internal leadership candidate.
Position Overview
The Interim Principal serves as a senior educational leader during a defined transition period, working closely with the Executive Director, Clinical Director, Accounting and Payroll Specialist, and Office Manager to ensure strong instructional leadership, staffing stability, and smooth day-to-day school functioning.
This role is intentionally narrower in scope than a permanent principalship and is well suited for a retired or semi-retired principal or an experienced administrator seeking a time-limited leadership role with flexibility around duration.
The anticipated appointment is approximately two years, with flexibility based on organizational needs and the progression of an internal leadership candidate completing certification requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Educational Leadership
- Provide instructional and schoolwide leadership to ensure high-quality educational programming and alignment with NJDOE requirements.
- Support oversight of IEP implementation, student progress monitoring, and instructional systems in collaboration with clinical leadership.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment for students and staff.
Staffing and Talent Acquisition
- Partner with the Clinical Director and Executive Director on recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of school-based instructional staff.
- Support staff supervision, coaching, and professional growth, with an emphasis on retention and continuity.
- Serve as a mentor and leadership resource for an internal principal candidate during the transition period.
Operations and Systems Support
- Oversee timekeeping and payroll review processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
- Collaborate with the Office Manager, who oversees building operations and facilities.
- Support consistent implementation of schoolwide procedures, coverage plans, and daily operational systems.
Collaboration and Leadership Team Support
- Work closely with the Executive Director, who retains responsibility for:
- Budget and fiscal oversight
- HR compliance and employment law matters
- Final personnel decisions and organizational risk management
- Collaborate with the Clinical Director to ensure instructional and clinical systems are well integrated.
Scope Clarification
This Interim Principal role does not include:
- Budget development or fiscal oversight
- Primary responsibility for HR compliance or employment law matters
- Long-term strategic planning responsibilities beyond the interim period
The role is designed to focus on educational leadership, staffing support, operational continuity, and mentorship.
Required Qualifications
- Valid New Jersey Principal Certification (Standard)
- Significant experience as a school principal or senior educational administrator
- Strong knowledge of NJDOE requirements and school operations
- Demonstrated ability to lead during periods of transition
- Collaborative leadership style and comfort working within a shared leadership model
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in special education or approved private schools.
- Experience mentoring emerging school leaders
- Familiarity with ABA-based or data-driven educational environments
- Flexibility and interest in a time-limited or phased leadership role
Appointment Details
- Term: Approximately 2 years (with flexibility)
- Schedule: Full-time, in-person
- Start Date: March 2026 (or as mutually agreed)
- Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience; benefits available
Benefits and Work Schedule
- 210-day school calendar
- Low-cost, high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and identity theft protection
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching after the first year of service
- 10 days of paid time off
- Benefit opt-out stipends available for employees who decline health or dental/vision coverage
Candidates interested in this Interim Principal role are invited to contact Dr. Laura Grow, Executive Director, at laura.grow@gardenacademy.org with the subject line “Interim Principal Role Interest" and attach a current resume.