2025-26/2026-27 Principal (Elementary School) Placentia Yorba Linda, CA chez MAGNOLIA EDUCATIONAL & RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Description

Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) is a network of 11 tuition-free charter schools established in 1997. With campuses throughout Southern California that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) we serve over 3,500 students and house over 450 educators. Together with MPS families and our communities, our mission is to ensure students are well-rounded and college-ready from day one.

WHY WORK FOR MAGNOLIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

​​We provide a culture of accountability, challenge, and opportunity that encourages our teachers, faculty, and staff to develop and reach their full potential. We invite you to build and advance your career with Magnolia Public Schools and help contribute to the future success of our mission and vision.

ONE OF OUR LONG-TERM COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES IS THE CALIBER OF OUR PEOPLE:

​​Magnolia Public Schools bring together smart, talented people from a diversity of backgrounds, where they can bring their “whole self” to work as well as their PASSION for teaching and learning.

HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER:

• Premium free Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits (Employee + Dependents)
• Competitive Salaries
• Signing Bonus (If Applicable)
• Organizational sponsored benefits programs
• Generous paid time off banks, including two floating holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Programs for Teachers, Administrators and support personnel
• Robust career development and talent management process
• Leadership and admin development programs
• Small Class Sizes
• Professional Development and Coaching Support
• Induction Support (B.T.S.A)

MSA-OC PYL Principal Job Overview

Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) seeks an innovative and mission-driven Principal to lead Magnolia Science Academy–Orange County (MSA–OC PYL) through its next phase of growth and excellence, the school currently serves grade TK, 1st, and 2nd.

After successfully opening in August 2025, MSA–OC PYL now begins an exciting expansion period to serve additional grade levels and deepen its academic, cultural, and community impact. The Principal will serve as the instructional and operational leader, ensuring that all students receive a rigorous, high-quality STEAM education in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

This role requires a strategic, hands-on leader who can build upon the strong foundation established during the school’s launch, strengthen academic and organizational systems, and guide the school toward its long-term TK–12 vision.

Cover Letter Guidance

We are seeking a transformational leader to guide MSA-OC PYL  as we go into our second year of operation. In your one-page cover letter, please speak to the heart of your leadership journey by addressing the following:

• Your Why: What drives you to lead a new school community from the ground up?
• Your Impact: Share one powerful example of how your leadership has transformed a school or team—especially in instruction, equity, or culture.

Feel free to briefly share your vision for building on MPS’s recent charter petition approval and deepening its long-term impact.

Leadership Responsibilities

Academic Excellence & Student Performance

• Uphold and advance rigorous standards for student achievement consistent with MPS’s mission and California accountability goals.
• Ensure instructional programs meet or exceed performance benchmarks and charter outcomes.
• Lead data-driven instructional practices and foster a culture of continuous academic growth.
• Use performance data to guide instructional planning, interventions, and enrichment opportunities.

School Growth & Strategic Expansion

• Oversee the planned addition of grade levels and programs as the school expands toward full TK–12 implementation.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for enrollment growth, staffing, and program development in collaboration with MPS Home Office departments.
• Ensure facilities, staffing, and curriculum expansion align with MPS quality standards and fiscal sustainability.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with the Placentia–Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) and local community organizations.

Organizational Leadership

• Set school-wide goals and priorities aligned with Magnolia’s mission and vision.
• Build a strong, collaborative culture among staff, students, and families centered on excellence and equity.
• Lead school improvement initiatives and ensure alignment with MPS instructional frameworks, including MTSS, PBIS, and UDL.
• Maintain compliance with all state, local, and federal regulations, including authorizer reporting and charter renewal milestones.

Instructional Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate teachers to ensure high-quality instruction and professional growth.
• Provide ongoing support through coaching, modeling, and professional development aligned with MPS priorities.
• Facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs) to strengthen collaboration and instructional consistency.
• Monitor student progress and ensure instructional interventions are implemented effectively.

Operational Leadership

• Manage school operations, budgets, and resources efficiently and transparently.
• Partner with MPS Operations, Finance, and Facilities teams to ensure smooth daily operations and long-term planning.
• Oversee safety, attendance, and discipline systems that support positive school culture and student well-being.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and accessibility standards within the PYLUSD facility.

Personnel & Team Development

• Recruit, onboard, and retain a high-performing, mission-aligned staff.
• Foster a professional learning culture rooted in collaboration, reflection, and shared accountability.
• Conduct staff evaluations and implement professional development plans that promote growth and instructional excellence.
• Uphold MPS-approved personnel policies and legal employment practices.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as the primary ambassador for MSA–OC PYL within the Placentia–Yorba Linda community.
• Cultivate partnerships with local organizations, higher education institutions, and civic leaders to support school growth.
• Promote family and community involvement in school activities, decision-making, and student success.
• Represent MPS and MSA–OC PYL with professionalism and integrity at all public meetings and authorizer interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEAM-related field required; Master’s degree in Education preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience (STEAM or charter setting preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of school leadership or administrative experience.
• Clear California Administrative Services Credential (required or in progress).
• Clear California Teaching Credential (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience managing or expanding a growing school or program.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex operations, and drive academic improvement.
• Strong understanding of California charter school accountability and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep commitment to Magnolia’s mission of STEAM-focused, college-preparatory education and whole-child development.

Position Details & Work Environment

• Reports to: Principal Manager and/or Chief Schools Officer
• Location: Placentia–Yorba Linda, California
• Schedule: Full-time, exempt, 12-month position
• Environment: Requires ability to lead and supervise across a school campus for extended periods
• Physical Demands: Able to lift up to 50 lbs., escort students, and respond to physical/emotional student needs
• Support: Reasonable accommodations available to support individuals with disabilities

Qualifications