Founding Principal

Principal, Don Bosco Trade High School

A Founding Opportunity to Lead a Bold New Model of Catholic Career and Trade Education (CTE)

About Don Bosco Trade High School

Rooted in the Salesian charism of St. John Bosco and animated by a deep belief in the dignity of work, Don Bosco Trade High School (DBTHS) is poised to redefine the landscape of Catholic Career and Trade Education (CTE) in Massachusetts. Opening to students in Fall 2027, DBTHS will serve as a co-educational, faith-based high school that integrates rigorous academics, hands-on trade training, and opportunities for entrepreneurship—all designed to prepare the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and leaders.

Guided by the motto “Work, Faith, and Purpose,” the school bridges the gap between workforce needs, higher education, and accessible career opportunities. Students will learn in a modernized facility featuring labs, workshops, and collaborative spaces that foster both technical mastery and moral formation.

With early support from regional building and trade unions, Don Bosco Trade High School is building strong industry partnerships that will provide students with authentic, hands-on experiences, certifications, and pathways into sustainable, dignified careers. These partnerships will be instrumental in ensuring students are workforce-ready, college-capable, and rooted in faith.

ACELA Solutions is privileged to walk alongside this extraordinary community of educators, industry partners, and faith leaders. Few Catholic schools in the nation are founded expressly around a mission of Career and Trade Education (CTE), making Don Bosco Trade High School a pioneering model of Catholic innovation — one that blends technical formation, academic excellence, and Gospel-centered purpose.

Expanding Catholic Education for Every Learner

Don Bosco Trade High School complements—not competes with—existing Catholic schools in the region. While neighboring schools have long provided strong academic and college-preparatory programs, DBTHS extends the mission of Catholic education by serving students whose talents, interests, and callings align with applied learning and workforce preparation.

This model opens—not limits—pathways for students. Some will matriculate directly into four-year colleges and universities; others will continue advanced studies in specialized technical programs; and many will enter the workforce fully licensed, credentialed, and confident in their craft. Whatever path they choose, each student will be equipped with the knowledge, faith, and character to thrive.

This is not a redistribution of students or donors—it is a renewal of Catholic mission to serve every learner. The school’s commitment to affordability, inclusion, and faith formation ensures that every young person—regardless of background—has access to a Catholic education that meets them where they are and helps them become who God created them to be.

The Opportunity

The inaugural Principal of Don Bosco Trade High School will be the founding academic and community leader of a bold new Catholic Career and Trade Education model. Working in partnership with the President and Board of Directors, the Principal will oversee the design, implementation, and daily operation of the school’s academic, technical, and faith formation programs.

Catholic education is evolving to meet the needs of today’s students—those who learn best through doing, creating, and building, and who seek both professional success and a meaningful life of service. The Principal will lead a team of pioneering educators in building a school culture where rigorous academics, authentic craftsmanship, and deep faith intersect.

The Role

The Principal serves as the chief academic and operational leader of Don Bosco Trade High School. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead curriculum design, instruction, and assessment across academic and trade programs.
• Recruit, develop, and support the founding faculty and staff.
• Foster a mission-centered school culture built on faith, discipline, and joyful presence.
• Ensure the integration of Catholic identity and Salesian spirituality throughout all aspects of school life.
• Oversee student formation, discipline, and extracurricular life with a focus on holistic development.
• Collaborate with the President to align budgets, advancement, and external partnerships with academic goals.
• Maintain compliance with accreditation standards and state educational requirements.

The Principal will embody the heart of the school—a visible, approachable, and faith-filled leader who models integrity, purpose, and joy in service to students, families, and colleagues.

Core Responsibilities

The Principal of Don Bosco Trade High School is the chief academic and community leader, responsible for cultivating a vibrant culture of learning, faith, and professionalism. Core responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the design and implementation of a rigorous academic and trade curriculum that integrates Catholic teaching, academic excellence, and career preparation.
• Recruiting, supervising, and supporting faculty and staff who embody the mission and charism of St. John Bosco.
• Ensuring the alignment of all instructional practices with both state standards and the Salesian educational philosophy of reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
• Collaborating with industry and higher-education partners to develop co-op experiences, credentialing programs, and capstone projects.
• Overseeing student life, discipline, and formation, promoting an environment rooted in joy, respect, and mutual trust.
• Partnering with the President to align operations, advancement, and community outreach with academic goals.
• Communicating regularly and effectively with parents, community partners, and the Board of Directors.

Professional Qualifications & Requirements

• Practicing Catholic committed to living and leading through Gospel values.
• Demonstrated success in school leadership, academic administration, or department-level management.
• Experience with or knowledge of Career and Trade Education (CTE) programs or workforce-aligned instruction.
• Strong supervisory, mentoring, and faculty development skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field required; state licensure or eligibility preferred.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced educational leader and educator with a passion for student formation, technical education, and mission-driven innovation in a Catholic setting. Candidates should bring:

• Deep commitment to Catholic education and Salesian spirituality.
• Proven success in academic leadership, curriculum development, and faculty formation.
• Understanding of Career and Trade Education (CTE) or workforce-aligned instruction.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Capacity to lead in a dynamic, start-up school environment.
• A relational leadership style rooted in humility, joy, and hope.

Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field; experience in secondary education or trade programs; and familiarity with accreditation and state compliance processes.

Timeline & Process

ACELA Solutions is honored and incredibly excited to partner with the passionate and dedicated stakeholders behind Don Bosco Trade High School in launching this transformational new Catholic school community in eastern Massachusetts—one that will shape leaders of faith, craftsmanship, and purpose for generations to come.

• Anticipated Start Date: July 2026
• School Opening: August/September 2027
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Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest will be treated confidentially. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Faith. Craftsmanship. Opportunity. Preparedness.

A Catholic education that opens every pathway — to college, career, and life.