The Califon Board of Education is looking for a new Chief School Administrator for our treasured and unique pK-8 public school.

The Califon School is located in the beautiful Borough of Califon, just under a mile square in area, in upper Hunterdon County.  The Raritan River and the Columbia Trail wind through our close-knit and safe community, which has a small-town, bucolic feel.  Our beloved school has been at the very heart of Califon for over 100 years, and we strive to provide a progressive, inclusive, personalized and community-based public education which rivals any private school experience.

The Califon School educates approximately 95 pK-grade 8 pupils in a single building and operates with a budget of approximately $3.3 million.  We employ a staff of 15 certificated and 5 non-certificated professionals, and two administrators: our Chief School Administrator, and our experienced Business Administrator/Board Secretary. We serve students who live in Califon and children who join our learning community on a tuition basis.  Our graduates continue their educational journey as top performers at Voorhees High School in the North Hunterdon—Voorhees Regional High School District.  The five-member Board of Education is student-centered and passionately committed to the success and sustainability of our school. 

The successful candidate in our Chief School Administrator search will be a well-rounded educational leader who has a history of sustaining and elevating high levels of student achievement in a pK-8 setting, who has a strong background in curriculum and a deep understanding of special education, and who is experienced in school budgeting and allocating minimal resources for maximum impact.  We are looking for a highly visible, exceptional communicator who will work collaboratively with our dedicated staff, families, and community.  We are seeking a Chief School Administrator who is ready to roll up their sleeves and has the ability to work effectively in various capacities concurrently for the benefit of all our students.

NJ School Administrator certificate or CE and teaching experience at the pre-college level required; elementary or middle school teaching experience is preferred.  School administrator experience of five years or more strongly preferred, and successful experience as a Chief School Administrator or Superintendent strongly preferred. This position is a rare opportunity for a dedicated and empathetic educational leader to meaningfully support students, families, teachers and community and to grow roots in a charming, quintessential American small town which truly values community and quality of life.

Position start date:  Mid-August, 2026 (target)

Anticipated salary range $140—155K

The Califon Board of Education will offer a competitive benefits package including sick leave, vacation days, personal days, health insurance, dental, pension, and professional membership dues. The total compensation package will be regionally competitive and based on successful experience; all of the above is subject to negotiation with the Califon BOE and approval by the Executive County Superintendent for Hunterdon County and the Califon BOE.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, proof of certification, and two most recent performance evaluations to  KathleenHelewa.edu@gmail.com. on or before 11:59pm EDST, April 24, 2026. Please note Califon CSA Search in the subject line. All successfully received correspondence will be replied to within 24 hours or less.

Search facilitated by Kathleen Helewa Educational Consultants, LLC

The Califon Public School District is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer