Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal serves as the chief executive and instructional leader of the school district, responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all district programs, services, and personnel. This position ensures high-quality educational opportunities, fiscal responsibility, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and the effective implementation of district policies and initiatives. The Principal fosters a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment, promotes continuous improvement, and builds strong partnerships with staff, students, parents, the governing board, and the community. In this dual role, the Principal also serves as the on-site instructional leader for the high school, overseeing curriculum, instruction, assessment, student discipline, and daily school operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

District Leadership

·         Serve as the chief executive officer of the district, implementing governing board policies and directives.

·         Develop and execute a long-term vision and strategic plan for academic achievement and operational excellence.

·         Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

·         Prepare and manage the district budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and efficient resource allocation.

·         Recommend policies, procedures, and initiatives to the governing board for approval.

·         Represent the district to parents, community members, governmental agencies, and the media.

School Leadership

·         Serve as the instructional leader for the high school, ensuring rigorous curriculum, effective teaching, and meaningful assessment practices.

·         Supervise and evaluate all school staff, providing coaching, feedback, and professional growth opportunities.

·         Oversee student discipline, attendance, and support services to promote a positive and safe school climate.

·         Use data-driven decision-making to improve student performance and close achievement gaps.

·         Implement and monitor educational programs to meet the needs of all learners, including special education and English language learners.

·         Foster strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community to support student success.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Competencies:

·         Visionary Leadership – Creates, communicates, and implements a compelling vision for the district that promotes academic excellence, equity, and continuous improvement.

·         Instructional Expertise – Leads curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices to improve student achievement and close performance gaps.

·         Strategic Planning – Develops and executes short- and long-term goals aligned with the district’s mission and governing board priorities.

·         Educational Frameworks - Demonstrate familiarity with seminal educational theorists and frameworks, including Robert Marzano and Charlotte Danielson, recognizing that Arizona’s teacher evaluation system is based upon the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching.

·         Fiscal Stewardship – Manages budgets, allocates resources efficiently, and ensures fiscal accountability.

·         Personnel Management – Recruits, develops, evaluates, and retains high-quality staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.

·         Community & Stakeholder Engagement – Builds and sustains positive relationships with parents, staff, students, community organizations, and local agencies.

·         Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Uses data, research, and stakeholder input to make informed, ethical, and student-centered decisions.

·         Policy Implementation & Compliance – Ensures district operations and programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as board policies.

·         Communication Skills – Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with diverse audiences in both written and verbal formats.

·         Adaptability & Resilience – Responds effectively to challenges, change, and complex issues with professionalism and composure.

SKILLS & ABILITIES Education:

Minimum Qualifications:

·         Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.

·         Valid Arizona Principal Certification (or ability to obtain prior to hire).

·         Minimum of five (5) years of successful school or district-level leadership experience.

·         Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and school improvement strategies.

·         Proven experience in budget management and fiscal accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Doctorate in Education or related field.

·         Experience in both rural and diverse educational settings.

·         Familiarity with Arizona Department of Education reporting systems and state accountability measures.

·         Proven success in leading school improvement initiatives and increasing student achievement.

Attributes of a Blue Devil:

•  Solution-Oriented Problem Solver – Approaches challenges with a positive, proactive mindset focused on finding effective and practical solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Demonstrates strong analytical thinking and creativity in identifying root causes and developing strategies that resolve issues efficiently.

•  Transparent and Open to Feedback – Communicates openly and honestly with colleagues, leadership, and stakeholders, building trust through consistent, clear, and ethical communication. Welcomes constructive input and uses it as an opportunity for professional growth and continuous improvement.

•  Team Oriented – Collaborates effectively with others, values diverse perspectives, and contributes to a positive, supportive, and unified team environment.

•  Adaptable – Adjusts effectively to changing priorities, new regulations, and evolving school or district needs while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and productivity.

•  Reliable and Accountable – Consistently meets deadlines, follows through on commitments, and can be counted on to deliver high-quality work with integrity. Takes ownership of actions, decisions, and outcomes, modeling responsibility and dependability.

•  Integrity – Upholds the highest ethical standards, demonstrating honesty, fairness, and respect in all professional interactions and decisions.

•  Willingness to Learn and Lead – Embraces continuous learning, seeks opportunities for growth, and models leadership through initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

Computer Skills:

·         Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace).

·         Ability to use email and calendar applications for professional communication and scheduling.

·         Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and/or online gradebook systems.

·         Ability to operate interactive whiteboards, projectors, and other instructional technology.

·         Basic troubleshooting of classroom technology (e.g., printers, document cameras, student devices).

·         Competence in conducting virtual meetings and instruction using video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).

·         Skill in accessing, analyzing, and using digital student data to inform instruction.

Certificates & Licenses: The Principal must hold and maintain a valid Arizona Principal Certificate (secondary level) issued by the Arizona Department of Education. Additional certifications or endorsements (such as a valid Arizona Teaching Certificate) are preferred and may be required based on district needs.

All required certifications and licenses must be kept current and in good standing as a condition of employment. The Principal must also maintain a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card and successfully complete all background checks as required by state law, district policy, and applicable regulations.

Other Requirements:

·         Ability to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance.

·         Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

·         Commitment to continuous professional learning.

·         Certification or willingness to earn Arizona certification for evaluation of teachers and administrators.

·         Valid Arizona driver’s license or ability to obtain upon employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·         Frequently required to stand, walk, sit.

·         Regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate instructional technology, classroom equipment, and office tools.

o    Must be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.

·         Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

·         Ability to work for extended periods at a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·         Office and school environments with frequent interaction with staff, students, and the public.

·         Fast-paced, high-responsibility role requiring the ability to manage multiple priorities.

·         The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate but may be loud during group activities, assemblies, or special events.

·         Duties may require exposure to varying weather conditions during recess, bus duty, field trips, or emergency drills.

·         May involve exposure to childhood illnesses and other communicable diseases typically associated with school settings.

·         Requires the ability to adapt to frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and multiple demands.

·         Work schedule follows the district calendar, with occasional evening or weekend hours for school events, meetings, or professional development.

Start date for position will be January 1, 2027

This position has the potential to lead into a permanent position for the 2027 - 2026 school year.