Description

An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower! 

Posting Information: Open until filled. For best consideration please apply by January 12, 2026. Interviews will take place January 20, 2026 with finalist interviews taking place January 23, 2026.

Schedule: 220 days per school year, 1.0 FTE

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Location: Shelton High School

Salary: $180,226-$195,083 annually, depending on experience. This salary is representative of the 2025-2026 salary schedule. The 2026-2027 salary schedule is to be determined.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefits: 12 sick leave days; 6 personal leave days; 5 bereavement leave days per occurrence; $1,500 annual professional development allotment, AWSP membership, health insurance including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employee and eligible dependents administered by the School Employees Benefits Board; retirement administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems; other fringe benefits as allowed by School Board Policy and Procedures and the Shelton Certificated Administrators Agreement.

Overview

The High School Principal supports the Shelton School District Strategic Plan and leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the School Improvement Plan. The Principal works collaboratively with students, staff, families, district leadership, and community partners to promote a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment where all students are supported to graduate prepared for postsecondary education, careers, and life.

This position provides instructional, operational, and cultural leadership for a comprehensive high school, ensuring equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities, strong student supports, and meaningful relationships that promote academic success, well-being, and belonging.

Essential Functions

• Develops and sustains a shared mission and clear vision for teaching and learning aligned to the Shelton School District Strategic Plan
• Articulates and supports the mission, goals, policies, procedures, and administrative directives of the District
• Effectively engages in instructional leadership practices through coaching cycles and data-informed decision-making.
• Leads essential learning conversations that promote continuous improvement and instructional excellence
• Sets high expectations and motivates others through collaborative processes to achieve high levels of performance
• Creates structures for shared leadership and collaboration among staff, students, families, and community partners
• Develops, implements, and monitors plans for the safe, efficient operation of the high school campus, facilities, and grounds
• Recognizes, analyzes, and interprets multiple data sources with an MTSS framework including academic, attendance, behavior, and graduation data to inform school improvement efforts
• Supports staff in using data to improve instruction, assessment, and student outcomes
• Monitors instructional practices and assessment systems to ensure alignment with standards and district priorities
• Assists staff in developing student growth goals and identifying valid, reliable evidence of effectiveness
• Evaluates certificated and classified staff in accordance with district policy, contractual agreements, and best practices
• Participates in the recruitment, selection, assignment, and retention of high-quality staff
• Develops master schedules and organizational systems that maximize instructional time, student access, and equity
• Provides timely, meaningful verbal and written feedback to staff regarding performance and growth
• Develops remediation plans and makes appropriate recommendations to support staff growth
• Supports and provides professional learning opportunities aligned to school and district goals
• Works cooperatively with the superintendent to establish professional growth and organizational improvement goals
• Demonstrates knowledge of best practices and innovations in secondary education, leadership, and program development
• Ensures compliance with all district policies, state and federal laws, and contractual obligations
• Allocates and monitors resources and budgets to support instructional priorities and student needs
• Communicates clearly, consistently, and effectively with students, staff, families, and the community
• Builds and sustains positive partnerships with families, community organizations, and postsecondary partners
• Represents the school and district in maintaining positive public relations
• Supports student voice, leadership, and meaningful family and community engagement
• Identifies barriers to achievement and implements strategies to close opportunity and achievement gaps
• Provides evidence of student growth and progress toward graduation outcomes
• Attends trainings, meetings, school events, and community events as appropriate and/or directed
• Actively supports and advances the Shelton School District Strategic Plan
• Performs other duties as assigned or appropriate

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Washington State certificate with a Principal endorsement
• Successful secondary administrative experience preferred with high school experience strongly preferred
• At least five (5) years of secondary teaching experience
• Successful experience in leadership roles at the school or district level
• Demonstrated school district and community involvement
• Demonstrated leadership skills including:
• Participatory and collaborative planning and decision-making
• Organizing, delegating, and active listening
• Effective instructional leadership practices, including the ability to support high-quality teaching, assessment, and continuous improvement through coaching cycles and data-informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated skills in:
• Program development and evaluation
• Staff supervision and evaluation
• Fiscal management and budgeting
• Staff development and professional learning
• Human relations and conflict resolution
• Assessment and data analysis
• Technology utilization
• Training and experience in leadership, school improvement, assessment, and evaluation processes
• Demonstrates high energy, professionalism, and facilitation skills
• Understanding of effective leadership practices and the ability to lead positive, sustainable change aligned with the Shelton School District Strategic Plan
• Ability to develop and sustain focus on a shared mission and clear vision for improvement
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement daily operations and long-term strategic goals
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing Washington State public schools
• Ability to use multiple data sources to drive planning, decision-making, and improvement efforts
• Demonstrated ability to connect with students, staff, families, and community members in a respectful, supportive, and accessible manner
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a leadership team and independently when required
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with all stakeholders
• Willingness to maintain an upbeat, positive, and collaborative demeanor
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of employment
• Willingness to incorporate lightheartedness and appropriate humor into the workplace
• Commitment to continuous growth as a lifelong learner
• Willingness to reflect, admit mistakes, learn from experience, and take thoughtful risks
• Willingness to serve as a thought-partner and apply critical thinking to complex problems
• Ability to apply policies, procedures, statutes, and regulations accurately and consistently
• Ability to work flexible hours and adapt to changing assignments and situations
• Ability to participate in conferences, workshops, and professional training
• Ability to perform all essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations