High School Principal

Position Summary

The High School Principal provides instructional and operational leadership for Sterling High School, serving all students in grades 9–12. The principal is responsible for student safety and well‑being, continuous improvement in academic and co‑curricular programs, supervision of curriculum and staff, effective budget and resource management, and the cultivation of positive relationships with students, families, staff, and the broader community. Leadership reflects the district’s mission to prepare each student for life beyond graduation through a balanced curriculum, high expectations, community engagement, and a supportive learning environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement

• Direct building‑level curriculum, instruction, and assessment to maximize student achievement and close opportunity gaps; stay current with research on curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
• Use objective and verifiable data from standardized assessments, district‑developed assessments, and classroom performance to monitor and improve teaching and learning.
• Lead grade‑level and content‑area instructional improvement efforts, including progress monitoring and intervention systems for students needing academic or behavioral support.
• Ensure consistent implementation of district instructional expectations and accountability systems.

Staff Supervision & Professional Development

• Evaluate and supervise school personnel; provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional growth opportunities that align with district goals.
• Establish and foster an adult learning environment through collaboration and professional learning communities to improve instruction.
• Recruit, hire, retain, and develop staff in collaboration with district leadership, consistent with district procedures.

School Climate & Student Support

• Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that meets the developmental, academic, and social‑emotional needs of students in grades 9‑12.
• Support systems for attendance improvement, student engagement, behavioral expectations, and restorative practices.
• Ensure consistent supervision and implementation of student discipline practices aligned with district policy, due process, and state law.

Operations, Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop and manage building budgets based on documented program needs, enrollment, personnel, and operational requirements; maintain fiscal accountability and compliance.
• Manage use of school facilities; supervise maintenance to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus.
• Organize school operations around instruction, maintaining a safe environment, upholding state laws, contracts, and district policies, and coordinating instructional programs with a master schedule.
• Stay current with district policies, Board of Education standards, and relevant state and federal regulations.

Communication & Community Engagement

• Facilitate communication between personnel, students, and parents to evaluate situations, solve problems, and resolve conflicts.
• Advocate for students, staff, and the district to encourage community involvement and outreach.
• Represent the school within community forums to maintain ongoing support for educational goals and address school‑related issues.

Other Duties

• Serve on district committees and initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Minimum Education or Formal Training

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Additional coursework required for eligibility toward a Colorado Principal License required or must be completed within an agreed‑upon time frame.

Minimum Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of teaching and/or administrative experience in K–12 education.

Preferred Education, Formal Training, and Experience

• Prior leadership experience in a secondary school setting, demonstrating an understanding of developmental, instructional, and social‑emotional needs of students in grades 9–12.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations, including multilingual learners and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and coaching teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred; formal training or professional experience demonstrating effective communication with bilingual students, families, and staff valued.

Qualifications

• Advanced skills in dealing with students and staff with diverse needs.
• Knowledge of data analysis, curriculum and instruction, budgeting and accounting, special education laws, and master agreement/labor relations.
• Facilitation and problem‑solving skills.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of curriculum, discipline plans, and supervision/safety plans.
• Willingness to contribute to cultural diversity for educational enrichment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal relations skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
• Customer service and public relations skills.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to follow Board of Education, district, building, and department policies.
• Ability to stay current with district policy, standards, and training in data quality, privacy, and cybersecurity related to student and staff data.
• Ability to communicate, interact, and work cooperatively with all people, including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.

Equipment & Vehicles Used

• Operating knowledge and experience with personal computers, peripherals, Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Google Applications.
• Operating knowledge of typical office equipment such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, and email.

Supervisory Duties

Supervises licensed and classified staff as assigned.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range & Category: $93,500 – $136,212 on Administrative Salary Schedule

Working Calendar: 209 days

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefits & Eligibility:

• Employer‑paid health insurance.
• Optional dental and vision insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Flexible spending plans.
• Retirement savings plans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

RE‑1 Valley School District is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization.