Principal Santiam Jr./Sr. High School

JOB TITLE: Santiam Junior/Senior High School Principal

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

JOB SUMMARY:

Santiam Canyon School District is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and student-centered instructional leader to serve as Principal of Santiam Jr./Sr. High School beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership focused on academic excellence, student achievement, and continuous school improvement while cultivating a positive and inclusive school culture that supports both students and staff.

As a rural district operating on a 4-day school week with 170 teacher work days, Santiam Canyon proudly prioritizes student success, staff well-being, and meaningful relationships at the center of every decision. The ideal candidate will support and empower educators through the implementation of research-based instructional practices, use student achievement, attendance, and engagement data to drive academic growth and graduation readiness, and foster strong partnerships with families and the broader community.

Staff members choose Santiam Canyon because of our caring and collaborative culture, modern facilities, updated technology, support staff, and supportive administration. Located in the beautiful foothills of the Cascade Mountains and serving the communities of Mill City, Gates, Detroit, Idanha, and surrounding areas, Santiam Canyon offers the opportunity to lead in a small-town district with big opportunities and a strong commitment to helping every student reach their limitless potential.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Krista Nieraeth, Superintendent, at View email address on click.appcast.io, or View phone number on click.appcast.io.


To learn more about us and what we value, check out The Santiam Canyon Experience video linked here.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred minimum of three years of administrative experience in a school setting, preferably at the middle and/or high school levels.
• Valid, or ability to obtain, Oregon Administrator License.
• Successful teaching experience, preferably at the middle and/or high school levels.
• Strong skills in communication, organization, teamwork, and decision-making.
• Ability to apply educational theory to practical settings.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Vision and Leadership:

• Develop and communicate a shared vision of student learning that supports district goals and priorities and emphasizes both academic and extracurricular achievement.
• Collaborate with district and school staff, students, and community stakeholders to implement the shared vision effectively.

School Culture and Environment:

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes respect, responsibility, and high expectations.
• Promote student engagement, attendance and academic success.
• Implement and uphold a clear and consistent behavior and discipline plan.

Instructional Excellence:

• Ensure high-quality instruction by promoting the use of research-based teaching practices.
• Utilize assessment data to guide instructional decisions and promote continuous improvement.
• Lead data-driven decision-making processes to improve student achievement.

Curriculum and Assessment:

• Oversee the implementation of a rigorous and coherent curriculum aligned with district and state standards.
• Ensure that district-adopted curriculum is implemented with fidelity.
• Monitor and evaluate curriculum effectiveness and student progress.

Staff Development and Supervision:

• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate administrative, certified and classified staff.
• Identify staff strengths and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Conduct regular evaluations and offer constructive feedback to enhance teacher and staff effectiveness.

Management and Compliance:

• Manage the school budgets in accordance with state laws and district guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee daily school operations and ensure appropriate supervision of school activities, extracurricular activities, and athletic events.

Community Engagement:

• Maintain strong communication with students, parents, staff, and the broader community.
• Foster partnerships that support student learning, school improvement, and extracurricular activity excellence.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the school and the community, fostering strong relationships with parents, community members, and local organizations.

Collaboration and District Leadership:

• Serve as a member of the district leadership team.
• Collaborate with other administrators to ensure alignment across grade levels and programs.
• Support district initiatives, strategic planning, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development.

Ethical Leadership:

• Model integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior in all decisions and actions.
• Follow district protocols and uphold professional standards for all staff.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Ensure high school graduation requirements are maintained and enforced.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

SALARY: Negotiated based on experience and qualifications.

BENEFITS: District pick up employee PERS contribution and insurance benefits.

CONTRACT LENGTH: 199 days

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical Stamina: Ability to sit, stand, and walk frequently throughout the day.
• Manual Dexterity: Capability to handle paperwork, operate office equipment, and use a computer.
• Hearing and Vision: Ability to observe activities, monitor student behavior, and communicate effectively.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., instructional materials or equipment).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• School Environment: Primarily indoors, with some outdoor duties (e.g., student supervision, athletic events).
• Flexible Hours: Frequent evenings, weekends, and after-school hours for meetings, athletic events and administrative duties.
• Mental Demands: Ability to handle high-stress situations, manage conflicts, and make critical decisions.
• Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Tentative Interview Timeline: First round interviews June 23rd and 24th. Second round interviews June 30th. Final selection will be July 3rd.