High School Principal

West Valley School District #363 • Spokane, WA

4d

About The Position

The Principal of West Valley High School provides leadership aligned with the district’s strategic goals. The principal ensures instructional excellence, effective school operations, and a positive climate that prioritizes student achievement and well-being. The principal plays a critical role in fostering effective Professional Learning Community structures that prioritize collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement that improve outcomes for all students.

Requirements

• Washington State K-12 Principal Certification, or the ability to obtain one, no later than the first working day.
• Master’s Degree with a major in educational administration or education leadership.
• Three years of successful credentialed experience at the secondary level.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance.
• Completion of all district-required training within thirty (30) calendar days from the hire date.
• Deep understanding of Professional Learning Community (PLC) principles and their application to schoolwide improvement.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement models (e.g., Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles) and their use in driving instructional change.
• Familiarity with effective data analysis practices to inform instruction, monitor student learning, and improve student outcomes.
• Understanding of adult learning theory and best practices for building staff capacity through collaboration and shared leadership.
• Awareness of equity-centered leadership practices and strategies to close achievement and opportunity gaps.
• Understanding of standards-based curriculum, effective instructional strategies, and assessment practices.
• Ability to design and implement school schedules that support collaboration, embed extra time and support for students, and maximize learning.
• Proven ability to lead for improvement through effective communication, goal setting, and feedback.
• Experience creating systems for staff growth and holding staff accountable for results.
• Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and team-building capabilities.
• Skill in building relationships across diverse communities and leading discussions that promote cultural awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to foster strong, respectful relationships with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Experience resolving conflicts and building consensus in collaborative settings.
• Uphold ethical and professional standards, including confidentiality and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, adapt to change, and model continuous learning.
• Understand and apply systems thinking to complex school environments to promote sustained improvement.

Responsibilities

• Establish interdependent collaborative relationships with staff to ensure an educational environment that promotes a sense of belonging and access to high levels of learning for all students.
• Lead and support a school and work culture that values all people and their contributions to the school community.
• Create and maintain a safe and welcoming school environment that promotes the social, emotional, and academic success of all students.
• Establish and promote a mission and vision focused on shared goals, high expectations, and continuous improvement for all students.
• Provide visionary instructional leadership by setting high expectations for teaching and learning aligned to district priorities and student needs.
• Lead the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices and ensure alignment with state standards and school improvement goals.
• Use data to guide decision-making, monitor student progress, and support differentiated instruction that meets the needs of all learners.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by providing ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional learning tailored to individual and team growth.
• Cultivate teacher leadership by creating opportunities for staff to lead professional development, facilitate Professional Learning Communities, and participate in shared decision-making.
• Lead and support implementation of a guaranteed and viable curriculum that provides rigorous, standards-based curriculum aligned with district and state expectations.
• Utilize relevant data to drive strategic planning, instructional improvement, and targeted student support through the development and monitoring of a School Improvement Plan and Professional Learning Community structure.
• Lead inclusive and equitable programming for students receiving special education and multilingual learning services.
• Monitor, support, and provide actionable feedback to teachers using the District’s instructional framework and coaching models.
• Provide professional development and evaluation using performance frameworks that recognize excellence and areas for growth.
• Engage families and the broader community to foster partnerships that enhance student learning and school improvement.
• Promote the successes of the school and act as a visible and accessible leader within the community.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with District Administrators regularly on the overall operation of the high school.
• Supervise and oversee the coordination of student activities and athletics.
• Uphold district policies, professional conduct standards, and labor agreements.

Benefits

• HEALTHCARE BENEFITS - Employees who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 182-31 WAC have access to medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through the School Employee Benefit Board (SEBB).
• RETIREMENT - All regular, non-substitute employees are enrolled in a state retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• SICK LEAVE - All regular, non-substitute employees receive 12 sick leave days (prorated based on FTE) and paid time off. Substitute employees receive sick leave per RCW 49.46.210.
• PAID TIME OFF - All regular, non-substitute employees receive paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave. Paid time off varies by position and work year. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.
• OTHER BENEFITS Classified employees receive 10-13 paid holidays (depending on position & work year). Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details. Employees may be eligible for VEBA including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion. Benefits are position specific. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees