Description

Mary Walker High School is seeking a principal who is a highly visible, relationship-driven leader committed to fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and high expectations.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to build strong, authentic relationships with students, staff, and families while maintaining clear and consistent expectations for teaching, learning, and behavior. This leader will be present in classrooms and throughout the school, actively engaging with the school community and creating a positive, student-centered environment.

A successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in instructional leadership, including experience guiding Professional Learning Communities, setting clear academic goals, and supporting high-quality classroom instruction focused on rigor, relevance, and student engagement. They will balance staff autonomy with accountability and ensure consistent follow-through in both academic and behavioral systems.

The next principal will value student voice, support expanded academic opportunities such as CTE and dual credit pathways, and actively promote school pride through recognition of student success and participation in school activities.

Above all, the Mary Walker High School principal will lead with integrity, humility, and a deep understanding of the unique strengths and challenges of a rural school community, working collaboratively to ensure every student is supported and successful.

Requirements

Qualifications: Principal – Mary Walker High School

Valid Washington State Principal Certificate (or ability to obtain prior to start)
Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate
Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field
Minimum of three (3) years successful teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level
Demonstrated building-level leadership experience (preferred) 
Strong background in instructional leadership, including experience improving teaching and learning outcomes
Experience leading or supporting Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and collaborative team structures
Demonstrated ability to use data to inform instruction, interventions, and school improvement efforts
Proven ability to establish clear expectations and ensure consistent follow-through with students and staff
Experience supporting student discipline systems with a focus on consistency, fairness, and relationship-building
Demonstrated success in building positive relationships with students, staff, families, and community
Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen, ask clarifying questions, and respond in a timely and transparent manner
Experience in supervising, supporting, and evaluating staff, including fostering professional growth and accountability
Knowledge of Washington State laws and requirements, including special education, Section 504, and Title programs
Demonstrated ability to lead with professionalism, integrity, humility, and sound judgment, including making difficult decisions when necessary

Additional Responsibilities – Principal – Mary Walker High School

Experience in a rural or small school setting, with an understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges in those environments
Evidence of being a visible and engaged leader in classrooms, school activities, and the broader school community
Demonstrated ability to balance staff autonomy with accountability, maintaining high expectations for instruction, rigor, and student engagement
Experience expanding or supporting CTE programs, dual credit opportunities, AP courses, and postsecondary pathways
Commitment to student voice and leadership, including structures such as student advisory or leadership teams
Proven ability to build a culture of belonging while maintaining high expectations for student behavior and academic performance
Experience promoting student attendance, engagement, and graduation success
Demonstrated ability to celebrate student success and build school pride, both academically and through extracurricular activities
Perform other duties as assigned by the superintendent

Desired Leadership Attributes - Principal – Mary Walker High School
Highly visible, approachable, and student-centered leader
Strong relational leadership skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across all stakeholder groups
Calm, steady, and consistent, with the ability to manage complex situations with composure
Clear communicator who follows through and holds others accountable
Deep commitment to high-quality teaching and learning for every student