Description

Position Summary

Manson School District is seeking an exceptional instructional leader to serve as Elementary Principal (TK–5). This individual will lead a student-centered school grounded in strong relationships, growing PLC systems, high expectations, and a shared commitment to academic excellence and whole-child development.

The principal will serve as a key leader in advancing the district’s strategic plan, Portrait of a Learner, and Leader in Me framework. The successful candidate will build a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring every student is known, supported, and challenged to succeed.

Why Manson School District?

Manson School District is a small, rural district with a strong sense of community, deep relationships, and a commitment to innovation in service of students. We pride ourselves on being student-focused in every decision we make. Our work is grounded in a clear strategic plan, a Portrait of a Learner that defines success for our students, and a commitment to developing leadership in every student and staff member through Leader in Me.  Our District mission and vision guide our work.

Mission: Continuous Student Learning

Vision: Empowering Learners ~ Inspiring Excellence

Manson is a district that demonstrates creativity and resilience through examples such as implementing a 4-day student week, investing in professional development through staff learning on monthly PD Fridays, expanding student opportunities through community partnerships, and maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence. We are a district where collaboration is expected, leadership is shared, and every adult is committed to doing what is best for students.

Manson Core Values

        We challenge every student to reach their highest academic potential.

        We build trust through integrity and lead by example.

        Family and community partnerships are essential to meet the need of our students.

        We believe that it is our shared duty to create an environment where all students are safe, seen, heard, celebrated and culturally accepted.

        We strive for operational excellence by optimizing resources and improving efficiency.

Core Leadership Priorities (Critical for Success)

Integrity

Demonstrate unwavering integrity through consistent follow-through, sound judgment, and ethical decision-making. Build trust through authenticity, confidentiality, and doing what is best for students.

Leadership

Lead self and others with clarity, purpose, and humility. Build shared leadership across staff, develop others, and effectively lead change while fostering collective efficacy.

Growth Mindset

Reflective and committed to continuous improvement. Use data, feedback, and self-reflection to refine practice and support the growth of others.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Build strong relationships. Work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners to support student success.

Additional Key Attributes

        Positive problem solver

        Energy giver

        Strong work ethic

        Student-first mindset

        Ability to build consensus

        Culturally responsive

Essential Responsibilities

        Instructional Leadership

Ensure alignment and implementation of best instructional practices to ensure strong Tier 1 instruction.
Assist in the implementation of the district and school curricular program in support of a physically, emotionally safe, and academically rigorous learning environment for a diverse student body.
Possess a passion for teaching and learning, strong understanding of content standards and their continuum, and a thorough understanding of instructions, interventions, and assessment practices that support the success of all students.
Provide support and resources to school staff to support and build effective classroom instructional strategies that meet diverse student needs.
Analyze and interpret multiple data sources to inform school-level improvement efforts.
Assist staff in using data to guide, modify and improve classroom teaching and learning.
Establish efficient schedules and other organizational routines that enhance instructional program improvement and student learning.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of technology as an essential learning tool in the classroom and overall instructional program and assess the use of technology.
Work cooperatively with district administrators and staff to meet student needs.
        Culture and Climate and Leadership

Articulate and support the mission, goals, priorities, strategic plan and policies of Manson School District.
o   Models and consistently demonstrates the principles of the 7 Habits, fostering a culture of leadership, responsibility, and continuous growth among students, staff, and the school community.

Influence, establish and sustain a school culture conducive to continuous improvement for students and staff; provide leadership, vision and inspiration to staff and students; promote a culture of equity and excellence, setting high expectations for all students.
Articulate and model high expectations and motivate others to achieve high levels of performance.
Work collaboratively with staff, students, parents, and other members of the school community to help improve student learning using data, judgment, best practices, and problem-solving skills.
Utilize leadership skills to work with staff, parents, and students to articulate, implement, achieve, and evaluate district and school improvement goals.
Establish a school climate which promotes equal opportunities for students and provide leadership around Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to ensure a culture that is trauma sensitive.
Demonstrate experience designing and implementing a school improvement plan using a collaborative process; one that establishes achievable, data-driven goals which are responsive to State and Federal guidelines.
Maintain consistent visibility at school and community events as well as throughout the school day with the ability to relate to students, staff, and community members in a mutually respectful, supportive, and collaborative manner.
        Staff Leadership

Monitor & assists staff in implementing effective instruction and assessment practices through modeling and building a culture of professional growth.
Maintain a confidential relationship with employees regarding individual personnel matters.
Provide appropriate, timely, and meaningful verbal and written feedback to certificated and classified staff regarding performance.
Develop a plan for assistance or remediation with certificated or classified staff when needed.
Be accessible and approachable to certificated and classified staff.
Demonstrate effective coaching, mentoring, and conferencing skills.
Create, implement, and evaluate ongoing in-service and professional growth opportunities for staff.
Demonstrate knowledge of and uphold the laws, regulations, policies, and contractual obligations related to the supervision and evaluation of school personnel.
        Family and Community Engagement

Communicate frequently and effectively with all members of the school community and the district.
Maintain a positive relationship with students, staff, parents, and community by modeling respect, cooperation, and professionalism with others, recognizing the personal achievements and professional contributions of others and demonstrating knowledge of and sensitivity toward individuals and groups from all racial, ethnic, socio-economic, gender, and disability backgrounds.
Develop a school communications and family engagement plan to address important issues for the school, district, and community.
Report student progress in ongoing and meaningful way to parents.
Communicate proactively and positively to share the ongoing work of the school and district through various methods and avenues.
 

        Management and Administration

Work cooperatively with other administrators and staff to secure resources and support for basic school needs, including the selection of personnel and appropriate work roles to staff.
Develop and monitor plans for the efficient and safe operation of the school facility and grounds.
Manage resources and budgets according to district and school program needs and involve others in decisions concerning school operations and safety.
Provide for physical, intellectual, and emotional safety in order for effective teaching and learning to take place.
Demonstrate knowledge of and uphold all policies, procedures, regulations, laws, and contractual obligations to effectively manage the school facility and instructional program.
Supervise and approve the preparation and timely submission of all school reports and forms for the district office, e.g., payroll, enrollment, work orders, requisitions, etc.

Requirements

Required

        Valid Washington State Principal Certification

        Minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience

Preferred

Training and experience administering special education, ELL and Title I school-wide programs. 
        Successful elementary teaching experience

        Successful administrative experience

        Bilingual Spanish/English

        Commitment to and experience with narrowing achievement gaps for multilingual learners and students with disabilities

        Experience in rural settings

Conditions of Employment

        Start Date: July 1, 2026

        Contract: 260 Days (Vacation days provided)

        Salary: $134,465 - $172,125

        Benefits/Leaves: Medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage is provided through SEBB (School Employee Benefits Board) for employees who work at least 630 hours per academic year.  Retirement benefits are provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).  Additional leave benefits are provided per board policies.   

Application Information

        Open until filled.  First Review of Applications 4 pm May 6, 2026

        Initial Interview Tentatively Scheduled for May 13, 2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Manson School District is committed to equal employment and educational opportunities. The District encourages inquiries and applications from all qualified individuals, including members of any protected group. It is the policy of the district not to discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin (including language), sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, creed, religion, age, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, as required by state and federal laws.