Description
Please apply at: https://mvsd320.schoolspring.com?jobid=5607867
MOUNT VERNON SCHOOLS Elementary School Principal
Position Closes: April 24, 2026
AFFILIATION: Exempt
SALARY LEVEL: Principal- Elementary School 2026-2027 Salary $181,911-204,820.00
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Assistant Superintendent or designee
Mount Vernon School District (MVSD) purposefully prepares every student for success by ensuring inclusion and belonging, providing high-quality instruction, and empowering learners with the skills and confidence to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world. This mission commits us to the success of each student and affirms our responsibility to create learning environments where all students—across every background, language, and identity—can belong, dream, and achieve.
To fulfill this purpose, we recognize the need to confront and transform inequitable systems, structures, and practices that have historically limited access and opportunity, particularly for students of color and other marginalized groups. Guided by our core values and the commitments outlined in the new MVSD Strategic Plan, we strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequity, ensuring that race, ethnicity, culture, language, or circumstance no longer predict student outcomes. By centering equity, inclusion, and rigorous, culturally responsive learning, we hold ourselves collectively accountable for preparing every student to reach their highest potential and to thrive as empowered, capable, and future-ready graduates.
Position Summary:
The Elementary School Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of a comprehensive elementary school serving diverse learners. The Principal is responsible for the overall administration of the school and for ensuring high levels of student achievement, inclusive practices, and a positive school culture.
This role provides visionary, equity-centered leadership to ensure rigorous instruction, strong systems of student support, and a safe, inclusive learning environment. The Principal collaborates closely with students, staff, families, and community partners to promote engagement, belonging, and shared responsibility for student success.
The Principal leads with an explicit commitment to closing opportunity gaps and ensuring that all students—particularly historically underserved learners—are supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
The Principal is responsible for the effective leadership and administration of the Elementary School and for advancing district and school goals within an elementary learning environment. Key responsibilities include:
School Leadership and Administration
Provide overall leadership and management of the school, including instructional programs, operations, staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and facilities.
Develop, implement, and monitor the School Improvement Plan aligned to district priorities and strategic goals.
Serve as an effective and collaborative member of the district administrative leadership team.
Supervise, support, and evaluate certificated and classified staff in accordance with district procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
Establish systems and routines that support effective elementary school operations and a positive learning environment.
Manage time and competing priorities while modeling strong organizational leadership.
Instructional Leadership and Dual Language Program Support
Lead the development and implementation of high-quality, standards-aligned instruction across all content areas.
Demonstrate knowledge of elementary instructional practices, child development, and early learning foundations.
Utilize the district-adopted instructional framework to observe teaching, provide feedback, and support continuous improvement.
Promote culturally responsive teaching practices that meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Support collaborative team structures, including grade-level teams and intervention systems (MTSS).
Ensure effective implementation of core instruction, intervention programs, and enrichment opportunities.
Equity, Culture, and Climate
Lead with an explicit equity lens to ensure access, opportunity, and support for all students.
Foster a positive, inclusive school culture that promotes belonging, respect, and high expectations.
Demonstrate understanding of the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of elementary-aged students.
Build strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families.
Lead and monitor inclusive practices for students with disabilities.
Demonstrate knowledge of IDEA and FAPE implementation in supporting diverse learners.
Student Support, Discipline, and Safety
Implement a comprehensive student discipline system grounded in restorative and developmentally appropriate practices.
Promote social, emotional, and physical safety for students and staff.
Address behavior, attendance, and engagement using data-informed and trauma-informed approaches.
Support student activities and enrichment opportunities.
Respond effectively to crises and safety concerns with sound judgment and clear communication.
Data-Informed Decision-Making and Closing Opportunity Gaps
Analyze multiple data sources to guide instructional decisions and school improvement efforts.
Monitor student achievement and growth across all subject areas.
Identify and address barriers contributing to opportunity and achievement gaps.
Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional and intervention programs.
Family and Community Engagement
Build and sustain strong school–family–community partnerships.
Engage families in culturally responsive and linguistically accessible ways.
Utilize linguistically responsive communication practices to ensure meaningful family engagement; bilingual skills are an asset.
Collaborate with community organizations to enhance student support.
Promote a culture of shared responsibility and family partnership.
Compliance, Professionalism, and Growth
Ensure compliance with all district, state, and federal requirements.
Model ethical leadership, integrity, and accountability.
Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills.
Engage in ongoing professional learning and leadership development.
Support implementation of the MVSD Strategic Plan and Racial Equity Action Plan.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in educational administration or related field
Washington State principal certification
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Minimum of three years of successful certificated teaching experience (elementary experience preferred)
Successful elementary administrative experience preferred
Demonstrated commitment to equity and culturally responsive leadership
Conditions of Employment:
Criminal background clearance
Professional experience verification
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently sit, stand, and walk, bend neck and back, squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation and repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee will occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 5 lbs, must frequently lift/carry up to 10 lbs, and occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 20 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 100 lbs.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and intermittently works near video displays. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Selection for the interview is based on evaluation of the complete application file. Employment offer is based on employee evaluations, discipline history and attendance records, training and experience, references, and interview results. Hourly rate placement contingent upon verification of related experience.
Employment contingent upon completion and verification of form information and background check with fee to be paid by the applicant.
Pay for contracted classified employees is distributed once/month on the last business day of the month. Pay for employees who work less than a full year is spread through August. Questions concerning pay processes may be directed to the Personnel Office.
Benefit information:
Eligibility for SEBB medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD if anticipated to reach 630 hours in the school year. Eligibility for retirement based on 3.50 hrs/day or more for 5 or more consecutive months. Optional tax-sheltered annuities: Omni 403(b) and Deferred Compensation Plan. Personal leave, vacation leave (260-day employees only), and sick leave prorated based on FTE.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in educational administration or related field
Washington State principal certification
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
Minimum of three years of successful certificated teaching experience (elementary experience preferred)
Successful elementary administrative experience preferred
Demonstrated commitment to equity and culturally responsive leadership
Conditions of Employment:
Criminal background clearance
Professional experience verification
