Description
WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT
POSITION DESCRIPTION
AREA: Principal
LOCATION: Muldown Elementary School
Whitefish School District seeks a Principal to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities, and become engaged citizens.
The Whitefish School District seeks a Principal with a track-record of raising student achievement to join the team of educators already dedicated to providing a deeper learning instructional program to all students. At Whitefish Public Schools, educators are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through the support of our school culture, the development and instruction of a rigorous curriculum, and the use of data to drive daily practice.
SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT:
The Principal serves as the chief administrator of Muldown Elementary School, providing leadership to support staff and students in pursuit of academic growth and social-emotional development. The Principal is responsible for day-to-day operations, implementing a rigorous curriculum, and fostering a positive school culture in alignment with the District Strategic Plan.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid Montana teaching license (or eligibility for Montana license) with a K-12 Principal endorsement (Masters degree required).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience as a building administrator.
- Experience working in a larger-sized school (75 or more staff).
- Experience as a teacher (5 or more years experience).
- Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding employment and student matters.
- Ability to write professional business correspondence and present information effectively to the public.
- Proven ability to manage time effectively and handle high-stress situations.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):
Instructional Leadership & Data Systems
- Actively shapes teaching and learning by setting clear goals, coaching teachers, providing feedback, managing the curriculum, and using data-driven decisions, shifting from traditional building management to a primary focus on instructional improvement.
- Leads the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks.
- Analyzes student performance, behavior, and attendance data to drive instructional goals and curriculum improvement.
- Regularly monitors classroom instruction and evaluates the performance of certified and classified staff members.
- Coordinates implementation and compliance of a guaranteed and viable curriculum that is horizontally and vertically aligned.
Administrative & Fiscal Management
- Oversees the school campus facilities regarding safety, security, accessibility, and maintenance.
- Works with staff to prepare yearly budget requests and monitors spending to ensure compliance with budget restrictions.
- Supervises the allocation of equipment, educational materials, and supplies.
- Oversees the preparation of attendance reports, test results, and other reports required by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI).
- Participates as an active member and attends appropriate meetings of the Administrative team, and the Board of Trustees.
Student & Community Relations
- Administers and assures student discipline that is fair, consistent, and follows due process, policy, and procedure.
- Acts as a liaison between parents and staff, particularly for students with special needs and learning disabilities.
- Communicates effectively with the community and develops working relations with local organizations.
- Works irregular or extended hours to supervise after-school events and activities.
- Supervises the development and distribution of the student handbook.
- Fosters a positive climate for student achievement
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
EQUIPMENT USED:
A variety of electronic and technology devices, copier, fax, telephone/voice mail.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside. The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints. The employee frequently will work irregular or extended hours while performing the duties of this job.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; occasionally walk and stand. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments.
MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are infrequently available. The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity. The employee is frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications.
The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY: $117,634.00
Requirements
Deadline for application is Monday, March 2 at 4:00 PM. All required materials/data must be submitted through SchoolSpring at this time to be considered. You will be contacted the week of March 17, 2026 if selected for an interview. Interviews will be held in person on April 7-8, 2026 - all travel/lodging costs are the responsibility of the candidate.
