Posting # 3-26-27

Job Title: Assistant Principal - Elementary

Open: Mar 2, 2026

First File Review: Internal file review Mar 23, 2026

First Round Interview: Mar 30, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026

Finalists Interview: Week of Apr 13, 2026

Closed: Open Until Filled

Leadership That Strengthens Learning

Elementary schools are shaped by the adults who lead them. At Lake Spokane Elementary, the Assistant Principal plays a meaningful role in setting the tone for how students experience school each day and how teachers experience their work.

This position carries real responsibility. It supports effective instruction and upholds our belief that all students will succeed. The Assistant Principal partners with teachers to strengthen classroom practice, supports students when they struggle, and works to remove barriers that may limit access to learning. Decisions are guided by what improves instruction and what builds trust within the school community.

Leadership in this role is steady and visible. It requires sound judgment, reflection, and follow-through. It means being present in classrooms, in hallways, and in difficult conversations. It means holding high expectations while also listening carefully and responding thoughtfully. The Assistant Principal works alongside colleagues, recognizing that improvement depends on shared effort and professional trust.

At its core, this position helps ensure that our actions match what we say we believe about students, about instruction, and about one another.

Salary and Benefits:
As outlined by and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Nine Mile Falls Administrators Association and Policies and Procedures of Nine Mile Falls School District.

The compensation range for the position is: Min $122,516 to Max $132,533.00. Salary placement will be at step 1 on the appropriate scale for the position. Previous relevant verified experience may result in higher step placement.

A typical work year consists of 260 days which will consist of workdays, holidays, vacation days, and other approved leave days. Administrators shall receive and may utilize illness and emergency leave consistent with state statute, board policy and leaves afforded other certificated employees.

Employees anticipated to work more than 630 hours per year will be eligible for Benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Standard benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability. Positions anticipated to work 70 hours or more per month for at least 5 months over a 12-month period are eligible for Retirement through the State Department of Retirement Services.

Schedule:
260 contract days, 8 hours per day. A typical work year consists of 260 days, which includes 12 paid holidays.

Work Location: Lake Spokane Elementary School (P–5)

Reports to: Jeff Baerwald - Superintendent / Tim Smith - Principal Lake Spokane Elementary

The Work of the Assistant Principal

The Assistant Principal works closely with the principal and staff to support the full life of the school. The work is varied, collaborative, and rooted in service.

Instructional Leadership

Participate in regular classroom walkthroughs and instructional conversations.
Support teachers in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment with district and state learning standards.
Assist in implementing and monitoring the School Improvement Plan.
Support professional learning communities focused on improving student learning.
Analyze multiple sources of student data to inform instructional decisions.
Support staff in developing and monitoring student growth goals.
Assist in evaluating certificated and classified staff in accordance with district and state frameworks.
Contribute to and lead professional development planning that strengthens instructional practice.
Support oversight of required state and district assessments.

Student Support, Behavior, and MTSS

Support consistent implementation of school-wide behavior expectations aligned with elementary best practices.
Assist in developing and monitoring Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for academics, behavior, and attendance.
Collaborate with counselors, interventionists, and special education staff to support diverse learning needs.
Monitor attendance, discipline, and intervention systems.
Engage in restorative conversations and problem-solving when challenges arise.
Analyze and evaluate data tracking systems to implement improvement measures to support student management and school culture.
Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal requirements related to student conduct and safety.
Serve as a mandatory reporter and uphold confidentiality standards.

Family Communication and Community Partnership

Partner with families in a thoughtful and solution-oriented manner.
Facilitate conversations when concerns arise between staff and families.
Support inclusive family engagement efforts.
Communicate clearly and professionally during both routine and complex situations.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and recommending candidates for hire.
Support and lead staff onboarding and mentoring.
Provide timely feedback and coaching.
Contribute to supervision and evaluation processes.
Promote collaborative decision-making and shared leadership.

Operations, Safety, and Resource Management

Share responsibility for daily supervision and operational oversight.
Support implementation of safety procedures and emergency protocols.
Assist with scheduling and staffing assignments.
Ensure accurate recordkeeping and required reporting.
Supervise student activities and events as assigned.
Assist in fulfilling legal responsibilities related to school operations.

Qualifications & Experience

Master’s degree in educational administration or related field.
Valid Washington State Principal credential (or ability to obtain prior to first contracted day).
Successful experience as a certificated teacher in an elementary setting.
Demonstrated knowledge of effective instructional practices appropriate to P–5 learners.
Experience working within systems that support student growth, intervention, and behavior.
Knowledge and effective use of technology to support instructional practices and building-wide systems.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
Knowledge of Washington State laws and regulations governing public schools.
WSP/FBI clearance (fingerprint and background check required upon hire).

Preferred

Previous experience in administrative type roles (assistant principal, principal assistant, dean of students, etc.).
Experience leading or supporting MTSS and PBIS processes.
Experience participating in or leading Professional Learning Communities.
Experience supervising and evaluating certificated and classified staff.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate resolution of complex situations.
Experience supporting student management systems aligned with restorative practices.
Experience using student data to inform instructional improvement.
Demonstrated understanding of developmentally appropriate instruction and assessment in a P–5 setting.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The Assistant Principal works in a dynamic elementary school environment that includes frequent interruptions, competing priorities, and time-sensitive matters requiring sound professional judgment.
The role requires strong interpersonal skills to navigate conversations with students, families, and staff, including situations that may involve conflict or heightened emotion. Professional composure and discretion are essential.
The workload can be demanding and deadlines may be inflexible. The position requires flexibility and the ability to shift focus while maintaining attention to detail.
The employee must be able to move throughout the building and campus regularly and may be required to lift materials or equipment weighing up to 45 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Employment Requirements

If an offer of employment is made, new employees must complete a background check for criminal history, including a fingerprint check by the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of the criminal history background check and approval by the Nine Mile Falls School District Board of Directors.

In the Nine Mile Falls School District

… each student will succeed

… effective instruction is paramount

… quality leadership matters

… reflection improves our practice

… we are each other's best resource

… positive relationships are foundational to our success

We continue to act in a way that matches our beliefs.

For questions, please contact:
Kyle Stussi, Human Resources Specialist
(509) 340-4302

The Nine Mile Falls School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Jeff Baerwald
10110 W Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls WA
99026
509-340-4300
JBaerwald@9mile.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Michelle Mace
10110 W Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls WA 99026
509-340-4300
MMace@9mile.org