This posting is for a 1.0 FTE Secondary Principal assigned to W.F. West High School for the 2026-27 school year. The position begins July 1, 2026. The position is open until filled. For best consideration, apply by February 17, 2026.

A completed application packet should include the following:

Resume
Cover letter including personal qualifications, experiences and reasons for interest in the position
Three (3) Reference Letters
Copy of Valid Washington State Administrator Certificate
Copies of academic transcripts

Position Summary:

Chehalis School District is seeking a student-centered leader who is highly motivated to serve as grades 9–12 High School Principal at W.F. West High School. The ideal candidate will foster a collaborative and inclusive school culture that promotes academic success, student well-being, and staff development. This role requires a strong instructional leader with excellent communication skills, effective management and organizational abilities, a visible and accessible leadership presence, and a demonstrated commitment to cultivating a positive school climate.

Why Join Chehalis School District:

Chehalis School District serves approximately 3,000 students across five schools and is committed to high expectations, student-centered learning, and collaborative leadership. The district values strong partnerships with staff, families, and the community to support academic success and college and career readiness.

Candidates are encouraged to learn more about the district, community, and leadership opportunities in Chehalis by visiting: https://chehalisschools.org/WFWPrincipal

Key Responsibilities:

Uphold district policies, state laws, contracts, and budget/financial accountability to ensure effective school operations.
Oversee staff recruitment, assignment, supervision, and evaluation, fostering professional growth.
Promote a safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
Utilize data-driven decision-making to improve instruction and student outcomes.
Align school efforts with curriculum development, instructional best practices, and school reform initiatives.
Implement and evaluate educational programs.
Provide clear direction, guidance, and leadership to assistant principals and building directors to support high-quality school operations and student outcomes.
Cultivate strong partnerships with families, staff, and the broader community.
Support student programs tailored to diverse needs and interests.
Encourage public use of school facilities for educational and community activities.
Maintain active participation in community events, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.
Actively participate in district leadership and contribute to strategic planning initiatives.
Implement district vision and mission for student achievement.

Qualifications:

Master's Degree in educational administration or related field required
Valid Washington State principal certification
Minimum five years prior successful teaching experience
Demonstrated leadership and management qualities
Experience communicating information and directing presentations to various audiences and on various platforms
Experience developing positive and favorable relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members
Proficient with technology related to the position
Evidence of experience and training needed to perform the functions described in the secondary principal's job description
In District residency preferred, not required
Fingerprint/Background clearance
Knowledge of Washington state school reform initiatives and mandates

Preferred Experience:

Prior experience as an administrator or teacher at secondary grade level.
Supervising and evaluating certificated and classified staff in instructional and assessment practices.
Implementing student discipline and attendance programs.
Leading curriculum and program development.
Encouraging excellence in both students and staff through mentoring and recognition.
Strong communication skills for staff, student, and community engagement.
Experience with tiered intervention programs, data driven instruction, and technology integration in education.
Budget and grant management experience.
Knowledge of state required testing coordination, administration, and preparedness.
Proficiency in master schedule development.
Experience in student leadership development, including Associated Student Body (ASB) programs.

Contract:

Based on 260 days, to include 219 work days, 13 holidays, and 28 vacation days, with a salary range of $165,758-$184,175 (2025-26 salary listed; 2026-27 still to be determined). Terms and conditions are established by the district administrators’ agreement.

Benefits:

The District complies with State Law regarding SEBB (School Employee Benefits Board) and DRS (Washington State Department of Retirement Systems) eligibility and benefit. To be eligible, a person must work 630 hours in the school year. If eligible, SEBB benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, AD&D Insurance, Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA), and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP). Retirement benefits, if eligible, may include membership in TRS retirement plans in addition to voluntary Deferred Compensation Program and 403(b) Annuity enrollments. Paid time off and VEBA are also benefits outlined in the Administrator Employment Agreement.

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

Chehalis School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, ethnicity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to youth development organizations listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society.

Chehalis School District offers classes in many career and technical education (CTE) program areas, including Agriculture, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Sciences, Skilled and Technical Sciences, Health Sciences and STEM. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

El Distrito Escolar de Chehalis no discrimina en ningún programa o actividad por sexo, raza, credo, religión, color, origen nacional, edad, etnicidad, condición de veterano o estatus militar con baja honorable, orientación sexual, expresión o identidad de género, falta de vivienda, inmigración o estatus de ciudadania, la presencia de cualquier discapacidad sensorial, mental o física, neurodivergencia , ni por el uso de un perro guía o animal de servicio entrenado, y garantiza el acceso equitativo a las organizaciones de desarrollo juvenil enumeradas en el Título 36 del Código de los Estados Unidos como sociedades patrióticas.

El Distrito Escolar de Chehalis ofrece clases en varias áreas con programas de educación vocacional y técnica (CTE), incluyendo Agricultura, Negocios y Mercadotecnia, Ciencias de la Familia y del Consumidor, Ciencias Técnicas y Calificadas, Ciencias de la Salud y STEM. La falta de dominio del idioma inglés no será una barrera para la admisión y participación en programas de educación profesional y técnica.

Title IX Coordinator: Tommy Elder, 360-807-7235, telder@chehalisschools.org

Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Katie Howell, (360) 807-7245 option 3, khowell@chehalisschools.org

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Leslie Wohld, 360-807-7200, lwohld@chehalisschools.org

Career and Technical Education Coordinator: Don Bunker, 360-807-7235, dbunker@chehalisschools.org

Address: 310 SW 16th Street, Chehalis, WA 98532

Chehalis- Principal Secondary 9-12 (W.F.West High School) 2026-27