TUMWATER SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 33
621 Linwood Avenue • Tumwater, Washington  98512
360-709-7020

PRINCIPAL
MICHAEL T SIMMONS ELEMENTARY

1.0 FTE
CONTINUING
2026-27 School Year
RATE OF PAY: $146,251 - $164,132 (26-27 Salary TBD)
Benefit Information
 
This position will remain open until filled. Tumwater School District reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening after 4 PM on FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026. It is in the applicant's best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

OUR COMMUNITY: If you’re looking for a place where history meets a serious love for the outdoors, you’ve found it in Tumwater. As the oldest American settlement on Puget Sound, we’re a community that’s proud of our roots—from the landmark brewery tower to the misty trails of Tumwater Falls—but we’re definitely not stuck in the past. There’s a specific kind of energy here; it’s a place where neighbors actually know each other’s names and the local schools are the undisputed heart of the town. You get the peace of a tight-knit community with the perks of being right next door to the state capital in Olympia, and when you need a city fix, Seattle and Portland are just a road trip away. We aren’t just looking for an administrator to sit in an office; we’re looking for a leader who wants to grab a coffee at a local spot, cheer at the Friday night games, and truly sink some roots into a community that is deeply invested in its kids.

OUR SCHOOL: If you’re ready to lead a school that feels like a family, Michael T. Simmons Elementary (MTS) is where you want to be. We aren’t just a building on 18 acres; we are a community hub with a legacy dating back to 1937. While we’ve modernized over the years, our "small school" heart remains exactly the same. At MTS, we live by the idea that many hands make light work—we have an incredible PTO and a staff that is genuinely all-in on making sure every kid feels safe, seen, and excited to learn.

We’re a Title I school that sees our diversity as our greatest strength. Whether it’s our bustling book fairs, spirit wear days, or the way our teachers collaborate in the trenches every day, there is a tangible sense of "team" here. We’re looking for a principal who wants to be more than just a boss; we want a partner who will walk the halls, listen to our families, and keep our "students first" mission moving forward. If you value kindness, creativity, and showing up for kids, you'll fit right in with the MTS family.

OUR MISSION: Continuous Student Learning in a Caring, Engaging Environment

OUR PROMISE: Every student is known by name, strength and need, and is prepared for the future they envision

PRINCIPAL OF MICHAEL T. SIMMONS
As the Principal of Michael T. Simmons Elementary, you will serve as the lead architect of a learning environment where every student is empowered to succeed. Your primary mission is to transform outcomes for our diverse student body by championing future-readiness and building authentic, deep-rooted partnerships with our families and the broader Tumwater community. At MTS, leading means more than managing; it means driving high-leverage teaching practices that ensure academic excellence is accessible to every child who walks through our doors.

Aligning with the Tumwater School District Strategic Plan launched in the 2025-2026 school year, you will be the catalyst for a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement. We are looking for a leader who balances high support for our dedicated staff with a firm commitment to culturally responsive practices, ensuring our school remains a safe, inclusive, and rigorous place for all. By grounding your leadership in these district goals, you will help write the next chapter of the MTS legacy—one defined by equity, innovation, and a relentless focus on student growth

QUALIFICATIONS

Valid Washington Administrative Credential (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
Master’s degree in School Administration, Education or related field
Successful experience as a classroom teacher and building administrator preferred
Criminal justice fingerprint clearance

APPLICATION PROCESS
To have a complete file, the following must be received in the Tumwater School District Human Resources Department:

(1) a letter setting forth personal qualifications, experiences and reasons for interest in the position

(2) a current résumé

(3) a minimum of three reference letters

(4) a copy of applicant’s credentials

(5) copies of academic transcripts from colleges/universities indicating degree(s) - unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted

Deadline: The position will remain open until filled. However, for best consideration all application materials should be received by the Tumwater School District’s Human Resources Department no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, March 6^th, 2026.

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Contract: Based upon 240 days, excluding holidays and vacation days, and with a salary range of $137,123 to 153,507 (2026-2027 salary range TBD).

REQUIREMENTS:

Leadership & Vision: Ability to develop and sustain focus on a shared mission and clear vision for improvement of teaching and learning.
Instructional Knowledge: Understanding of effective instruction, academic support systems, and social/emotional support systems.
Standards & Frameworks: Knowledge of state learning standards and skills in using an instructional framework (Danielson preferred).
Communication: Ability to connect with students, staff and community members in a mutually respectful, supportive and accessible manner.
Data Literacy: Ability to use data to drive instructional decisions and experience using data analysis protocols to develop learning goals.
Personnel Management: Training and skills in recognizing professional performance and conducting personnel evaluations for all school staff.
Team Building: A leadership style that develops teamwork, motivation, accountability, and appropriate delegation.
Physical Ability: Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Creating a Culture: Provide quality educational leadership to create a learning environment sensitive to diverse socioeconomic and ethnic groups. Promote high expectations, performance, respect, and dignity for all students and staff.
Ensuring School Safety: Lead a school-wide discipline system, specifically Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS). Connect with students, staff, and community in a mutually respectful and accessible manner.
Planning with Data: Create a data-driven plan for school improvement that supports the District’s Strategic Plan.
Aligning Curriculum: Work collaboratively with staff to establish program and staffing levels appropriate to site and district resources. Support special education and regular education to ensure the success of all students.
Improving Instruction: Increase teacher effectiveness through professional learning and support. Demonstrate professional preparation and scholarship.
Managing Resources: Lead staff, management teams, and the community in a positive team effort.
Engaging Communities: Develop strong relationships with parent and community partners.
Closing the Gap: Ensure the learning environment and support systems are sensitive to the diverse needs of the student population.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Tumwater School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status 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: Civil Rights Compliance Officer – Meagan Dawson, 360-709-7030, meagan.dawson@tumwater.k12.wa.us. Title IX Coordinator – Wendy Bromley, 360-709-7020, wendy.bromley@tumwater.k12.wa.us. Section 504 Compliance Coordinator – Deena Alley, 360-709-7030, deena.alley@tumwater.k12.wa.us. Address - 621 Linwood Ave SW, Tumwater, WA 98512.

Tumwater - Principal 26-27