Job Description

High School Principal Position

The High School Principal position for the 2027/2028 school year is being hired. Reports to: District Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Salary range: $93,500 - $136,212 on the Administrative Salary Schedule. FLSA status: Exempt. Work calendar: 209 days. FTE: 1.0.

Position Summary: The High School Principal provides instructional and operational leadership for Sterling High School, serving all students in grades 9-12 at Sterling High School. The principal is responsible for student safety and well-being, continuous improvement in academic and co-curricular programs, supervision of curriculum and staff, effective budget and resource management, and the cultivation of positive relationships with students, families, staff, and the broader community. Leadership will reflect the district's mission to prepare each student for life beyond graduation through a balanced curriculum, high expectations, community engagement, and a supportive learning environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement: Direct building-level curriculum, instruction, and assessment for the purpose of maximizing student achievement and closing opportunity gaps; stay current with research on curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices; Use objective and verifiable data from standardized assessments, district-developed assessments, and classroom performance to monitor and improve teaching and learning.
• Staff Supervision & Professional Development: Evaluate and supervise school personnel; provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional growth opportunities that align with district goals; Establish and foster an adult learning environment by maximizing collaboration and adult learning to improve instruction, providing teachers with materials, inspiring innovation, and valuing a sense of community; Recruit, hire, retain, and develop staff in collaboration with district leadership, consistent with district procedures.
• School Climate & Student Support: Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that meets the developmental, academic, and social-emotional needs of students in grades 9-12; Support systems for attendance improvement, student engagement, behavioral expectations, and restorative practices; Ensure consistent supervision and implementation of student discipline practices aligned with district policy, due process, and state law.
• Operations, Budgeting & Resource Management: Develop and manage building budgets based on documented program needs, enrollment, personnel, and operational requirements; maintain fiscal accountability and compliance; Manage use of school facilities; supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus; Organize school operations around improvement of instruction by maintaining a safe and orderly environment, upholding state laws, contracts, and district policies, managing personnel, maintaining the facility, efficiently managing financial resources, and coordinating effective instructional programs with a master schedule. Stay current with district policies, Board of Education standards, and relevant state and federal regulations.
• Communication & Community Engagement: Facilitate communication (oral and written) between personnel, students, and/or parents for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems, and/or resolving conflicts; Advocate for students, staff, and the district for the purpose of encouraging and promoting community involvement and outreach; Represent the school within community forums for the purpose of maintaining ongoing community support for educational goals and assisting with issues related to the school environment.

Other Duties: Serve on district committees and initiatives as assigned; Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Minimum Education or Formal Training: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field preferred and will be given first consideration. Additional coursework required for eligibility toward a Colorado Principal License is required or must be completed within an agreed-upon timeframe.

Minimum Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of teaching and/or administrative experience in K12 education.

Preferred Education, Formal Training, and Experience: Prior leadership experience in a secondary school setting, demonstrating an understanding of the developmental, instructional, and social-emotional needs of students in grades 9-12; Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations, including multilingual learners and culturally responsive teaching practices; Demonstrated work experience in supporting and coaching teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies; Bilingual proficiency preferred. Formal training, coursework, or professional experience that demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with bilingual students, families, and staff is highly valued.

Licenses & Certification: Colorado principal licensure or eligibility for Colorado administrative licensure.

Knowledge & Other Qualifications: Advance skills in dealing with students and staff with diverse needs; Knowledge of data analysis, curriculum and instruction, budgeting and accounting, special education laws, and master agreement/labor relations; Facilitation and problem-solving skills; Intermediate to advanced knowledge or ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate curriculum, discipline plans, and supervision/safety plans; Willingness to contribute to cultural diversity for educational enrichment; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Interpersonal relations skills; Ability to be a part of/work with a team; Customer service and public relations skills; Critical thinking and problem-solving skills; Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job; Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions; Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, building, and department procedures; Ability to stay current with district policy, standards, and training in the areas of data quality, data privacy, and cybersecurity with respect to student and staff data, and related information systems; Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with all people, including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds; Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.

Equipment & Vehicles Used: Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals; Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google Applications; Operating knowledge and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, and email.

Supervisory Duties: Yes: Supervises licensed and classified staff as assigned.

Essential Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements and Working Conditions - CLICK HERE

Application and Selection Procedure: Candidates: Apply online at . Completed and submitted online application. A current cover letter or letter of interest detailing information about the candidate and their interest in the position. A current, professional resume. Three current professional letters of reference. If you do not have internet access, a computer is available in the Human Resources Division, Hagen Education Center, 301 Hagen, Sterling, Colorado. Applications are reviewed to match candidates with position qualifications, and a limited number of candidates are selected for interviews. For the final selection, employment is contingent upon completing the post-offer screening process, including a background check and possible medical examination.

Benefits & Eligibility: RE-1 Valley School District is proud to offer eligible employees excellent benefits, which may include: Employer-paid health insurance. Optional dental and vision insurance. Supplemental Life Insurance Flexible Spending Plans Retirement Savings Plans Follow helpful link below for more insurance information Insurance Information - CLICK HERE

RE-1 Valley School District has two high schools, one middle school, one junior high school, three elementary schools and two preschools and serves approximately 1,910 students in the Sterling and Iliff/Crook areas, employing about 400 staff. RE-1 Valley School District utilizes a 4-day school week schedule (Tuesday-Friday). RE-1 Valley employs highly qualified, dedicated staff who believe our mission is to prepare all students for productive, successful lives beyond school through a balanced curriculum, activities, community experiences, global awareness, high expectations and interaction among students, parents and community. Visit the District website at for more information including updated job postings and salary schedules. Caliche Elementary and Caliche Jr/Sr High School, located outside Iliff, CO, are a part of RE-1 Valley School District. The District Administration Center is located in Sterling, CO (Logan County) in the Northeastern corner of Colorado on Interstate 76 alongside the Platte River. Having the largest population, approximately 13,900, in Logan County and much of the surrounding area, Sterling offers shopping, restaurants, numerous parks, a recreation center, access to medical care and is located near North Sterling Reservoir. Sterling is approximately 1 1/2 hours from Denver International Airport and 2 hours from Denver and the Front Range (I-25 corridor).

RE-1 Valley School District is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. RE-1 Valley School District makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

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