Middle School Principal

RE 1 Valley Schools Sterling; Sterling (CO); On-site; USD 82,500 - 120,187; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Retirement Savings Plans

Dental and vision options

Job summary

RE-1 Valley School District in Sterling, CO seeks a Middle School Principal to lead grades 6–8 with a focus on instructional and operational excellence. The role oversees curriculum, staff supervision, safety, and community engagement to advance the district’s mission.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and at least five years of K-12 experience, with Colorado licensure or eligibility. The salary ranges from $82,500 to $120,187 on the Administrative Salary Schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's in Educational Leadership preferred and will be given first consideration.
• Minimum of five years of teaching and/or administrative experience in K-12 education.
• Colorado principal licensure or eligibility is required or must be completed.

Responsibilities

• Direct building-level curriculum, instruction, and assessment to increase student achievement.
• Supervise, assess, and monitor student performance using objective and verifiable information.
• Lead grade-level and content-area instructional improvement efforts, including progress monitoring and intervention systems.
• Develop and manage budgets based on program needs and enrollment; maintain fiscal control and report information.
• Foster safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for grades 6-8.

Skills

Instructional leadership

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree in Educational Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

INTERIM APPOINTMENT NOTICE: The Middle School Principal position for the 2026–2027 school year has been filled through an interim appointment. The district is maintaining this posting to build a qualified applicant pool for the 2027–2028 school year and any potential future openings. Candidates who apply may be contacted as part of a future formal hiring process.

HIRING FOR 2027/2028 SCHOOL YEAR

Reports to: District Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent

Salary Range & Category: $82,500 - $120,187 on the Administrative Salary Schedule

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Calendar: 209 Days

FTE: 1.0

Position Summary

The Middle School Principal provides instructional and operational leadership for the District's middle school program, serving all students in grades 6-8 at Sterling Middle School. The principal is responsible for student and staff safety and wellbeing, 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 to increase student achievement; remain knowledgeable of current research in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and adolescent development.
  • Supervise, assess, and monitor student performance using objective and verifiable information, including standardized, criterion-referenced, district, and teacher-developed assessments.
  • Lead grade-level and content-area instructional improvement efforts, including progress monitoring and intervention systems for students needing academic or behavioral support.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of district instructional expectations and accountability systems.
• Staff Supervision & Professional Development
  • Evaluate and supervise school personnel for monitoring performance, providing professional growth, and achieving overall school instructional objectives.
  • 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 Culture, Climate, and Student Support
  • Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that meets the developmental, academic, and social–emotional needs of students in grades 6-8.
  • 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, and Resource Management
  • Develop and manage budgets based on documented program needs, student enrollment, personnel, and other fiscal needs; keep programs within budget limits, maintain fiscal control, and accurately report fiscal information.
  • 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.
• Communication & Community Engagement
  • Facilitate communication (oral and written) between personnel, students, and/or parents for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems, and resolving conflicts.
  • Advocate for students, staff, and the district to encourage and promote community involvement and outreach.
  • Represent the school within community forums to maintain ongoing community support for educational goals and assist with issues related to the school environment.
• Other Duties
  • Serve on district committees and initiatives as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

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 K‑12 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 6-8.
• 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

• Advanced skills in dealing with students and staff with diverse needs.
• Knowledge of data analysis, curriculum and instruction, budgeting and accounting, special education laws, and employee 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 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

See attached link.

Application and Selection Procedure

• Candidates: Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/re1valley/onlineapp
• 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.
• 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

• Employer-paid health insurance.
• Optional dental and vision insurance.
• Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Plans.
• Retirement Savings Plans.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.