Tonasket School District
Position Opening: Middle School Principal
Join our team!
The Tonasket setting is rural with magnificent topography of mountains and valleys. The Okanogan River, part of the Columbia River system, flows through the town of Tonasket. There are many lakes in the area, some large and others quite small. The climate is best described as semi-arid with four definite seasons.
OUR BUILDING CULTURE:
The culture of Tonasket Middle School is solidly built on a growth mindset philosophy. As a staff, we strongly believe that all staff and students can be successful. We are a closely connected team, rooted in taking care of each other first as individuals and then as educators. We support each other through tough times, lean on each other, and celebrate our successes as well as our struggles.
From Our Middle School Staff
Why do you like working here?
- "I love the supportive and inclusive atmosphere of staff and students. The staff here is always willing to go the extra mile to help students and each other."
- "My colleagues are professional, real, and kind. The kids are amazing. We treat the whole child here."
- "I like working for the Tonasket School District because we are a small district. The community supports our efforts to be competitive with larger districts. The surrounding area offers many recreational activities no matter the season. Finally, this is a great place to raise children."
- "The kids make my day and it is nice to have colleagues that have the same values and attitudes"
What it’s like to work here?
- "The kids come first, especially their social emotional well being. That we look at alternate forms of teaching to focus on development of a love of learning as much as academics."
- "We are a family."
- "You are working with a fun age group that needs lots of patience, kindness, understanding, and sense humor."
"Relaxed and rigorous all at the same time. We as a staff are self-motivated and care about the kids."
When you face challenges in your job, how do staff support each other?
- "The staff here is extremely supportive of each other. We meet frequently to talk, advise when necessary, and refine ideas."
- "The staff here is incredible at supporting each other with issues in and out of the classroom. Our grade level and content area teams are great."
- "I have always had the support of supervisors. I work for the Hispanic community and despite our great differences I have always seen support for these students. The school does not make any difference between the English and Hispanic community."
- "Our staff is supportive whenever each of us falls. We are a small unit that really cares for each other."
Our District Mission and Culture
Focused on learning and linking learning to life.
Embrace a welcoming and collaborative school climate that encourages staff and student initiative, dynamic learning, a sense of community, and ethical decision-making, while promoting and valuing mutual respect, safety, health, and our rural heritage.
Online Application Link
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY:
Tonasket is a small rural community located along the eastern bank of the Okanogan River in north-central Okanogan County, Washington. The city was named in honor of Chief Tonasket of the Okanogan Indians who historically used the present city site for an encampment. State Highway 97, the main north-south highway through central Washington, bisects the city on its way north to the Canadian border approximately twenty miles north. The city, with an elevation of approximately 900 feet above sea level, has a population of about 1000 people.
Tonasket serves as a hub for agricultural and forestry industries in north central Okanogan County.
It is home to the offices of the Tonasket Ranger District of the Okanogan National Forest. The city is also increasingly becoming a convenient jumping-off point for visitors coming to the area to enjoy the myriad of opportunities for outdoor recreation in the surrounding areas.
RECREATION IN OUR AREA:
FISHING - The Tonasket area has a multitude of lakes, streams, and rivers, hence the name "Many Lakes Recreation Area." Our area is a fisherman's paradise.
HUNTING - Our area has thousands of acres of federal and state public land with vast opportunities for hunting. We have big game, small game, and upland game birds and waterfowl.
SNOW FUN - Highlands Nordic Sno-Park offers over 36 kilometers of beautifully groomed trail for both classic and skate skiing. Sitzmark Ski Area is located 20 minutes northeast of Tonasket on Havillah Road. Sitzmark Ski Area offers dry powder snow, lots of sunshine, great views, small lift lines, and low ticket prices. The ski area has 80 acres of skiable terrain for the beginner to most experienced skier/boarder. Bonaparte Sno-Park offers 52 miles of snowmobile trails. There are numerous lakes for ice fishing in our area.
TRAILS AND HIKING- Okanogan County is unique in that it has multiple trail systems that range from low elevations in the valley to higher elevations in the wilderness areas. Depending on the governing landowner agencies, trails are available to hike, ride bikes, ride horses and some will even allow motorized vehicles like ATVs
The Tonasket School District is currently looking to fill a Middle School Principal position
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
- Open until filled.
A COMPLETE APPLICATION INCLUDES:
A formal letter of application.
A current resume.
A completed application form.
Placement file or at least five current letters of reference that address your qualifications.
College transcripts.
Valid Washington State certification and principal’s certification.
CURRENT SALARY RANGE:
$105,308 - $127,846
WE ARE LOOKING FOR A LEADER WHO:
values building positive relationships with all kids;
exhibits personal responsibility and accountability;
builds and maintains trust with staff, students, parents, and community members;
values and respects the staff culture and can encourage and promote a healthy school climate;
possesses the leadership to inspire staff to continue the working climate that makes Tonasket Middle School successful;
possesses excellent interpersonal skills, including the desire and ability to listen;
has classroom teaching experience to lead our middle school team;
mentors with unquestioned integrity, strong moral and ethical character, and an enthusiastic, engaging leadership style with the ability to inspire and communicate a shared vision;
welcomes staff input and supports new programs and ideas;
can provide TPEP support;
instills a focus on student learning through the continued support of PLCs and the MTSS model of instruction;
is consistent and has an effective discipline process that encompasses restorative practices;
supports the Teach the Whole Child approach to education;
fosters authentic parent engagement and involvement in student learning;
is knowledgeable in budgeting and strong managerial skills for equitable dispersion of funds;
values cultural diversity.
ABOUT OUR DISTRICT:
Tonasket School District is located in rural north-central Washington and is one of the largest geographical districts in the state serving a school population of 1,061 students and 163 staff. All district facilities are on the same campus.
Our excellent administration, staff, and faculty serve over 1000 students district-wide. In addition to our strong core program, we offer an extensive home school outreach program, and special purpose instructional and co-curricular programs designed to meet student needs.
The Tonasket School Board, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, and community take pride in the capabilities and achievements of all our schools and many programs. We are all dedicated to continuing on our journey to excellence. We desire each of our schools to become known as a “highly effective school’.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The middle school principal has full responsibility for the administration of the school and supervision of all staff. He/she is expected to be proactive, highly visible, and able to maintain a warm, productive school environment that fosters high expectations. Provides direction, enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership necessary to develop and maintain an excellent learning environment for students.
JOB GOAL:
Establish a positive school climate and appropriate curriculum which meets the needs of students; maximize learning through effective management and supervision of personnel, students, space, and other resources; provide vision and leadership to the educational process; engage parents and the community in the education of students.
THE MS PRINCIPAL SUPERVISES AND EVALUATES:
Assigned staff, including teachers, paraeducators, secretaries, and other district personnel while they are working in the building or on the grounds. Supervises students during the school day, at extracurricular activities, and on school property.
MS PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
As the school leader, he/she will be responsible for involving all members of the school community in the development of student learning improvement plans, which focus on goals and strategies to improve student achievement.
Facilitate educational leadership in creating a positive environment conducive to teaching and learning.
Lead in the development and successful implementation of school improvement goals and objectives, which increase student achievement through team efforts.
Use comprehensive knowledge of current research in education and proven abilities in curriculum and instructional design to meet individual needs in a diverse student population.
Provide a loving, nurturing climate for students while using restorative discipline techniques in a common-sense atmosphere.
Provide leadership for selection, placement, professional development, and evaluation of assigned staff.
Communicate effectively and openly with staff, parents, and the community; continue positive school and community relations; be active in the community.
Be an effective and creative problem solver.
Direct the school building-level instructional program development, implementation and evaluation.
Develop the school budget and manage allocated funds in conjunction with the School Leadership Team, and in accordance with the district strategic plan, policies, and contractual obligations.
Provide leadership for multiple models of classroom organization.
Provide leadership and support for diversity in activity offering, including student government and co-curricular.
Effectively supervises athletic events, school activities, music performances, and other school-related events.
Actively engage our diverse community in building educational success.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
MS PRINCIPAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification in Washington State as a School Administrator; successful experience as a full-time administrator preferred. Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills preferred. Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, supervision, evaluation, curriculum, technology, instructional practices, and disciplinary strategies. Ability to work cooperatively with the administrative team to positively guide the district and achieve its educational goals.
JOB INFORMATION CONTACT:
District Office Receptionist/PR and Communications Manager
Phone: 509-486-2126
Tonasket 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 employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Steve McCullough, Superintendent, 35 HWY 20 East. Ph. 509-486-2126 email: smccullough@tonasket.wednet.edu
El Distrito Escolar de Tonasket no discrimina en cualquier programa o actividad sobre la base de sexo, raza, credo, religión, color, origen nacional, edad, veterano o militar, orientación sexual, expresión o identidad de género, discapacidad, o el uso de una perro guÃa entrenado o animal de servicio y proporciona un acceso equitativo a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados. El siguiente empleado(s) ha sido designado para manejar las preguntas y quejas por presunta discriminación: Steve McCullough, Superintente 35 HWY 20 East. Tel. 509-486-2126 correo electrónico: smccullough@tonasket.wednet.edu