Job Description:

In preparation of anticipated openings for the 2026-2027 school year, applications are being accepted for the position of Red Mountain High School Principal with Mesa Public Schools.

Overview

The School Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the school, responsible for achieving high levels of student success, maintaining a positive and inclusive culture, and ensuring alignment with the District’s Strategic Goals, Vision, and Promise. The School Principal leads all aspects of school operations—including academics, personnel, management, and community engagement—to foster an environment where students and staff excel.

The School Principal models the essential skills and attitudes of the Mesa Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate by demonstrating ethical leadership, resilience, continuous improvement, and commitment to excellence.

Employment Type:

Principal - High School, Full-time

Salary Range:

$114,000-$150,480

Salary Procedures:

Years of administrative experience and education beyond Master's applied

Benefits:

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

Calendar:

Administrative Exempt, 12-month position

Reports To:

Executive Director

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Provides visionary leadership to advance the District’s mission and ensure all students meet or exceed academic growth and achievement expectations.
• Develops, implements, and monitors the school’s comprehensive improvement plan aligned with district strategic goals and accountability measures.
• Creates and maintains a culture of urgency, excellence, and continuous improvement in every aspect of the school.
• Sets clear expectations and performance standards for teaching, learning, and professional conduct.
• Leads the school in achieving measurable academic, behavioral, and operational results consistent with district priorities.

Instructional Leadership and Accountability

• Ensures the effective delivery of high-quality, standards-aligned instruction across all content areas.
• Supervises, observes, and evaluates certified and classified staff to ensure instructional excellence and operational efficiency.
• Provides targeted coaching and feedback to support professional growth and improve classroom practice.
• Uses data to monitor instructional effectiveness, student learning outcomes, and staff performance.
• Holds teachers and staff accountable for student outcomes, professional standards, and district expectations.
• Collaborates with district academic leadership to ensure curriculum alignment, professional learning, and instructional coherence.

Culture, Climate, and Community

• Establishes and sustains a safe, positive, and inclusive school culture that fosters belonging, engagement, and high expectations for all.
• Builds strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families to promote shared responsibility for student success.
• Communicates proactively with stakeholders to build transparency, collaboration, and community trust.
• Demonstrates resilience and determination in overcoming challenges and leading the school through change.
• Promotes inclusion through culturally responsive leadership practices and programs.

Continuous Improvement and Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Analyzes academic, behavioral, and operational data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Leads collaborative data teams and continuous improvement cycles to drive student achievement and staff effectiveness.
• Develops and implements strategies to improve student enrollment, engagement, and retention.
• Establishes and monitors key performance indicators to measure progress and ensure accountability.
• Facilitates reflective and evidence-based decision-making at all levels of the school.

Operations, Management, and Compliance

• Oversees all school operations, ensuring efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to district systems and processes.
• Follows and enforces all federal and state laws, district Governing Board policies, administrative regulations, and procedural guidelines.
• Ensures compliance with all reporting, documentation, and accountability requirements.
• Manages school budgets, staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation strategically to support academic priorities.
• Implements and monitors systems for school safety, student conduct, attendance, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensures alignment with directives, goals, and expectations established by district senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field
• Valid Principal Certificate (or eligibility for certification)
• Minimum three (3) years of successful teaching or other certified experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Education, Administration, or related field
• Minimum three (3) years of school leadership or administrative experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs)

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications below represent the knowledge, skill, abilities, and other characteristics necessary for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Understanding and demonstrating the essential attitudes and skills of the Mesa Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate (e.g., Ethical, Resilient, and Inclusive).
• Leading with the lens of the Mesa Public Schools’ Promise. 
• Expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
• Expertise in leading continuous improvement strategies.
• Ability to supervise, evaluate, and develop teachers and staff effectively.
• Knowledge of educational law, state and federal compliance, and district policy implementation.
• Experience demonstrating success in improving student achievement and school performance.
• Ability to lead school turnaround or significant improvement efforts.
• Ability to increase community engagement and student enrollment.
• Skill in setting measurable goals, making data-informed decisions, and ensuring accountability.
• Capacity to lead with a sense of urgency and resilience toward improvement.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage and be in compliance with various budgets.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and excellence for every student.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other educational systems and tools.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Primarily school-based with standard office and classroom equipment.
• Frequent interaction with students, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Occasional travel to district or community meetings.
• Possible evening or weekend work for school and community events.
• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods.
• Frequent walking, bending, reaching, and use of hands for typing and documentation.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Visual acuity for reading, computer work, and supervision of classroom and campus activities.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, high-accountability educational setting.
• Frequent engagement with students, teachers, families, and district staff.
• Environment requires adaptability, responsiveness, and professional composure under pressure.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodation needed to perform the essential functions of this position.