Job Description:

High School Principal

Apache Junction Unified School District (AJUSD)
Full-Time, Exempt | 12-Month Contract
Salary Range: $80,000 - $115,000 DOE
Reports To: Superintendent

Lead a High School. Build a Culture. Change Lives. Put Kids First.

At Apache Junction Unified School District, we believe every student deserves an adult who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them see a future full of possibility. We are seeking an exceptional High School Principal who is ready to lead with purpose, inspire excellence, and champion our Kids First mission.

This is more than a principalship. It is an opportunity to shape the culture, vision, and future of Apache Junction High School while creating an environment where students thrive, staff grow professionally, and families feel connected and valued.

We are looking for a visionary, student-centered leader who combines strong instructional expertise with emotional intelligence, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The successful candidate will believe deeply in relationship-building, academic excellence, and preparing every student for success in college, careers, military service, and life.

Position Summary

The High School Principal serves as the instructional, operational, and cultural leader of Apache Junction High School. The Principal is responsible for developing and executing a shared vision for student achievement while fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing school environment aligned with AJUSD's Kids First mission.

This leader works collaboratively with students, staff, families, community partners, and district leadership to ensure every student receives a high-quality educational experience. The Principal leads school improvement efforts, develops staff capacity, oversees campus operations, and creates a culture where students and employees feel supported, empowered, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Visionary & Instructional Leadership

• Promote and model AJUSD's Kids First mission in all decisions and interactions.
• Develop, communicate, and implement a shared vision focused on student success, school improvement, and continuous growth.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs that improve student achievement and college and career readiness.
• Champion innovative instructional practices, technology integration, and personalized learning opportunities.
• Monitor curriculum implementation and ensure alignment with state standards, district priorities, and accreditation expectations.
• Utilize student achievement and school performance data to drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
• Lead professional learning and instructional improvement initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning across the campus.

School Culture & Student Success

• Foster a positive, safe, welcoming, and inclusive school culture where students feel connected and supported.
• Maintain high visibility throughout the campus and actively engage with students, staff, and families.
• Promote student leadership, engagement, and meaningful participation in school life.
• Support social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and student wellness initiatives.
• Ensure fair, equitable, and consistent student discipline practices.
• Create systems that support academic achievement, attendance, graduation, and post-secondary success.

Staff Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, hire, supervise, develop, and retain highly effective certified and classified staff.
• Conduct observations and evaluations in accordance with district policy and state requirements.
• Build leadership capacity among teachers and staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional growth opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative professional culture grounded in trust, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Facilitate difficult conversations and personnel matters with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
• Recognize and celebrate staff contributions and accomplishments.

Operational & Organizational Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the high school, including instructional programs, student services, athletics, activities, and campus safety.
• Develop and manage school budgets and resources responsibly to support strategic goals and student outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state and federal regulations, and all applicable laws.
• Lead campus safety planning, emergency preparedness efforts, and crisis response procedures.
• Utilize technology and AI-supported tools to improve communication, operational efficiency, and decision-making.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation to ensure effective school operations.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with families, businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions.
• Serve as a visible and positive representative of the school and district.
• Foster open communication and meaningful collaboration among all stakeholders.
• Engage families and community members as active partners in student success.
• Develop partnerships that expand opportunities for students through internships, career exploration, dual enrollment, and other post-secondary pathways.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Education or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Valid Arizona Principal Certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Education
• Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Minimum six (6) years of successful teaching experience
• Successful campus or district leadership experience required; high school administrative leadership experience strongly preferred
• Experience supervising and evaluating instructional staff
• Knowledge of high school curriculum, special education, school finance, and Arizona education law
• Demonstrated success leading school improvement efforts and improving student outcomes
• Experience in staff recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
• Proficiency with educational technology, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Student Information Systems
• Comfort using or learning AI-supported tools to improve leadership effectiveness and efficiency
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment

Leadership Qualities We Value

• A relentless belief that all students can succeed
• A deep commitment to student well-being, achievement, and belonging
• Visionary leadership grounded in service, integrity, and accountability
• The courage to make difficult decisions in the best interest of students
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
• A visible, approachable leadership style that builds trust and credibility
• Strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills
• A growth mindset and commitment to continuous improvement
• An innovative spirit balanced with practical decision-making
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for every student
• The ability to unite stakeholders around a shared vision for success

  Notice of Nondiscrimination

  Apache Junction Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.