Principal K-12 (FY26-27 School Year)

Gila Bend Unified Schools

Position Title: Principal (K–12)
Work Calendar: 12 Months | Exempt
Salary: Administrator Salary Schedule (Step 0–10: $75,000 – $95,000, based on experience and education)

Additional Compensation:

• Annual cell phone stipend
• Travel allowance based on job responsibilities
• Performance-based stipend awarded based on goal attainment and ongoing evaluation in collaboration with the Superintendent

Position Summary

The Principal leads the school as the instructional leader, responsible for improving student achievement, developing staff, and fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing learning environment. The Principal leads with a focus on continuous improvement, strong relationships, and measurable results for all students.

About Gila Bend USD

Gila Bend Unified School District is a small, rural district committed to serving every student, every day. The district values strong relationships, community connection, and a student-centered approach to education. Leaders in GBUSD are visible, hands-on, and committed to meeting the unique needs of a diverse student population.

Why Join GBUSD

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a close-knit school community
• Strong emphasis on relationships, collaboration, and student support
• Ability to lead with autonomy while working closely with district leadership
• A district culture focused on continuous improvement and doing what's best for students

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Ensure high-quality, standards-aligned instruction across all classrooms
• Use multiple data sources to monitor student progress and guide instructional decisions
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide timely, actionable feedback

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, support, and retain high-quality staff
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development aligned to school goals
• Build leadership capacity among teachers and staff

School Culture & Climate

• Establish and maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment
• Promote student engagement, attendance, and positive behavior
• Foster a culture of high expectations, accountability, and continuous improvement

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, supervision, and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district policies and programs
• Monitor and manage site-based programs, including federally funded initiatives

Family & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families and community stakeholders
• Communicate clearly, consistently, and transparently
• Represent the school in the community and collaborate with district leadership

Measurable Expectations (Annual)

• Demonstrate measurable growth in student achievement based on state and local assessments
• Improve or maintain student attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism
• Maintain a safe school environment with decreasing discipline incidents
• Retain effective staff and reduce turnover
• Implement and monitor a school improvement plan aligned with district goals

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in educational leadership or related field
• Valid Arizona Principal Certificate (PreK–12)
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Successful teaching experience: administrative experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong instructional leadership and data analysis skills
• Knowledge of curriculum, assessment, and school improvement practices
• Ability to build effective teams and develop staff
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to equity and continuous improvement

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

The work environment is primarily school-based, with both indoor and outdoor settings. The Principal regularly interacts with students, staff, families, and community members and must manage multiple responsibilities and priorities throughout the day.

The position requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
• Communicate effectively in person and through various communication methods
• Occasionally lift or move items up to 50 pounds
• Maintain focus and productivity in a dynamic and sometimes high-demand environment

The role includes responsibility for the safety, well-being, and supervision of students and staff.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gila Bend Unified School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status. The District is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in all aspects of employment.

Acknowledgment

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals in this position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Employees are expected to contribute to the overall success of the District and may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed to support the District's mission, vision, and goals.

Accepted by:

___________________________   _______________________________   _________________

Employee Name (Print)                 Employee Signature                              Date

___________________________   _______________________________   _________________

Supervisor Name (Print)                             Supervisor Signature                            Date