Principal

Principal•

Middle School JobID:

4071

Position Type:

Administration/Principal

Date Posted:

5/13/2026

Location:

Centennial Middle School

Date Available:

July 2026

Closing Date:

06/01/2026

Position Title:

Principal•Middle School Exempt

Site:

Centennial Middle School

Direct Supervisor:

Superintendent

Salary:

A competitive salary commensurate with education and experience: Middle School Principal salary schedule ($107,374•$137,589 based on the 25/26 Salary Schedules, education and experience)

Work Calendar:

Middle School Principal Schedule:

206 Days (End of July•Mid June) District Summary Nestled in the heart of Colorado's breathtaking Western Slope, the communities of Montrose and Olathe offer an unmatched quality of life surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities in the country. From the dramatic beauty of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the world-renowned slopes and festivals of Telluride and the majestic San Juan Mountains, adventure is never far from home. Residents enjoy year-round access to hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, rafting, camping, hunting, and countless rivers, lakes, and streams that make the Western Slope a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. At the same time, Montrose County School District RE-1J offers the unique advantage of being one of Colorado's largest rural school districts—large enough to provide innovative programming, strong district support, and opportunities for growth, yet small enough to maintain the close-knit relationships and welcoming culture that make our communities special. Our district is deeply committed to academic excellence, innovation, and preparing students for the future through a strong emphasis on STEM education, the arts, and hands-on learning experiences. Life in Montrose and Olathe offers the perfect balance between professional opportunity and personal fulfillment. Employees enjoy short commutes, supportive schools, strong community connections, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while living in one of the most beautiful regions in Colorado. Whether you are looking for adventure, community, professional growth, or a place to raise a family, the Western Slope provides an extraordinary place to live, work, and lead. Benefits At MCSD, we care about our employees and their loved ones. Our benefits package consist of the following items: a variety of health insurance plans with employer contribution, including dental and vision insurance, Telehealth, a $50,000 life insurance policy with optional additional coverage, PERA retirement contribution, supplemental insurance options including pet insurance, no match tax shelter account options including 401K, 457(b), 403 (b) and Roth, before tax deductions and flexible spending options, paid leave options and holidays based upon the position, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Added perks: Great people to work with, professional development and advancement opportunities, and multiple wellness programs and incentives. Description of Centennial Montrose County School District RE-1J is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and visionary principal to lead Centennial Middle School, a state of Colorado recognized School of Innovation and one of the premier middle schools in the region. Centennial Middle School has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and student-centered practices, consistently earning recognition as a Colorado "School to Watch" for its commitment to high levels of student achievement, strong instructional systems, and a positive school culture. Serving approximately 500 students and supported by a dedicated staff of 50 professionals, Centennial is known for fostering meaningful relationships, high expectations, and continuous improvement. The Centennial staff and community are seeking a dynamic leader who values and honors the school's rich traditions while also bringing the vision, energy, and leadership necessary to guide the next chapter of success. The ideal candidate will be an instructional leader who is highly collaborative, visible, and student-focused, with the ability to inspire staff, support innovation, and build upon the systems and practices that have made Centennial a model middle school within the district and across the state. This leader should demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to partner effectively with families and the community, and a commitment to supporting both academic achievement and the social-emotional growth of students. As Centennial enters a transition in leadership, the school community is looking for a principal who can provide stability while also continuing to move the school forward through innovation, systems improvement, and advocacy for students and staff. The successful candidate will embrace collaboration with district leadership and neighboring schools while continuing to position Centennial Middle School as one of the most prestigious and high-performing schools in Montrose County School District RE-1J and the State of Colorado.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning, development, organization, coordination, and super­vision of instructional programs and activities, which includes curriculum development, program and activity development, and design and delivery processes, and in the development of implementation strategies. Work with the community, parents, and students in many activities, including volunteer involved parents and an active Parent Advisory Committee. Perform need assessments, feasibility planning, and a variety of other research and development functions and activities as assigned. Advise, counsel, and assist instructional, support, and ancillary personnel in problem solving activities pertaining to student behavior management, shaping, and control problems, and in the determination of alternative problem solutions. Review, inspect, audit, and evaluate student attendance processes and procedures, and recommends revisions as necessary to the process to ensure an effective and efficient operational mode. Supervise student registration and placement in accordance with individual student instructional needs. Support the planning, organization, and coordination of an instructional support program, including pupil services, instructional materials develop­ment, storage, and retrieval systems. Manage site budget planning and expenditure control process. Review, audit, and evaluate instructional and non-instructional personnel performance and provides technical performance evaluation input. May assist in the planning, development, and organization of District and site advisory committees and groups. Assist in development and implementation of staff motivational strategies. All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

Middle School Colorado Academic Standards Effective instructional practices and evidence-based teaching strategies Assessment systems and data analysis Mastery learning and student-centered instructional models State and federal education laws and accountability requirements Strategic planning Skill in: Experience managing complex initiatives and multiple projects simultaneously Instructional leadership and systems thinking Supporting and coaching educators in improving instructional practice Data analysis and data-informed decision making Collaboration and relationship-building with school staff Effective communication and facilitation Ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders Ability to leverage technology to support communication, collaboration, and system implementation Education & Experience Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying: Education must commensurate CDE's licensure requirements Hold a valid Colorado Principal's license or eligible to obtain a Colorado Principal's license Three years of licensed experience in a middle school or secondary setting Experience with diverse student populations Three years of successful principal experience is strongly preferred Excellent written and oral skills Physical Requirements The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions. Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 5 to 50 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. This type of work involves sitting but may involve walking or standing. Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, providing oral information, the manual dexterity to operate business related equipment, and handle and work with various materials and objects are important aspects of this job. Ability to travel to local schools. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Condition of Employment:

Criminal Background Check required for hire Clean driving record Insurability by the District's liability insurance carrier