Elementary Principal - James Elementary

Elementary Principal - James Elementary Portales Municipal Schools James Elementary School - Portales, New Mexico This job is also posted in Portales Municipal Schools Job Details

Job ID:

5726949

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Jul 20, 2026 Job Description

Summary:

The Elementary Principal is a key instructional and operational leader responsible for providing professional leadership, supervision, and administrative oversight to promote the educational development of each student. The Principal establishes and maintains a positive learning environment, ensures compliance with district policies and procedures, and supports high-quality instruction, student achievement, and school improvement efforts. The Principal works collaboratively with staff, students, families, and the community to foster a safe, respectful, and effective educational environment aligned with the mission and philosophy of Portales Municipal Schools.

Licensure:

NMPED Level 3B Administrative License (or ability to obtain one)

Qualifications:

Minimum of three (3) years of certified experience at the administrative level Current New Mexico State Administrator's License/Certificate on file or ability to obtain licensure Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable The position is open until filled.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Instructional Leadership:

Demonstrate strong instructional leadership to support student achievement and academic growth Develop and maintain an optimal learning environment focused on educational excellence Support and evaluate instructional programs and staff to ensure maximum educational benefits for students Encourage professional growth through coaching, training, collaboration, and evaluation of instructional practices Keep abreast of innovative ideas, educational trends, and effective instructional techniques

Leadership and School Management:

Provide professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising, and evaluating school programs Ability to implement district policies and procedures effectively Ability to manage personnel, facilities, budgets, programs, and school resources Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to respond productively to change and manage multiple responsibilities Demonstrate ethical leadership and sound decision-making

School Operations and Climate:

Develop an atmosphere of respect, interest, enthusiasm, and collaboration within the school community Establish and maintain effective discipline, attendance, and student support systems Supervise and provide for the general welfare and safety of students during school activities and events Oversee safe, clean, attractive, and well-maintained buildings and grounds Maintain school records, reports, inventories, and documentation in a timely and accurate manner Plan and organize the school day and school year to ensure efficient operations

Community and Collaboration:

Communicate openly and effectively with students, families, staff, district administration, and community stakeholders Work cooperatively with colleagues, supervisors, and community organizations Develop and maintain positive school-community relationships Support the philosophy and mission of Portales Municipal Schools and promote the value of education The Elementary Principal will develop and maintain a highly effective school team dedicated to student success by fostering collaboration, promoting clear and consistent communication, and maintaining high expectations for academic achievement and school culture.

Administrative and Program Responsibilities:

Participate in the hiring and assignment of certified and classified staff as requested by the Superintendent Evaluate staff for continuous improvement of instruction and school effectiveness Develop and implement school philosophy and educational programs aligned with district and community values Collaborate with teachers and district personnel to develop curriculum and student services Ensure all school programs conform to district, state, and federal guidelines Ensure special education and special needs programs comply with applicable federal, state, and district requirements Administer and monitor the school budget Organize and oversee school committees, including SAT, PAC, and goal teams Supervise extracurricular activities and support student engagement opportunities Make effective use of consultants and specialists to strengthen instructional programs and staff development Adhere to confidentiality laws and district health and safety requirements Perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Administrative Staff

Physical Requirements:

Medium:

Lift up to 50 lbs occasionally & up to 25 lbs frequently May involve sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and moving light furniture

Safety/Health and Other Requirements:

Knowledgeable of universal hygiene precautions. An FBI fingerprint background check will be conducted on all new hires of Portales Municipal Schools at the employee's cost. Continued employment is contingent upon background check results. Must work in noisy and crowded environments. May require some time outside. May require after-hours work.

Work Environment:

Must be able to work in environments with various levels of noise, temperature, and air quality. Regular interruptions, flexibility, and patience are expected. Must be self-motivated and capable of completing assignments independently. After-hours work may be required. Portales Municipal Schools are located in the City of Portales, which has a population of about 15,000. The area's economy is based primarily on agriculture. Portales is the home of Eastern New Mexico University and is less than 20 miles from Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, NM. The Portales Municipal School District consists of six grade-level schools. This means that each school, except the high school, consists of two grade levels and is not community-based. Portales High School houses grades 9-12, while Brown Early Childhood Center is grades PK-K; James Elementary is 1st and 2nd grade; Valencia Elementary consists of grades 3rd and 4th; Lindsey/Steiner Elementary is grades 5th and 6th; and Portales Junior High is the home of 7th and 8th grade.

Position Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

$98,813 to $108,813 Per Year