Principal - Apache Junction High School

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 a