Principal (Scott ES) Colorado Springs D11

Position: Principal

School: Scott Elementary School

Reports To: Area Superintendent

FTE: 1.0 (8 hours per day)

Days/Year: 210

Salary Schedule: 2026-2027 Executive Professional Salary Schedule (Group B)

Paygrade: E81A

Salary Range: $101,206 - $113,976

FLSA Status: Exempt

Why You Will Love Working Here

Scott Elementary offers a unique opportunity to lead a school community where academic excellence, character development, and student belonging are equally valued. Rooted in its Capturing Kids' Hearts framework and the "Back the P.A.C.K." values of Positivity, Achievement, Citizenship, and Kindheartedness, Scott has cultivated a culture that emphasizes strong relationships, empathy, student leadership, and high expectations for all learners.

We are looking for a candidate that will serve as the instructional and organizational leader of the school, fostering an environment where students are empowered to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate community members. Working in partnership with dedicated staff, engaged families, and the broader community, the successful candidate will advance student achievement while supporting the social-emotional growth and well-being of every child. Through a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and whole-child development, this candidate will build upon Scott's tradition of excellence and ensure all students have access to meaningful learning experiences, enrichment opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging.

Leaders at Colorado Springs School District 11 are collaborative, student-centered professionals who inspire excellence through vision, accountability, and care. They embody the district’s core values of integrity, equity, innovation, and service.

All leaders are expected to:

• Cultivate safe, inclusive, and equitable environments where all students and staff feel valued.
• Lead the design and delivery of rigorous, standards-aligned instructional programs.
• Use data to guide continuous improvement and close opportunity gaps.
• Manage personnel, budgets, and operations with efficiency, transparency, and integrity.
• Build partnerships with families and community organizations that strengthen student learning.
• Model lifelong learning and professional reflection to drive organizational growth.

Provide Instructional Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the school’s instructional programs.
• Promote evidence-based teaching practices and data-driven decision-making to support student achievement.
• Monitor student performance and guide staff in strategies to improve academic outcomes for all learners.

Foster School Culture and Climate

• Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and positive school environment that values equity, belonging, and innovation.
• Model and promote professional behavior, respect, and high expectations for students and staff.
• Implement programs and initiatives that support social-emotional learning, student engagement, and overall well-being.

Supervise and Evaluate Staff

• Hire, mentor, and evaluate teachers and support staff to ensure high-quality instruction and professional growth.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities to build staff capacity.
• Encourage collaborative problem-solving and shared leadership among staff.

Engage Families and Community

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, caregivers, and community partners.
• Communicate effectively about school programs, policies, and student progress.
• Promote family and community involvement in school initiatives and decision-making.

Manage School Operations

• Oversee daily school operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, facilities management, and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate safety protocols and emergency preparedness to maintain a secure learning environment.

Implement District Strategic Initiatives

• Collaborate with district leadership to execute the district’s Strategic Plan and school improvement goals.
• Utilize data and research to inform strategic planning, goal setting, and resource allocation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance instructional quality and student outcomes.
  
  

Promote Professional Growth and Ethical Leadership

• Model ethical, reflective, and culturally responsive leadership practices.
• Support a culture of continuous professional learning for staff and personal professional growth.
• Serve as an ambassador of the D11 mission, values, and commitment to excellence.

Knowledge of:

• Instructional leadership, curriculum development, and evidence-based teaching practices.
• Strategies to support student learning, social-emotional development, and school-wide equity initiatives.
• School operations, including budgeting, scheduling, facilities management, and compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Staff supervision, evaluation, professional development, and performance management processes.
• Data-driven decision-making, assessment tools, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Family and community engagement practices and strategies to build strong partnerships.
• Ethical, legal, and professional standards for school leadership, including confidentiality and cultural responsiveness.

Skills in:

• Leading, motivating, and managing staff to achieve instructional excellence and professional growth.
• Designing and implementing programs and initiatives that improve student outcomes and school performance.
• Analyzing and interpreting data to inform school improvement strategies and resource allocation.
• Facilitating collaborative decision-making and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Communicating effectively and persuasively with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Resolving conflicts, addressing behavioral and operational challenges, and implementing solutions.
• Promoting a positive school culture that fosters equity, inclusion, innovation, and high expectations.

Ability to:

• Lead a school with vision, integrity, and a focus on student success.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students and staff.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff effectively while promoting professional growth.
• Implement district initiatives, strategic plans, and continuous improvement efforts successfully.
• Build strong partnerships with families, caregivers, and community members to enhance student learning and well-being.
• Apply ethical and culturally responsive leadership practices in all aspects of work.
• Manage multiple priorities, complex operations, and critical decision-making responsibilities effectively.

• Master’s degree in educational leadership, curriculum, or related field.
• Valid Colorado Principal License (or eligibility for licensure) issued by the Colorado Department of Education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom or related instructional experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of administrative or leadership experience (assistant principal, dean, instructional coach, or equivalent).
• Preferred qualifications include leadership experience in multiple school levels (K–12), and/or bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other district-identified languages).

Work is performed in a school office environment and throughout the school campus, with frequent interaction among students, staff, families, and community members. The position may require extended hours, attendance at evening events, and availability during emergencies or high-need periods.

Duties are primarily sedentary with periods of light physical activity. Typical responsibilities may require standing or walking for extended periods; lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; climbing stairs; bending, reaching, holding, grasping, and turning objects; and using fingers to operate computer keyboards and other office equipment.

The position requires the ability to communicate effectively and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. All duties must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.