Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

ENSWORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

About the District:

Bend-La Pine Schools (BLS) is the fifth-largest school district in Oregon and comprises 33 schools, plus two charter schools across an attendance area of approximately 1,600 square miles. We employ over 2,000 staff members in licensed and non-licensed capacities, which makes us the second-largest employer in Central Oregon. At Bend-La Pine Schools, we believe in educating thriving students and know the importance of supporting our students to become kind and thoughtful humans who engage with the world around them. 

The School:

Bend-La Pine Schools welcomes applications of qualified persons interested in the position of principal at North Star Elementary School. We are a small, neighborhood elementary school located in the northeast section of Bend that first opened its doors in 2004. With only 180 students in one two-story schoolhouse, we are more like a big family.

The staff at Ensworth is dedicated to providing all students with a safe, warm environment. We are Community Eligibility Program School, which allows all students to participate in the free meal program. Breakfast is served in the classroom for all students. Lunch is again free to all in the cafeteria, and before students go home, they all have a healthy snack.

Our staff is dedicated to helping each student succeed. We are a Title 1A funded school, which allows us to provide additional services in reading. We have a strong history of academic excellence and look forward to working with you to continue that work with each student.

Learning to work together as a school community is important for everyone. Students work with teachers to develop the classroom culture.

For more information, visit the school website: https://www.bend.k12.or.us/ensworth

Position Overview: 

Position Title: Elementary School Principal

Location: Ensworth Elementary

Department: Teaching and Learning

Reports To: Executive Directors of Elementary Programs

The Elementary School Principal is a leader responsible for the overall administration, educational direction, and management for Bend-La Pine Schools. As the instructional leader, the Principal ensures a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for students, while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture among staff, parents, and the wider community. The Principal is entrusted with promoting high-quality instruction, implementing effective school policies and procedures, and cultivating a positive and inspiring educational experience for all parties.

The Search:

Bend-La Pine Schools utilizes a distinct search for each site in search of a Principal to ensure that the right candidate is selected for each school. Applicants who are successful through the screening process will receive an invitation to an in-person interview consisting of various activities at the school site and the district office. A site visit to the finalist’s current school site may be conducted as part of the interview process. All finalists will interview with the Superintendent, who has final decision-making authority. Names of and information about finalists participating in interviews for Elementary Principal will be shared publicly. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, professional resume, and three letters of recommendation by Sunday, May 5th, 2024. 

For questions regarding the opening or the application process, please contact Ryan Kelling, Director of Recruitment and Retention for Bend-La Pine Schools.

COMPENSATION 

• 224-day contract 
• Family medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Term life and long-term disability insurance 
• Professional development program and tuition reimbursement 
• Salary range: $126,546 – $134,797 

• Bend-La Pine Schools currently pays the employee’s portion of PERS, a 6% contribution of the employee’s annual salary 

SELECTION TIMELINE 

• Position closes: May 6, 2024
• Interviews: May 20, 2024
• Start date: July 1, 2024

JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Provide educational leadership, setting a clear vision for academic excellence.
2. Foster a positive and inclusive school culture among students, staff, and parents.
3. Collaborate with stakeholders to establish high instructional standards and curriculum development.
4. Support teachers' professional growth through mentorship and professional development opportunities.
5. Implement data-driven strategies to enhance academic achievement and student outcomes.
6. Manage day-to-day school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
7. Ensure compliance with educational policies, regulations, and legal requirements.
8. Create a safe and engaging learning environment, promoting student well-being and success.
9. Implement student support services and behavior management systems to meet diverse student needs.
10. Facilitate student engagement through extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.
11. Cultivate strong relationships with parents, guardians, and the community to foster collaboration and support.
12. Collaborate with community organizations and local agencies to enhance resources and educational opportunities for students.

NATURE OF WORK

The Principal is responsible for establishing a clear vision for academic excellence and fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Collaboration with teachers, staff, parents, and community parties is essential to set high instructional standards and ensure the development of a comprehensive curriculum that meets the diverse needs of students. The role extends beyond administrative duties, as Principals actively engage with students, parents, and the wider community to promote a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment.

In this position, Principals oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, managing resources, implementing policies, and ensuring compliance with educational regulations. Their focus on instructional excellence involves supporting teachers' professional growth and implementing data-driven strategies to improve student achievement. By cultivating strong relationships with parents, guardians, and community members, Principals foster collaboration, involving them in their child's education, and establishing valuable partnerships that enhance educational opportunities.

The role of an Elementary School Principal offers a rewarding opportunity to shape the educational journey of young learners, inspire a culture of lifelong learning, and make a lasting impact on the academic and personal development of students. The work of Principals contributes to creating an environment where students thrive, teachers excel, and the entire school community is engaged in the pursuit of educational excellence.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of educational leadership principles, practices, and strategies.
• Familiarity with curriculum development, instructional methodologies, and assessment practices.
• Understanding of educational policies, regulations, and legal requirements.
• Knowledge of student support services and behavior management systems.
• Understanding of data analysis and data-driven decision-making.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills to foster a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with stakeholders.
• Skills in strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Ability to facilitate parent and community engagement and build strong relationships.
• Proficiency in implementing professional development programs for teachers.

Abilities: 

• Ability to provide visionary educational leadership and establish a clear academic vision.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and improve student outcomes.
• Ability to create and maintain a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment.
• Ability to analyze student data to drive instructional improvements and enhance achievement.
• Capacity to manage day-to-day school operations and ensure compliance with policies.
• Ability to support teachers' professional growth and provide mentorship.
• Aptitude for fostering student engagement through extracurricular activities and programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold, or be able to obtain by July 1, 2023, Oregon Administrative Licensure
• Record of increasingly responsible positions in education
• Successful teaching and administrative experience 
• Clear understanding of IDEA, TAG, MTSS, ELD, and Title Programs 

• Understanding of best practices in early literacy and mathematics
• Understanding of CCSS and standardized assessments and the ability to use data to lead school improvement efforts 
• Effective management of school operations that support teaching and learning
• Experiences with systems around diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practices
• Strong communication skills, with a focus on being an exceptional listener, highly visible and approachable to help establish positive, collaborative working relationships with and among students, staff, parents/guardians 
• Understands and has experience in non-exclusionary practices for student behavior that may include: Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) and Restorative Justice practices 
• Experience with building collaborative teams and creating a positive and professional working environment for all
• Experience in current employment practices, goal setting, and evaluation and support of staff

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Elementary school teaching experience 
• Elementary school administrative experience
• Clear knowledge of elementary school scheduling, curriculum, and systems 

• Instructional leader with a focus on elementary school best practices and enriching curriculum to meet the needs of all learners 
• Professional experience with leading and building cultural inclusivity with an diverse group of students including, but not limited to, socio-economics, ability level, TAG, Life Skills, multi-lingual, identity and gender preference 
• Supportive of professional development opportunities and trainings that provide staff collaboration 
• Listens to and advocates for staff and students

• Ability to build and nurture relationships grounded in trust and compassion

BENEFITS INFORMATION

Bend-La Pine Schools provides its employees with a range of competitive and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, life and disability insurance, an employee assistance program, a 403(b) retirement savings plan, and various leave and professional development programs.

Bend-La Pines contributes the required 6% of employees’ annual salary on a pre-tax basis to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP) on the employee’s behalf. To learn more about the additional benefits or compensation options available for each employee group, please visit our website.

Application materials of final candidates may be published. Reference checks will be made and there may be a site visit of the candidate before selection. 

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Bend-La Pine Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Bend-La Pine Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.