Principal, Coupeville Elementary

Position: Coupeville Elementary Principal
Location: Coupeville Elementary School
Supervisor: Superintendent
Association: Non-represented

POSTED: 6.18.26 

CLOSES: 6.29.26
 

The Coupeville School District Board of Directors presents an invitation to apply for the position of:

Elementary Principal 

Coupeville School District seeks a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as the next principal of our Elementary School (grades K-5). This exceptional instructional leader will work closely with students, staff, families, and community partners to create a vibrant educational environment with a strong culture and effective procedures that prepare all students for success.

The successful candidate will embrace Coupeville unique community identity while leading our school to new heights of excellence.

General Description: 

The Coupeville Elementary Principal effectively assists with the development and continuous improvement of grades K-5 instructional, and activity programs. 
Our Elementary School serves approximately 450 students in grades K-5, providing a personalized educational experience where students are known, valued, and challenged to excel.

A Culture of Excellence: 

We are committed to creating an exemplary learning environment where high academic expectations are coupled with strong support systems. The principal will lead efforts to continuously improve instructional practices, implement research-based strategies, and foster a culture of growth for both students and staff.

A Place Where Everyone Belongs: 

Our elementary school takes pride in fostering strong, personal connections between students and staff. We're small enough that everyone is seen and valued for their unique contributions, yet large enough to offer diverse opportunities in academics, and various student activities.

Effective Systems and Procedures: 

The principal will develop and maintain clear, consistent systems that support a safe, orderly learning environment. From attendance and discipline procedures to academic interventions and celebrations of success, these systems ensure that our school runs efficiently while maximizing instructional time.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: The Principal must have:

• a Master's Degree in Educational Administration or related area;
• a valid Washington State teaching certificate and successful teaching experience;
• a valid Washington State Administrative Credential;
• a demonstrated interest in working with students;
• a demonstrated ability to coordinate schedules, and communicate and work well with others, including students, parents, staff, and the media;
• a thorough understanding of and ability to facilitate development of Professional Learning Communities;
• computer literacy skills in order to maintain necessary records and work with the district's student information system;
• strong leadership and decision-making skills;
• successful experience as a principal or vice-principal preferred; successful experience in hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating employees;
• the ability to live in or near the district in order to participate fully as a member of the school and central Whidbey Island community;
• a demonstrated ability to communicate and work well with others;
• a helpful, calm, friendly, and polite manner when interacting with students, parents and school staff;
• the ability to make reasoned decisions;
• appropriate discretion concerning students, staff, and confidential or privileged information.

 
Essential Job Functions:

• Assist with supervision and evaluation of certificated and classified personnel.
• Provide leadership for certificated and classified school personnel concerning implementation of policies, rules and regulations, and concerning Elementary school programs.
• Increase teacher effectiveness through professional learning, evaluation and support
• Promote an environment that fosters high expectations, performance, respect and dignity for all students and staff.
• Delegate authority when necessary to the appropriate personnel.
• Regularly coordinate with staff to provide professional development appropriate to school employees.
• Work toward the intent of the district's Strategic Plan, School Improvement Plan & District Equity Goals.
• Keep informed of developments in educational research.
• Work with students, parents, the school counselor and school staff to support Response to Intervention and student learning.
• Work with other district supervisory personnel in the management of district affairs.
• Participate in professional development, including study, travel, conferences, professional meetings and self-evaluation, to increase knowledge and improve skills pertinent to leadership and management.
• Participate as a member of the Leadership Team.
• Serve on and/or lead committees, as designated by the superintendent.
• Manage all aspects of Board-approved student activities in accordance with Board policy.
• Create a data-driven plan for school improvement which supports the District's Strategic Plan
• Perform other duties as assigned by the superintendent.
• Implement and monitor school-wide behavioral expectations and policies including monitoring attendance and overseeing truancy interventions; address safety and welfare issues by holding meetings with parents, investigating incidents, documenting findings, contacting proper authorities and conforming to legal requirements and regulations.
• Share in supervision all after school activities.
• Support special education and regular education to ensure the success of all students
• Address building management concerns by working with the custodial staff, office staff, teachers and district staff including implementing school-wide safety and emergency protocols.

Instructional Leadership

• Provide visionary instructional leadership throughout the elementary school
• Lead curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation processes
• Facilitate a culture of continuous improvement in teaching and learning
• Coordinate professional development to enhance instructional practices
• Lead data-informed decision-making processes to improve student outcomes
• Observe, coach, and evaluate staff to improve instructional effectiveness

School Culture and Climate

• Create and maintain a positive, inclusive school culture where all students and staff feel valued
• Develop and implement strategies to build strong relationships among students, staff, and families
• Lead initiatives that promote student voice, leadership, and ownership of learning
• Ensure a safe, respectful learning environment for all students
• Foster school pride and traditions that strengthen community connections
• Build strong partnerships with families and engage them in their children's education

Systems and Procedures

• Establish clear, consistent systems and procedures for all aspects of school operations
• Develop and implement effective student discipline and attendance procedures
• Create and maintain master schedules that maximize learning opportunities
• Manage school operations, including budget, facilities, and resources
• Implement and monitor school improvement plans aligned with district strategic goals
• Supervise and evaluate certificated and classified personnel
   

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist student activities and extracurricular programs
• Support the development and growth
• Develop community partnerships to create authentic learning opportunities for students
• Collaborate with district leadership team on district-wide initiatives
• Engage actively in community events and activities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the superintendent

About the District

Coupeville School District is a public school district serving about 1030 students from preschool through age 21, with four schools on three campuses: Coupeville Elementary, Coupeville Middle and High, Alternative Learning Experience, and Open Den, our Open Doors Youth Reengagement program.

Coupeville schools are known as a place where students and teachers connect on an individual level. Every student is seen and valued for what they bring to our school community, and our commitment is to guide each student towards an educational foundation that propels them to reach their full potential.

Community engagement thrives in Coupeville, where the town actively rallies behind our students at various events, from the Homecoming Parade down Main Street to cheering for our Coupeville Wolves at home games. The district enjoys partnerships with local nonprofit organizations that fundraise in support of our students. Our consistently positive record for passing enrichment and capital project levies underscores the community's ongoing commitment to our educational mission.

In 2022, following an inclusive strategic planning process involving diverse stakeholders, Coupeville launched its five-year Strategic Plan. This comprehensive road map serves as our guide for decision-making and continuous improvement. Rooted in our vision to prepare every student for their future, our district is guided by core values: Students First, Accountability, Sense of Belonging, Transparency, and Educational Equity.

About Coupeville

Coupeville is located in the heart of Central Whidbey Island, approximately 45 miles north of Seattle and accessible by ferry or bridge. The town was settled in the 1850s by farmers and sea captains, who built the historic wharf and grew crops at the prairies on the edge of town.

Coupeville and Central Whidbey offer peaceful landscapes and a variety of outdoor pursuits. Hikers, bikers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts often take advantage of the area's natural beauty, beaches, and trail systems. Central Whidbey is home to two state parks (Fort Ebey & Fort Casey) as well as Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve.

In addition to the historic and waterfront aesthetic, the island enjoys a robust arts community; both performing and visual. The Coupeville farmers market is a popular stop for locals and tourists alike. Those visiting Coupeville will find small boutique shops, family farms, incredible restaurants, wineries, and numerous festivals that can be enjoyed all throughout the year.

Whidbey Health Hospital, Island County, and Coupeville School District are the largest employers in Central Whidbey. 10 miles north, you will find the city of Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Coupeville is a small town with wonderful people and a quaint charm, offering an exceptional quality of life for educational leaders who value community connection and natural beauty.

Unique Benefits of Leading at Coupeville

• Instructional Focus with Manageable Size: Lead meaningful instructional improvement in a school where you can know every teacher and student personally. Our size enables you to be truly hands-on with curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
   
• Culture-Building Opportunity: Shape and strengthen a positive school culture in a community that deeply values education and supports its schools.
   
• Community-Embedded Leadership: As a principal in Coupeville, you'll be recognized throughout the community and have the opportunity to make a visible impact beyond the school walls.
   
• Small-School Impact with Big Opportunities: Our size means you'll know every student by name while still leading innovative programs that rival much larger districts.
   
• Supportive Professional Environment: Work with dedicated educators in a collaborative atmosphere where your leadership will be valued and respected.
   
• Ocean-Side Innovation: Create learning experiences that take advantage of our unique island setting, from environmental science to community partnerships.
   
• Quality of Life: Experience the rare combination of professional challenge and personal fulfillment in one of Washington's most beautiful communities.

Terms of Employment: 

The contract term is from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.  The 2026-2027 starting salary (DOQ):  Step 1, $148,267 up to Step 12.

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and/or stand for large portions of the day.
• Works in an office or conference room, typically seated in a chair when meeting with staff, students and/or parents.
• Moves between offices, classrooms and around the school campus in routine job functions.
• Uses a desktop computer and mobile device(s) to maintain required notes and to access student information.

Application Requirements

1. Cover Letter (addressing qualifications)
2. Resume
3. Three current letters of recommendation
4. Copy of administrative credentials
5. Completed District Application Form
     

Application Procedure:
Apply online at Employment Opportunities - Coupeville SD 

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
• Position Begins: July 1, 2026
   

Disclaimer: This job description indicates the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work to be performed by someone in this position. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Candidates of Diversity Are Strongly Encouraged to Apply:

Coupeville School District welcomes, values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce.  Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This is in alignment with our CSD Equity Commitment Statement: "Whether about race, religion, language, immigration status, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, or ability, or a combination of these, we know that students deserve to be honored and respected for who they are. Coupeville Schools is committed to providing a safe, equitable, and inclusive working and learning community for all." 

Coupeville School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The board designates the superintendent to serve as the district's coordinator regarding: Title IX; Section 504/ADA; Civil Rights Compliance and to handle questions and investigate any complaints communicated to the district of alleged discrimination. Superintendent, 501 S Main, Coupeville, WA, 98239, phone: 360.678.2404.
 
 

Salary : $148,267