PK-4 Elementary Principal

ELC

Estherville

Elementary Principal – Demoney Elementary

Location: Estherville, Iowa
Position Type: Full-Time, Administrative
Start Date: July 1, 2026 (or as negotiated)
Application Deadline: First review of applications will occur on April 28, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.

About the Position

Estherville Lincoln Central (ELC) Community School District is seeking a dynamic and student-centered leader to serve as Elementary Principal at Demoney Elementary. The successful candidate will lead a collaborative staff in advancing district priorities aligned to curriculum, instruction, and student support systems, including ongoing work in PLC practices, MTSS, and literacy improvement.

This position requires a leader who can effectively balance strong relationships, clear expectations, and systems-level thinking to support both staff and students.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of high-quality Tier 1 instruction
• Support and grow effective teaching practices through coaching, feedback, and professional learning
• Lead and support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on student outcomes
• Utilize student data (academic, behavioral, and attendance) to inform decisions and improve outcomes
• Ensure alignment of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) across academics and behavior
• Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture for students and staff
• Communicate clearly and consistently with staff, students, and families
• Supervise and evaluate staff, maintaining high expectations and accountability
• Collaborate with district leadership, instructional coaches, and building teams to align practices with district goals

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Demonstrate strong instructional leadership with a focus on improving Tier 1 instruction
• Use data effectively to guide decision-making and support student success
• Lead within and support a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
• Build and sustain a positive, student-centered school culture
• Communicate clearly, consistently, and proactively with all stakeholders
• Support staff through coaching, collaboration, and clear expectations
• Be visible, approachable, and actively engaged in the daily life of the school
• Align building practices with district priorities and initiatives
• Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement

Qualifications

Required

• Valid Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Administrator License (or ability to obtain by start date)
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field
• Successful experience in elementary education
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective instructional practices, including Tier 1 instruction
• Experience using student data to inform instructional and organizational decisions
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of school law and special education law, including IDEA requirements and procedures related to IEPs, student services, and compliance

Preferred

• Previous building-level leadership experience (principal or assistant principal)
• Experience leading or supporting Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
• Knowledge and/or experience implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Experience supporting literacy initiatives and/or comprehensive school improvement efforts (e.g., CLSD or similar work)
• Experience supervising and evaluating staff
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and support adult learning
• Experience working in or with rural school communities
• Experience supporting or overseeing special education programming, including implementation of LEA responsibilities and compliance requirements

Leadership Competencies

• Strong instructional leadership with a focus on improving student outcomes
• Ability to balance staff support with clear expectations and accountability
• Systems thinking and ability to align multiple initiatives into a coherent approach
• Commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and student-centered decision making
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment

Compensation

Salary and benefits will be competitive and based on experience. The district is committed to offering a regionally competitive administrative salary.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply through TeachIowa and include:

• Letter of application
• Resume
• Credentials and licensure
• Three letters of recommendation
• References