About this role
Position Description for Huerfano School District, Walsenburg, Colorado The Huerfano School District in Walsenburg, Colorado, is seeking a highly qualified High School Principal. The district wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position no later than August 4, 2026. McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. has been engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the superintendent in identifying and screening the candidates. Enrollment: 480 Students Location: Walsenburg, Colorado - 60 miles south of Pueblo Apply Online at: www.macnjake.com The Qualifications: Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, to provide leadership and supervision in administering the educational program of the 7-12 School in order to promote the educational development and achievement of students in accordance with Board of Education policies, administrative procedures, rules and regulations, and applicable law. To provide strong leadership, communication and organizational skills to support students, staff, and the greater school community. Key Responsibilities Instructional Leadership:
• Provide visionary leadership in curriculum development and instructional practices to ensure high-quality education for all students.
• Support and mentor teachers through professional development, coaching, and evaluation.
• Analyze student achievement data and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure the effective use of assessment tools to measure student growth and learning outcomes.
School Operations & Management:
• Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, discipline, and safety protocols.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively, including budgeting, staffing, and facility maintenance, by fostering collaborative relationships with the business department and/or superintendent throughout the budgeting and application process to ensure strategic and equitable resource distribution.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal educational policies and regulations.
• Collaborate with district leadership to implement and uphold school policies.
• Oversee extracurricular programs, student activities, and school events (Due to scale of this responsibility, the principal will not serve as athletic director or be able to coach any sport/extracurricular activity.)
Student & Community Engagement:
• Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that promotes student engagement, well-being, and academic achievement.
• Build strong relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders to support student success.
• Maintain open and transparent communication with parents and guardians.
• Attend PAWS and District Accountability meetings
Staff Supervision & Development:
• Recruit, hire, and retain highly qualified educators and support staff.
• Conduct regular evaluations utilizing the Colorado State Model Performance Management System - COPMS (RANDA) and provide constructive feedback to teachers and staff.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth among faculty and staff.
Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles and behavioral management methods.
• Knowledge of 7-12 School curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans, including READ, 504, and MTSS.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to develop and implement projects.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Qualifications Profile Certification/License:
• Colorado State Principal Certification as required for position.
• Need READ Act and Colorado Evaluation Training Designations on License or able to obtain them within one year.
Education
• Bachelor's Degree Required. Master's Degree preferred from an accredited college or university, preferably in School Administration.
Experience
• Extensive successful teaching experience K-12 School level, preferably in more than one subject area and grade level.
• Successful administrative experience preferred.
Benefits Package: Starting Salary $92,000 depending on experience. Individual health Care Coverage Other benefits TBD Timeline:
• Closing date for applications: Thursday, July 23, 2026
• Applicants for interview selected and Notified: Friday, July 24, 2026
• Selection of new High School Principal: Monday, July 27, 2026
• Starting date for High School Principal: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
• Board Criteria for High School Principal: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Contact information: McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. 11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220 Omaha, NE 68144 888-375-4814 Email: [email protected] District Website: https://huerfano.k12.co.us/en-US Lead Consultant: Dr. Henry Roman [email protected] Huerfano School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.