Description

Vacancy Details

Title: High School Principal
School/Building: High School
Number of Openings: 1
URL: N/A
Close Date (11:59 p.m. Central): 1/31/2026

Contact
Name: Amy Manzetti
Title: Human Resources
Email: amymanzetti@waunakee.k12.wi.us
Phone: 608-849-2000
Website: https://www.waunakee.k12.wi.us/

Position Details
Position Start Date: 7/1/2026
Salary/Wage: Based upon qualifications and experience of individual hired; $165,500 - 173,500
Terms/Schedule: Full Days, 12 month contract
Appointment Type: Full Time

Description
Position Purpose:
The High School Principal serves as the instructional, cultural, and operational leader of Waunakee Community High School. The Principal is responsible for ensuring excellence in teaching and learning, fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school culture, and aligning school practices with district goals,
state accountability expectations, community values and college and career readiness for all students. The Principal works collaboratively with students, staff, families, district leadership, and community partners to continuously improve academic achievement, student engagement, and post-secondary readiness.

Required Qualifications:

• Wisconsin DPI Certification, Principal, required.
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field
• Five years administrative experience
• Strong knowledge of secondary level instruction, assessment, and school improvement practices

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience leading in high-performing and/or growing school districts
• Proven ability to improve academic outcomes for diverse student populations
• Experience implementing MTSS, PBIS, SEL, and equity-centered initiatives
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership and Academic Achievement

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Continuous Improvement Plan aligned
  to district priorities and continuous improvement cycles.
• Ensure high-quality, standards-aligned instruction in all content areas.
  
  • Use multiple data sources (state, local, formative, and summative) to:
  • Improve instructional practices
  • Monitor student growth and achievement
  • Close achievement and opportunity gaps, including for students in the lowest 25th percentile.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate instructional staff to improve teaching effectiveness and student learning.
• Promote culturally responsive teaching practices and inclusive instructional strategies.

Equity, Inclusion and Student Support

• Foster an inclusive school culture where every student feels a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Ensure equitable access to rigorous coursework, co-curricular activities, interventions, and student supports.
• Lead efforts related to MTSS, SEL, and restorative practices.
• Partner with student services staff to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all learners.

Staff Leadership and Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, retain, and support a high-quality and diverse staff.
• Build leadership capacity among assistant principals, teacher leaders, and support staff.
• Provide meaningful feedback, coaching, and professional learning opportunities.
• Ensure educator effectiveness systems are implemented with fidelity and focused on continuous growth.

School Culture and Climate

• Establish and sustain a positive, respectful, and high-expectations learning environment.
• Promote strong relationships among students, staff, and families.
• Ensure student voice is valued and incorporated into school decision-making.
• Maintain a safe and orderly school environment.

Family and Community Engagement

• Communicate effectively and transparently with families and community stakeholders.
• Build partnerships that support student learning, well-being, and post-secondary success.
• Represent the school in district and community forums with professionalism and integrity.

Operations and Management

• Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, supervision, safety procedures, and resource management.
• Develop and manage the school budget in alignment with district priorities.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state and federal regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.

Characteristics of a High Performing Principal in WCSD
The Waunakee Community School District seeks a leader who:

• Demonstrates a clear moral imperative to ensure success for every student.
• Is a visible, approachable, and trustworthy leader.
• Uses data thoughtfully to inform decisions and measure impact.
• Balances high expectations with care, empathy, and support.
• Leads with cultural humility and a commitment to equity.
• Builds collaborative teams and values shared leadership.
• Communicates clearly, listens actively, and engages respectfully with diverse perspectives.
• Models continuous learning, reflection, and professional growth.
• Navigates complexity with resilience, adaptability, and integrity

Mission Statement
Committed to Children ... Committed to Community ... Committed to Excellence

Vision Statement
The Waunakee Community School District is a collaborative learning community that works with students, staff, families, and the community to ensure that every student is ready for college and career; through a focus on data, research based best practices, and engagement with students to be active partners in their learning.

Equity Statement
The Waunakee Community School District embraces the differences among our students, staff, and families. We work to provide a safe environment with access to resources, opportunities, and instruction for all students to reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond. We strive to create a culture of
dialogue, acceptance, and inclusion. We are committed to engaging all students so that they may thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in an ever-changing multi-cultural society.

Requirements

Candidate Requirements

Years of Experience: 5
Degree: Master
Licenses: Principal
Additional Requirements: Cover Letter
Resume: Letters of Recommendation
Custom Questions: Transcripts & Licenses/Certification

Interested candidates should apply on WECAN, Certified Staff Vacancy #251882