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Interim School Principal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RE-1 Valley Schools

Middle School Principal

Sterling, CO · On-site

$82K - $120K/yr

The Middle School Principal position for the 2026 2027 school year has been filled through an ... Interim appointments are temporary and are made at the discretion of the Superintendent to ensure ...

RE-1 Valley Schools

High School Principal

Sterling, CO

$93K - $136K/yr

INTERIM APPOINTMENT NOTICE: The High School Principal position for the 20262027 school year has been filled through an interim appointment. The district is maintaining this posting to build a ...

RE-1 Valley Schools

High School Principal

Sterling, CO · On-site

$93K - $136K/yr

The High School Principal position for the 2026 2027 school year has been filled through an interim ... Interim appointments are temporary and are made at the discretion of the Superintendent to ensure ...

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How much do interim school principal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for interim school principal in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by an interim school principal, and how can they be addressed?

As an Interim School Principal, one of the main challenges is building trust and establishing authority quickly with staff, students, and parents, often within a limited timeframe. Navigating existing school culture and addressing ongoing initiatives can be complex, especially when stepping into ongoing projects or conflict situations. Success in this role often depends on strong communication, adaptability, and a willingness to collaborate closely with teachers and administrative staff. Regular meetings, transparency in decision-making, and a focus on continuity can help bridge gaps and ensure a smooth transition for the school community.

What is the difference between Interim School Principal vs School Administrator?

AspectInterim School PrincipalSchool Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires state certification, administrative credentials, and teaching experienceVaries; may include certification or administrative experience, but less specific
Work EnvironmentLeads a school temporarily, often during transitions or vacanciesOversees school operations, staff, and policies on a regular basis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational settings during leadership gapsCommonly employed in schools for administrative oversight
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare roles to understand temporary vs permanent leadership

The main difference is that an Interim School Principal serves temporarily during leadership transitions, while a School Administrator typically holds a permanent, ongoing role managing daily school operations. The interim role is often filled during vacancies or special projects, whereas the school administrator maintains consistent leadership.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an interim school principal?

To thrive as an Interim School Principal, you need strong leadership abilities, educational administration experience, and typically a master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, state compliance regulations, and school management software is essential. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and adaptability help you lead staff and engage with students and parents during transitional periods. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining school stability, ensuring academic standards, and fostering a positive learning environment during leadership changes.

What is an interim school principal?

Interim school principals are experienced educators who temporarily fill the principal role at a school, usually during a period of transition such as after a principal leaves or before a new one is hired. They are responsible for managing the school's daily operations, supporting teachers and staff, and ensuring a positive learning environment for students. Interim principals often focus on maintaining stability and continuity while providing leadership and guidance through the transition period.
More about Interim School Principal jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of School Principal jobs? The most popular types of School Principal jobs are:
What states have the most Interim School Principal jobs? States with the most job openings for Interim School Principal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Interim School Principal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Interim School Principal jobs are:
Interim School Principal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interim School Principal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Middle School Principal

RE-1 Valley Schools

Sterling, CO • On-site

$82K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Administration-Certified/Principal
Date Posted:
5/5/2026
Location:
Sterling Middle School
Date Available:
07/19/2027
INTERIM APPOINTMENT NOTICE:
The Middle School Principal position for the 2026 2027 school year has been filled through an interim appointment. The district is maintaining this posting to build a qualified applicant pool for the 2027 2028 school year and any potential future openings. Candidates who apply may be contacted as part of a future formal hiring process.
Interim appointments are temporary and are made at the discretion of the Superintendent to ensure continuity of leadership while the district evaluates long-term staffing needs.
**HIRING FOR 2027/2028 SCHOOL YEAR**
REPORTS TO: District Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent
SALARY RANGE & CATEGORY: $82,500 - $120,187 on the Administrative Salary Schedule
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
WORK CALENDAR: 209 Days
FTE: 1.0
POSITION SUMMARY
The Middle School Principal provides instructional and operational leadership for the District's middle school program, serving all students in grades 6 - 8 at Sterling Middle School. The principal is responsible for student and staff safety and well-being, continuous improvement in academic and co-curricular programs, supervision of curriculum and staff, effective budget and resource management, and the cultivation of positive relationships with students, families, staff, and the broader community. Leadership will reflect the district's mission to prepare each student for life beyond graduation through a balanced curriculum, high expectations, community engagement, and a supportive learning environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement
  • Direct building-level curriculum, instruction, and assessment for the purpose of increasing student achievement; remain knowledgeable of current research in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and adolescent development;
  • Supervise, assess, and monitor student performance using objective and verifiable information, including standardized, criterion-referenced, district, and teacher-developed assessments;
  • Lead grade-level and content-area instructional improvement efforts, including progress monitoring and intervention systems for students needing academic or behavioral support;
  • Ensure consistent implementation of district instructional expectations and accountability systems.

Staff Supervision & Professional Development
  • Evaluate and supervise school personnel for monitoring performance, providing professional growth, and achieving overall school instructional objectives;
  • Establish and foster an adult learning environment by maximizing collaboration and adult learning to improve instruction, providing teachers with materials, inspiring innovation, and valuing a sense of community;
  • Recruit, hire, retain, and develop staff in collaboration with district leadership, consistent with district procedures.

School Culture, Climate, and Student Support
  • Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that meets the developmental, academic, and social-emotional needs of students in grades 6 - 8;
  • Support systems for attendance improvement, student engagement, behavioral expectations, and restorative practices;
  • Ensure consistent supervision and implementation of student discipline practices aligned with district policy, due process, and state law.

Operations, Budgeting, and Resource Management
  • Develop and manage budgets based on documented program needs, student enrollment, personnel, and other fiscal needs; keep programs within budget limits, maintain fiscal control, and accurately report fiscal information;
  • Manage use of school facilities; supervise maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus;
  • Organize school operations around improvement of instruction by maintaining a safe and orderly environment, upholding state laws, contracts, and district policies, managing personnel, maintaining the facility, efficiently managing financial resources, and coordinating effective instructional programs with a master schedule.

Communication & Community Engagement
  • Facilitate communication (oral and written) between personnel, students, and/or parents for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems, and/or resolving conflicts;
  • Advocate for students, staff, and the district for the purpose of encouraging and promoting community involvement and outreach;
  • Represent the school within community forums for the purpose of maintaining ongoing community support for educational goals and assisting with issues related to the school environment.

Other Duties
  • Serve on district committees and initiatives as assigned;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION OR FORMAL TRAINING
  • Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field preferred and will be given first consideration. Additional coursework required for eligibility toward a Colorado Principal License is required or must be completed within an agreed-upon timeframe.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of five (5) years of teaching and/or administrative experience in K - 12 education.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
  • Prior leadership experience in a secondary school setting, demonstrating an understanding of the developmental, instructional, and social-emotional needs of students in grades 6 - 8;
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations, including multilingual learners and culturally responsive teaching practices;
  • Demonstrated work experience in supporting and coaching teachers on curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies;
  • Bilingual proficiency preferred. Formal training, coursework, or professional experience that demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with bilingual students, families, and staff is highly valued

LICENSES & CERTIFICATION
  • Colorado principal licensure or eligibility for Colorado administrative licensure.

KNOWLEDGE & OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
  • Advance skills in dealing with students and staff with diverse needs;
  • Knowledge of data analysis, curriculum and instruction, budgeting and accounting, special education laws, and employee relations;
  • Facilitation and problem-solving skills;
  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge or ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate curriculum, discipline plans, and supervision/safety plans;
  • Willingness to contribute to cultural diversity for educational enrichment;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Interpersonal relations skills;
  • Ability to be a part of/work with a team;
  • Customer service and public relations skills;
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job;
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions;
  • Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, building, and department procedures;
  • Ability to stay current with district policy, standards, and training in the areas of data quality, data privacy, and cybersecurity with respect to student and staff data, and related information systems;
  • Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with all people, including those from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds;
  • Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.

EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES USED
  • Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals;
  • Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google Applications;
  • Operating knowledge and experience with typical office equipment, such as telephones, copiers, fax machines, and email.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES
  • Yes: Supervises licensed and classified staff as assigned.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: see attached link
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions - CLICK HERE
Application and Selection Procedure:
  • Candidates: Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/re1valley/onlineapp/
  • Completed and submitted online application.
  • A current cover letter or letter of interest detailing information about the candidate and their interest in the position.
  • A current, professional resume.
  • Three current professional letters of reference.

If you do not have internet access, a computer is available in the Human Resources Division, Hagen Education Center, 301 Hagen, Sterling, Colorado.
  • Applications are reviewed to match candidates with position qualifications, and a limited number of candidates are selected for interviews. For the final selection, employment is contingent upon completing the post-offer screening process, including a background check and possible medical examination.

Benefits & Eligibility:
RE-1 Valley School District is proud to offer eligible employees excellent benefits, which may include:
  • Employer-paid health insurance.
  • Optional dental and vision insurance.
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Plans
  • Retirement Savings Plans

Follow helpful link below for more insurance information
Insurance Information - CLICK HERE
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Additional Notation:
All staff are to be cognizant of policies regarding confidentiality. All District Board of Education policies may be viewed from the District's website.
RE-1 Valley School District has two high schools, one middle school, one junior high school, three elementary schools and two preschools and serves approximately 1,910 students in the Sterling and Iliff/Crook areas, employing about 400 staff. RE-1 Valley School District utilizes a 4-day school week schedule (Tuesday-Friday).
RE-1 Valley employs highly qualified, dedicated staff who believe our mission is to prepare all students for productive, successful lives beyond school through a balanced curriculum, activities, community experiences, global awareness, high expectations and interaction among students, parents and community. Visit the District website at www.re1valleyschools.org for more information including updated job postings and salary schedules.
Caliche Elementary and Caliche Jr/Sr High School, located outside Iliff, CO, are a part of RE-1 Valley School District. The District Administration Center is located in Sterling, CO (Logan County) in the Northeastern corner of Colorado on Interstate 76 alongside the Platte River. Having the largest population, approximately 13,900, in Logan County and much of the surrounding area, Sterling offers shopping, restaurants, numerous parks, a recreation center, access to medical care and is located near North Sterling Reservoir. Sterling is approximately 1 1/2 hours from Denver International Airport and 2 hours from Denver and the Front Range (I-25 corridor).
RE-1 Valley School District is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. RE-1 Valley School District makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

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