High School Principal

Job Description

Job Title:

High School Principal

Wage/Hour Status:
Exempt

Reports to:

Network Executive Director

Pay Grade:
Administrative Education Grade 8

Dept./School:
Academics and School Leadership

Initiated Date:
July 2025

La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district's vision – Educational Excellence:
The Right of Every Student – conveys our urgent focus on students.

Our work is rooted in five district priorities, which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the community.

• Customer Service
• Trust & Transparency
• High-Quality Instruction
• Excellence in Leadership
• Integrity & Accountability

We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles.

We are seeking a Principal that can lead one of the district's high schools to new heights of excellence, opportunity, and achievement. The Principal will serve as the executive of a multifaceted high school campus. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated impact on student outcomes, accelerated student growth, navigated the complexities of the high school environment, built strong community relationships, created a culture of support and excellence, and coached and developed staff.

They must possess commitment, urgency, and strategic system‑level leadership skills to expand excellence and build structures to sustain it over time. Adaptive change management in a fast environment is essential.

You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn.

Our comprehensive high schools exist to ensure students are fully ready for and have multiple choices for college and career opportunities. This is accomplished by leading a strong team committed to shared purpose, ensuring every freshman is on track for graduation and post-secondary success, and providing robust pathways of support through graduation. Our high schools are places for students to explore their interests, solidify their passion, and maximize their potential.

The intersection of arts, athletics, academics, and extracurricular offerings is key to a rich, fulfilled high school experience.

Leaders, teachers and staff at high schools:

• Promote an inspiring college- and career‑ready culture of high expectations.
• Demonstrate an unwavering belief that ALL students can and will achieve.
• Have a pervasive growth mindset for students and adults with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Use high-quality instructional materials and instructional best practices to accelerate learning for all students, creating faster and more growth for students.
• Are committed to data-driven instruction to diagnose needs, adjust, and measure progress.
• Value and invest in parent and community partnerships.
• Provide individualized attention and support that each student and family needs.

Education/Certification:

• Master's degree required; preferred in Education, Educational Leadership or related field.
• Valid or eligible to receive Texas Principal Certification or Mid-Management Certification.
• Currently or eligible to become T-TESS certified.

Experience:

• Minimum of three years’ teaching experience.
• Minimum of one year’s experience as an Assistant Principal, preferred in High School.
• Minimum of three years’ experience as a Principal preferred.

Special Knowledge and

Skills:

• Proven success in leading a school or district community toward continuous improvement in academic…