Tumwater - Principal

Overview

TUMWATER SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 33
621 Linwood Avenue
• Tumwater, Washington 98512

POSITION: PRINCIPAL
SCHOOL: Michael T Simmons Elementary
FTE: 1.0 FTE
STATUS: CONTINUING
2026-27 School Year
RATE OF PAY: $146,251 - $164,132 (26-27 Salary TBD)

Benefit Information

This position will remain open until filled. Tumwater School District reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening after 4 PM on Friday, March 6, 2026
. It is in the applicant's best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

The job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

If you’re looking for a place where history meets a serious love for the outdoors, you’ve found it in Tumwater. As the oldest American settlement on Puget Sound, we’re a community that’s proud of our roots—from the landmark brewery tower to the misty trails of Tumwater Falls—but we’re definitely not stuck in the past. There’s a specific kind of energy here;

it’s a place where neighbors actually know each other’s names and the local schools are the undisputed heart of the town. You get the peace of a tight-knit community with the perks of being right next door to the state capital in Olympia, and when you need a city fix, Seattle and Portland are just a road trip away. We aren’t just looking for an administrator to sit in an office;

we’re looking for a leader who wants to grab a coffee at a local spot, cheer at the Friday night games, and truly sink some roots into a community that is deeply invested in its kids.

Michael T. Simmons Elementary (MTS) is where you want to be. We aren’t just a building on 18 acres; we are a community hub with a legacy dating back to 1937. We’ve modernized over the years, but our "small school" heart remains the same. At MTS, we live by the idea that many hands make light work—we have an incredible PTO and a staff that is genuinely all-in on making sure every kid feels safe, seen, and excited to learn.

We’re a Title I school that sees our diversity as our greatest strength. We’re looking for a principal who wants to be more than just a boss; we want a partner who will walk the halls, listen to our families, and keep our "students first" mission moving forward. If you value kindness, creativity, and showing up for kids, you’ll fit right in with the MTS family.

We’re looking for a principal who aligns with a culture of teamwork, equity, and continuous improvement to support our students and community.

OUR MISSION: Continuous Student Learning in a Caring, Engaging Environment

OUR PROMISE: Every student is known by name, strength and need, and is prepared for the future they envision

PRINCIPAL OF MICHAEL T. SIMMONS

As the Principal of Michael T. Simmons Elementary, you will serve as the lead architect of a learning environment where every student is empowered to succeed. Your primary mission is to transform outcomes for our diverse student body by championing future-readiness and building authentic, deep-rooted partnerships with our families and the broader Tumwater community. At MTS, leading means more than managing;

it means driving high-leverage teaching practices that ensure academic excellence is accessible to every child who walks through our doors.

Aligning with the Tumwater School District Strategic Plan launched in the  school year, you will be the catalyst for a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement. We are looking for a leader who balances high support for our dedicated staff with a firm commitment to culturally responsive practices, ensuring our school remains a safe, inclusive, and rigorous place for all.

By grounding your leadership in these district goals, you will help write the next chapter of the MTS legacy—one defined by equity, innovation, and a relentless focus on student growth.

• Valid Washington Administrative Credential (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
• Master’s degree in School Administration, Education or related field
• Successful experience as a classroom teacher and building administrator preferred
• Criminal justice…