Principal, Elementary School

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

PRINCIPAL,
MICHAEL T. SIMMONS ELEMENTARY

1.0 FTE CONTINUING 2026-27 School Year

RATE OF PAY: $146,251 - $164,132 (26-27 Salary TBD)

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.

To be considered for this position, apply through the following link:

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.

If you’re ready to lead a school that feels like a family, 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. While we’ve modernized over the years, our "small school" heart remains exactly 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.

Continuous Student Learning in a Caring, Engaging Environment

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

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 2025‑2026 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 fingerprint clearance

To have a complete file, the following must be received in the Tumwater School District Human Resources Department:

• A letter setting forth personal qualifications, experiences and reasons for interest in the position
• A current résumé
• At least three reference letters
• A copy of applicant’s credentials
• Copies of academic transcripts from colleges/universities indicating degree(s) – unofficial copies of transcripts…