Innovation High School is seeking a collaborative, student-centered leader to serve as our Interim Superintendent/Principal for the 2026-2027 school year.
Over the past three years, Innovation High School has experienced significant growth and positive momentum. Through the dedication of our staff, support of our families, and commitment of our Board, the school has strengthened both its fiscal stability and academic programming. While important work remains ahead, we have built a strong foundation for long-term success and are seeking a leader who can help guide the next phase of our growth.
This leader will have the opportunity to build upon recent academic and organizational gains while helping position the school for long-term success and sustainability.
This position is ideal for an experienced principal, superintendent, assistant superintendent, or district leader who enjoys building systems, developing people, strengthening organizational culture, and leading meaningful school improvement efforts in a mission-driven environment.
The initial appointment is for the 2026-2027 school year, with the possibility of extension beyond one year for the right candidate.
Why Innovation High School?
Innovation High School is a small, relationship-centered school that places belonging, inclusion, and student success at the heart of everything we do.
Our students choose Innovation because they are looking for a school where they can be themselves, feel safe, build meaningful connections, and experience a genuine sense of belonging. We are proud to serve a diverse student population and have intentionally created a culture that celebrates individuality, creativity, and community.
Our school features:
- A dedicated and experienced staff committed to supporting every student's success
- A close-knit school community where students are known, valued, and supported
- Creative Arts-focused programming that encourages self-expression and engagement
- A Ninth Grade Success Program designed to support students during their transition into high school
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways that provide real-world learning opportunities
- A strong commitment to inclusion, belonging, and equity
- A fully inclusive educational model serving a higher-than-average population of students receiving special education services
- Families who care deeply about their students and the success of the school
- A School Board committed to continuous improvement and long-term sustainability
The successful candidate will understand the unique opportunities and challenges of small-school leadership. This is a role for someone who is comfortable wearing multiple hats, building strong relationships, solving problems creatively, and balancing strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in daily school operations.
About Innovation High School
Innovation High School is a public charter high school serving approximately 160 students in grades 9-12. Located in Spokane's University District, just east of downtown Spokane, Innovation provides a personalized educational experience designed to meet the diverse needs of today's learners.
As a Washington State public charter school, Innovation High School is tuition-free and open to all students residing in Washington State. Families choose Innovation because of our commitment to academic growth, inclusive practices, meaningful relationships, and student-centered learning.
Our students represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and learning needs. We are proud to offer a fully inclusive educational environment that serves a higher-than-average population of students receiving special education services while ensuring all students learn and grow together.
Innovation High School provides a unique blend of academic, creative, and career-focused opportunities, including Creative Arts programming, Career and Technical Education pathways, and our Ninth Grade Success Program, which helps students successfully transition into high school.
As a public charter school, Innovation operates with greater flexibility and autonomy than traditional public schools while remaining accountable for student outcomes, financial stewardship, and organizational performance. Enrollment and student retention are essential to the long-term success of the school, making community engagement, relationship-building, and effective storytelling important aspects of school leadership.
We believe students learn best when they feel safe, connected, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Our mission is to create an environment where every student experiences belonging and has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Position Summary
The Superintendent/Principal serves as the senior instructional and operational leader of Innovation High School and reports directly to the School Board. This role is dedicated to advancing academic excellence, equity, fiscal stewardship, organizational effectiveness, and continuous school improvement.
The Superintendent/Principal ensures curriculum, instruction, and assessment are aligned with Washington State Learning Standards, supports teacher and leader development, oversees school operations, and builds strong partnerships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.
As the leader of a public charter school, the Superintendent/Principal plays a key role in enrollment sustainability by championing the school's mission, cultivating community partnerships, supporting student retention, and helping prospective families understand the unique opportunities Innovation High School provides.
The successful candidate will understand and embrace the realities of small-school leadership, balancing visionary leadership with a willingness to be actively involved in the day-to-day needs of students, staff, and operations.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstructional Leadership & School Culture
- Sustain a shared vision for high academic achievement, equity, and continuous improvement.
- Support a school-wide culture of high expectations and instructional excellence.
- Foster collaboration, shared leadership, and staff ownership.
- Promote professional growth and teacher leadership aligned with school improvement goals.
- Lead initiatives that integrate social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally responsive instruction.
- Facilitate inclusive decision-making involving staff, students, and families.
Curriculum & Instructional Oversight
- Ensure rigorous, culturally responsive instruction aligned with Washington State standards and college and career readiness.
- Promote innovative instructional practices including project-based learning, blended learning, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Conduct classroom walkthroughs and provide meaningful feedback to support effective teaching.
- Lead implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
Data-Informed School Improvement
- Lead school-wide data collection, analysis, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Support staff in using data to inform instructional decisions.
- Monitor academic, attendance, and behavioral data to identify trends and implement targeted supports.
- Align and monitor the School Improvement Plan.
- Utilize data to promote equitable student outcomes and reduce opportunity gaps.
Professional Development & Educator Effectiveness
- Develop and implement meaningful professional learning opportunities.
- Support teacher induction, mentoring, and leadership development.
- Facilitate Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
- Provide coaching, feedback, and evaluations focused on professional growth and student impact.
- Embed equity and inclusion into staff development and performance management systems.
Student Achievement & Equity Leadership
- Lead initiatives designed to remove barriers and expand opportunities for all students.
- Ensure access to rigorous coursework, enrichment opportunities, and academic supports.
- Promote inclusive discipline practices and student-centered interventions.
- Monitor attendance, discipline, and achievement data to address disproportionality.
- Expand opportunities for dual credit, internships, and career-connected learning.
Family & Community Engagement
- Build trusting relationships through transparent and responsive communication.
- Create opportunities for meaningful family and student involvement in school improvement efforts.
- Partner with community organizations, higher education institutions, and local businesses.
- Support structures that elevate student voice and leadership.
Operations, Resource Management & School Safety
- Oversee day-to-day school operations and long-range planning.
- Develop and implement school safety and emergency response plans.
- Lead recruitment, hiring, supervision, and retention of high-quality staff.
- Manage budgets, staffing allocations, facilities, technology, and resources.
- Ensure compliance with state, federal, and organizational requirements.
- Work collaboratively with the School Board to support strategic goals and organizational sustainability.
- Civil Rights Coordinator and HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) Coordinator
Charter Accountability, Authorizer Relations & Governance
- Serve as the primary liaison between Innovation High School and its authorizer, Spokane Public Schools.
- Maintain strong working relationships with authorizer representatives and ensure timely, accurate communication regarding school performance, compliance, and operational matters.
- Coordinate and oversee authorizer reporting requirements, site visits, monitoring activities, and charter contract obligations.
- Ensure compliance with charter school laws, regulations, performance frameworks, and accountability expectations established by the authorizer and state agencies.
- Collaborate with the School Board and authorizer to support continuous improvement, organizational effectiveness, and charter renewal efforts.
Enrollment, Marketing & Community Outreach
- Serve as a visible ambassador for Innovation High School within the community.
- Lead strategic enrollment and retention efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the school.
- Collaborate with staff, students, families, and community partners to promote the school's mission, programs, and unique value proposition.
- Develop and support marketing, outreach, and recruitment strategies that attract and retain students and families.
- Monitor enrollment trends and implement data-informed strategies to increase student recruitment and persistence.
- Represent the school at community events, school fairs, family information sessions, and partnership opportunities.
- Strengthen the school's public presence through storytelling, relationship-building, and community engagement.
- Work collaboratively with the School Board to establish enrollment goals and measure progress toward those goals.
QualificationsRequired
- Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field
- Valid Washington State Administrator Certificate
- Minimum of three years of successful experience in school administration
- Demonstrated expertise in instructional leadership, assessment systems, and professional development
- Experience leading school improvement and organizational change initiatives
- Strong understanding of equity-focused educational practices
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage people, systems, and resources
Preferred
- Experience serving in both building and district-level leadership roles
- Experience with charter schools, alternative learning environments, or innovative educational models
- Demonstrated success leading organizational growth and change
- Knowledge of Washington State school finance, governance, and accountability systems
- Experience serving diverse student populations, including students receiving special education services in inclusive settings
Work Calendar: 245 Days Per Year
Daily Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: 811 E Sprague Ave Spokane, Washington
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following application materials:
- Letter of Interest
- Current Resume
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- Copy of Valid Washington State Administrator Certificate
- Unofficial College/University Transcripts
Complete application materials should be submitted electronically to: [email protected]
Application Review Begins: June 10th, 2026 with an anticipated start date of July 1st, 2026
Position open until filled.
Pay: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
Letter of Interest
Current Resume
Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
Copy of Valid Washington State Administrator Certificate (or other state's equivalent)
Unofficial College/University Transcripts
Education:
License/Certification:
- Washington State Administrator Certificate (Required)
Work Location: In person
