Description
Position Information
Job title:
Alternative Learning Education Principal
Posting ID number:
3212
Department/building:
Alternative Learning Education
Supervisor title/position:
Superintendent
Bargaining group:
Non-Represented: Certificated Building Administrators
FLSA status:
Exempt
Work calendar/schedule:
Monday-Friday
Hours per day/week:
8 Hours/Day Monday-Friday
Contract length:
210 Days, July 1-June 30
Posting dates (internal):
March 2, 2023 - Until filled
Start date:
July 1, 2026
Position Summary
The principal works with professional discretion under the general supervision of the superintendent. Work is governed by professional practice, district policies, Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, ALE regulations, Open Doors requirements, and district performance standards.
The Alternative Learning Education (ALE) Principal provides leadership and oversight for Discovery Virtual School (Alternative Learning Experience) and the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). The principal ensures high-quality alternative and virtual instructional programming while maintaining compliance with Washington State ALE regulations, Open Doors requirements, district policy, and state and federal law. The position ensures a safe, supportive learning environment focused on engagement, credit attainment, and graduation readiness.
This position also oversees the following:
Native American Education
Native American education programming, including coordination with the Nez Perce Tribe and other tribal partners. Responsibilities include administration of the Title VI grant, Johnson O’Malley (JOM) funding, and the STEP grant, along with overall coordination of Native American education initiatives and compliance requirements within the district.
Outdoor Education
Primarily coordinating with elementary schools regarding sixth grade camp. This role may also extend to broader district-wide outdoor education initiatives as applicable.
Health Services Supervision
Health Services Department, including the evaluation of the Director of Health Services. This includes collaboration with cabinet leadership on health-related initiatives and compliance matters. In coordination with the Director of Health Services and the cabinet, support for the school-based health center at Clarkston High School, including interagency coordination and operational planning.
CORE Team Facilitation
District CORE Team process, including regular meetings with community partners to coordinate supports for individual students and strengthen collaborative community partnerships.
Special Notes/Position Conditions
SafeSchools Training to be completed before employment and updated annually
Essential Duties
Leadership
Lead and manage ALE and re-engagement programs.
Develop strategic plans to improve enrollment, engagement, and graduation outcomes.
Build partnerships with workforce and community organizations.
Promote innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Instruction and Learning Environment
Oversee virtual and alternative instructional models aligned to state standards.
Ensure individualized learning plans and monthly progress documentation.
Monitor student engagement, attendance, and mastery-based progress.
Support effective online instructional practices.
Compliance and Accountability
Ensure compliance with ALE laws and Open Doors requirements.
Oversee accurate enrollment reporting and FTE documentation.
Maintain audit readiness and required reporting.
Use data systems to monitor compliance and performance.
Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
Supervise and evaluate certificated and classified staff.
Provide coaching and professional development.
Maintain confidential and professional personnel practices.
Communication and Community Engagement
Communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and partners.
Develop family engagement strategies for alternative learners.
Represent programs in district and community settings.
Management and Administration
Manage program budgets and staffing allocations.
Maintain safe virtual and in-person learning environments.
Oversee enrollment processes and student records.
Supervisory Responsibilities: ALE educators and the Health Services Department
Other Duties
Such alternatives to the above duties as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Education:
Master’s Degree in Education or Educational Administration
Certification/licensure:
WA State K-12 Principal’s Certificate or the ability to obtain for the 2026-2027 School Year
Experience:
Successful academic background in staff supervision and evaluation, staff development, curriculum, and instruction
Skills/knowledge:
Ability to work with bargaining groups
Ability and willingness to complete student and educator investigations
Health & safety requirements (if applicable):
Commitment to and continued evaluation of a safe learning and working environment for students and staff
References:
Required
Background check:
Required
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
ALE, virtual learning, or re-engagement programs
Washington State compliance and audit processes
Principal or program administrator
Working Conditions
Environment: Primarily an indoor, climate-controlled office and school environment
Physical demands: Significant periods of walking, standing, and sitting, occasional lifting, climbing, bending, and stooping
Mental/Emotional Strain: High-stress, fast-paced environment requiring the ability to manage multiple, constant interruptions
Schedule: Extended hours, including early mornings, evenings for meetings, and events
Interactions: Frequent, sometimes difficult, interactions with students, staff, parents, and community members
Equipment used: General office equipment and educational software
Salary & Benefits
*Wage/salary range:
$153,382.90-$163,550.40
*Base salary, 14 responsibility days, travel & up to 5 flex days as outlined in the Certificated Building Administrator Agreement
Benefits :
Medical Insurance: Administrators are anticipated to work 630+ hours and will be eligible to participate in the State School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) insurance program to include but is not limited to, medical, dental, vision, basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, and basic long-term disability.
Sick Leave: Twelve working days of sick leave each year, to be cumulative to 180 days. Annual and retirement cash-out rights pursuant to Washington State Law are allowed.
Personal Leave: Two days of personal leave, cumulative up to two years' worth.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Clarkston School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Coordinator, Thaynan Knowlton, Superintendent, 1294 Chestnut Street, Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-2531, knowltont@csdk12.org; Title IX, Civil Rights, Equity, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator Rebecca Lockhart, Executive Director of Student Services, 1294 Chestnut Street, Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-2531, lockhartr@csdk12.org.
