Alternative Learning Education Principal

Position Information

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

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications                                                                                                                                                                                                

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

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