Mt. Edgecumbe High School
Apr 02, 2026
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Residential Principal at Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS), Sitka, AK
Residential Principal at Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS), Sitka, AK
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
Position Summary
The Residential Principal serves as a key member of the Mt. Edgecumbe High School leadership team, providing strategic, culturally responsive, and mission-driven leadership at Alaska’s statewide public boarding school. The position integrates the MEHS Residential Principal's responsibilities with broader expectations for Alaska school leaders, emphasizing student well-being, safe and compliant dormitory operations, cultural responsiveness, and strong systems of accountability in residential life.
The Residential Principal is the lead administrator for the residential program and holds primary decision-making authority for dormitory operations, residential staffing, student support services, recreational programming, home–school relations, and student guidance and discipline. The Residential Principal collaborates with and supports the Academic Principal, who oversees the academic program. Together, they operate as a unified administrative team to ensure that the academic and residential components function cohesively within the MEHS boarding school model while maintaining clear accountability for student safety, personal growth, and program quality.
As a division of the State of Alaska, MEHS follows state systems, policies, and administrative structures. The Residential Principal is required to understand and effectively use these processes and systems, and to work closely with the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) to ensure alignment, regulatory compliance, and statewide coordination.
Minimum Qualifications
The position requires a current Alaska Type B Administrative Certificate or verified eligibility prior to the first contract day. Alaska experience as a school administrator, high school teaching or administrative experience, and familiarity with residential programs, student supervision, safety standards, and statewide educational contexts are preferred. Candidates should have experience working with adolescents in leadership or supervisory roles, demonstrate cultural sensitivity and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures and communities, and possess strong communication and organizational skills.
Preference is given to candidates with experience in rural Alaska and working with geographically diverse student populations. Preferred qualifications also include experience supervising staff, evaluating personnel, applying safety and regulatory standards, and leading programs focused on student development, wellness, and community living. Preferred qualifications also include knowledge of Quality improvement tools and processes, improvement cycles, and storyboard development.
Residential Leadership
The Residential Principal is responsible for creating and sustaining a positive residential environment that fosters personal growth, supports learning, and aligns with MEHS's mission. The position provides leadership for the full residential program, ensuring that the dormitories and facilities meet Alaska health and safety standards, that routines and procedures support student wellbeing, and that staff are well-trained, supported, and aligned with program expectations.
The Residential Principal ensures the effective implementation of residential practices that prioritize student safety, consistency, and accountability. The role includes overseeing the development and maintenance of residential schedules, routines, and operational structures; managing a five-year facilities and equipment plan to ensure ongoing maintenance and replacement; and ensuring that all dormitory operations contribute to a safe and supportive community.
The Residential Principal evaluates assigned staff using the State of Alaska evaluation system, conducts regular observations and check-ins, provides timely feedback, documents staff growth, and ensures accountability for residential outcomes. The position supervises residential and recreational personnel, makes staffing recommendations, assigns duties, and supports professional learning rooted in cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed practice, and student engagement.
Schoolwide Leadership and Staff Development
The Residential Principal leads residential, recreational, and maintenance staff in collaborative work to establish program goals, measure progress, and build capacity for continuous improvement. The position develops annual staff development plans aligned with school priorities, data trends, residential program needs, and input from educators and staff.
The Residential Principal establishes and maintains routines, structures, and procedures that promote safe, predictable, and supportive residential operations. The role includes recruiting, hiring, and recommending staff to support program goals, supervising residential personnel, organizing work teams, and guiding staff development aligned with student support and program improvement needs.
Student Support and Residential Climate
The Residential Principal supports students in meeting high expectations for behavior and engagement through consistent guidance and follow-through. The position promotes a culture of responsibility, personal growth, community living, and engagement. When discipline is required, the Residential Principal ensures fair, restorative, and student-centered practices and follows all required disciplinary processes, reporting procedures, and documentation standards.
The role includes ensuring robust recreational programming, facilitating opportunities for student leadership and student voice, and fostering a positive residential climate that reflects cultural respect, belonging, and safety. The Residential Principal promotes a supportive and culturally respectful environment where students feel connected, valued, and supported in both personal and academic development.
The Residential Principal is responsible for communicating directly with parents or guardians when students violate expectations or face disciplinary issues, ensuring timely, clear, culturally respectful, and state-aligned communication.
The Residential Principal will also serve as the MEHS Athletic Director or oversee the MEHS Athletic Director.
Operational and Campus-Wide Leadership
The Residential Principal works with the Academic Principal, Superintendent, and broader administrative team to oversee the full operation of the MEHS boarding program. The position assists with schoolwide operations, including admissions, activities, travel coordination, grounds and maintenance, food service, and campus safety planning.
The Residential Principal strategically plans for personnel assignments, resource allocation, and operational alignment to support a high-quality boarding environment. The position monitors budgets and resources for residential operations and supports procurement processes for facilities, equipment, and student living needs.
The Residential Principal prepares reports as required to meet regulatory, safety, or residential program requirements and keeps stakeholders informed of residential program needs, student supports, and operational conditions.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
The Residential Principal communicates regularly with parents, staff, state officials, partner districts, tribal organizations, and other MEHS stakeholders. The role includes serving as the primary point of contact for families regarding student life, well-being, discipline, and residential expectations. Communication with parents during disciplinary events must follow the required State of Alaska processes, timelines, and procedural safeguards.
The Residential Principal builds and maintains strong relationships with Alaska communities, families, tribes, and organizations that support MEHS's statewide mission.
Leadership Expectations for Alaska Principals
The Residential Principal demonstrates ethical leadership, integrity, and professionalism; promotes equitable and culturally responsive practices supporting Alaska Native and rural students; leads and evaluates program improvement initiatives with a focus on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement; and maintains safe, trauma-informed, and prepared residential operations. Continual reflection and professional growth are expected components of the role.
Position Details
This is an exempt position classified as Assistant Director of Housing within the MEHS division of DEED. The Residential Principal serves at the appointing authority's discretion and is not subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The position is expected to work on campus for 220 days per year, with an additional 10 flexible days for summer hiring needs. Weekend, afternoon and evening hours are required.
Accepting International Visa Applicants?
No
Start Date
Jul 01, 2026
About
Mt. Edgecumbe High School is a public boarding school operated by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). Initially established in 1947 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mt. Edgecumbe High School provided Alaska Native students in grades 9-12 with the opportunity to acquire a traditional education that was unavailable in rural Alaska. Serving as many as 600 students at its largest, the school closed temporarily in 1983 as the Bureau of Indian Affairs reduced its role in Alaskan Education. In 1985, the school reopened under the governance of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
The central role of Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Alaskan education is to provide a broad range of academic and extra-curricular opportunities that are unavailable to students in isolated home schools and communities. Academic expectations are high, and students who attend are expected to enroll in higher education or other vocational training. The official governing body charged with oversight is the Alaska State Board of Education.
Demographics: Typically, over 400 students from approximately 110 villages throughout Alaska attend Mt. Edgecumbe High School. Approximately 65% of the student body is female, and 35% is male. Alaska Native students comprise 80-95% of the student population, 6-10% are typically Caucasian, and we usually have a population that includes students of Asian, Hispanic, and African American descent. Between 60-80% of students in attendance generally meet federal guidelines for free & reduced lunches. Annually, between 75% and 90% of graduates are accepted into post-secondary institutions, the military, or career and technical education.
Selection Criteria: Applicants must be Alaska residents of high school age who demonstrate a strong interest in learning and are capable of living successfully in a residential setting. The State Board of Education has established the following criteria for acceptance at Mt. Edgecumbe High School: availability of a high school program in the student's home community, any particular requirements (educational, emotional or family) that make the structured, residential setting provided at Mt. Edgecumbe High School advisable, degree to which the student is expected to benefit from the academic and social programs, the degree to which the student will bring background experiences, skills and abilities that will enhance the educational potential of the student body and academic performance as demonstrated by transcripts and test scores.