Closing Date: March 20th, 2026
Salary: $120,000 - $145,000 annually
The Joseph School District Board of Directors is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Superintendent/K-4 Principal. Joseph, Oregon, population 1,175, is located in Wallowa County, in the far northeastern corner of the state, nestled in the Wallowa Mountains.
Joseph is a charming small mountain town known as the “Little Switzerland of America”, famous for its vibrant arts scene (especially bronze sculptures), stunning natural beauty (Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Lake), and rich Nez Perce history, serving as a gateway to outdoor recreation in Eagle Cap Wilderness and Hells Canyon. It offers a unique blend of small-town living with tourist amenities like galleries, unique shops, breweries, and restaurants, attracting both long-time residents and visitors seeking a peaceful, artistic, and adventurous escape.
The community is home to an eclectic mix of people – true cowboys mix with world-class artists to create an atmosphere that’s both traditional and progressive. This unusual fusion accents the uniqueness of each while complementing both. Everywhere you’ll find warm and friendly people. Locals talk, wave and are generally neighborly with anyone they see.
The Joseph School District’s enrollment is approximately 260 students K-12. The district has two school buildings, Joseph Charter School and Imnaha Bridge School. Joseph Charter School is a K-12 facility that serves most of the district’s students. Imnaha Bridge School is located in Imnaha, Oregon, about 30 miles from the community of Joseph, and currently serves 6 students K-8. Joseph boasts very high graduation rates, low teacher-student ratios, and a caring and committed staff.
The Joseph School District is proudly focused on personalized learning, community involvement, and vocational readiness, aiming for academic excellence through diverse methods like service learning and arts appreciation within the picturesque Wallowa Mountains.
The district recently completed a comprehensive strategic planning process for 2024-2029. This needs-based strategic plan was shaped through the collective efforts of a broad and diverse group. Participants included students, staff, administration, parents, grandparents, and representatives from key areas of the community: healthcare, city government, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and education.
The Joseph School District is currently guided by a superintendent/K-4 principal and a 5-12 principal. The district is supported by the Wallowa Education Service District.
If you are a visionary leader with a passion for serving students in a rural and diverse school setting, the Joseph School District Board of Directors invites you to apply for the Superintendent/K-4 Principal position.
Please contact Jon Peterson with Northwest Leadership Associates at jonapeterson57@gmail.com or 541-377-1337 for more information or to request an application.
