Show Low board adopts new principal evaluation instrument after principals’ presentation

The Show Low School District board voted to adopt a new principal evaluation instrument after a presentation by building principals and the superintendent.

Becky, a district principal who co-led the project, said the tool replaces a checklist-style review with a rubric rooted in professional standards and iterative goal-setting. "Great schools stay great when principals lead with clarity, coherence and a focus on the highest impact practices," she said, summarizing the instrument's philosophy.

Presenters told the board the instrument was developed collaboratively over the summer and refined with principal input, external examples from other states and alignment to state law. The evaluation uses multiple data sources, they said, including quantitative student-achievement measures, attendance and behavior metrics, a needs-assessment component and individual goal progress monitoring.

Alex, who described the goal-setting core, said the process is intended to support coaching conversations throughout the year rather than a once-a-year rating. "This is not a once-a-year event. It is an ongoing process," Alex said, describing checkpoints and collaborative coaching between principals and the superintendent.

Superintendent Dr. Farnsworth thanked the principals for leading the effort and said the instrument was intended to be durable across superintendent transitions while remaining growth-oriented. Board members praised the collaboration and asked for small clarifications to the timeline and exemplar language; presenters said they would incorporate feedback and return the refined document.

Board member (mover) moved to adopt the instrument "as presented" and the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote, with no recorded opposition. The board directed staff to finalize corrections and bring the polished instrument back as needed for publication and implementation details.