Superintendent/Principal: Mitchell School District, Mitchell, Oregon
[Map]
Notice of Open Administrative Position
Position: Superintendent/Principal
OUR MISSION
The mission statement of the Mitchell School District is to empower students as effective problem solvers, lifelong learners and productive members in a global society.
Our on-campus boarding residence for high school students brings a unique flavor to the school. With international exchange students from several countries plus a mix of students from across the US, the boarding students bring their worldly perspectives to our small town in Central Oregon
Although we are a small school we strive to offer our students a variety of subjects in the classroom as well as online. We also offer the opportunity for our pupils to earn college credits.
THE POSITION
The Mitchell School District Board of Directors is seeking a highly qualified candidate with visionary leadership skills and successful experience in education administration to serve as superintendent/principal. The successful candidate must have experience as a building-level administrator, excellent communication skills, unquestionable integrity and be willing to be involved in the community. The Board will offer a competitive compensation package to the successful candidate starting with a base salary in the range of $85,000 - $100,000. The successful candidate must hold or qualify for an Oregon superintendent’s license.
THE DISTRICT
The Mitchell School District serves approximately 400 students in grades K-12. There is one school (K-12) with 48 students and one online school (7-12) with 350 students. Nine of the 15 students living in the dorm are foreign exchange students. The district employs 17 full- and part-time classified and certified staff, and six full- and part-time licensed staff. The district’s general fund budget is approximately $4.5 million.
THE COMMUNITY
Mitchell is a small, ranching/farming district located 45 miles from Prineville and two hours from Bend in Wheeler county, the least-populated county in Oregon. The town is located near the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, which includes the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center and the Painted Hills, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Mitchell has a population of approximately 130 residents.
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
• Understands the importance of student learning in ALL academic areas and programs and the involvement in extra- and co-curricular activities, with a special emphasis on developing student leadership (i.e., student council, CTE, etc.);
• Applies district policies and school procedures fairly and consistently; if specific processes do not exist, they are collaboratively created and standardized across the school;
• Demonstrates strong decision-making and problem- solving abilities; able to supervise and delegate responsibility to others; willing to support staff/ volunteers in their duties and responsibilities;
• Highly visible in the school and community; actively participates in school and community activities; encourages students/staff to attain the same high level of participation and activity;
• Provides visionary leadership with a strong working knowledge of evidenced-based practices; demonstrates a thoughtful approach to collaborative consensus building when appropriate.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
• Demonstrates strong communication skills and makes this a priority in this position;
• Is approachable, accessible and listens to others with an open mind and accepts differences of opinion;
• Can make unpopular decisions when necessary and effectively communicate the decision and the rationale.
ADMINISTRATION/EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
• A proven record of successful teaching and administrative experience in a public school district, preferably in a rural community; charter school experience is desired, as well as experience in secondary education, special education and English Language Learners (ELL);
• Understands school finance, demonstrates sound fiscal management and budgeting skills; grant writing experience preferred;
• Highly organized with the ability to balance management tasks (i.e., state reports, coordination of external resources, etc.) with leadership opportunities (i.e., creating vision/direction, collaborating with staff/ community, etc.).
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTER
• Brings a high level of enthusiasm and energy to the job with a willingness to do “whatever it takes”;
• Shows a passionate concern for and understanding of students and staff, focused on their success;
• Understands and embraces the rural lifestyle;
• Demonstrates effective use of multiple technologies and appropriate software;
• Desires a long-term commitment (five-plus years) with the school and community.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants will provide the following documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format. These materials must be submitted via email to Sarah Herb, OSBA executive search assistant, by 5 p.m. on May 10, 2018
• A completed application form
• A letter of interest stating why you wish to be employed by the Mitchell School District
• A current resume
• Three to five current letters of recommendation
• A copy of your administrator license or proof of eligibility for an Oregon administrator license
• A statement regarding how you meet the qualities and qualifications for this position
APPLICATION OPEN: April 30, 2018
CLOSING DATE: May 10, 2018 or until filled
SCREENING: May 14-18, 2018
INTERVIEWS: June 1-2, 2018
SITE VISITS: June 3-13, 2018
FINALIST FORUM: June 14-15, 2018
HIRING: June 20, 2018
ASSUME POSITION: July 1, 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter
For information regarding the position, contact:
Steve Kelley, Director of Board Development and Executive Searches skelley@osba.org • 503.588.2800 • 800.578.6722 • 503.588.2813 (Fax)
For questions regarding the application process, contact:
Sarah Herb, Board Development Assistant sherb@osba.org • 503.588.2800
OUT-OF-STATE CANDIDATES: To ensure eligibility for an Oregon administrator’s license, direct inquiries to: Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission,
503-378-3586; fax 503-378-4448; www.tspc.state.or.us.
Mitchell School District provides equal opportunities in employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in accordance with state and federal law. Consistent with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process by contacting Steve Kelley at 1-800-578-6722.
The Timeline
APPLICATION OPEN: April 30, 2018
CLOSING DATE: May 10, 2018 or until filled
STARTING DATE: July 1, 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter