Resources

Superintendent: Central School District, Independence Oregon

December 15, 2011

 

[Brochure (This file is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Click here to download.)] [To Apply] [Web Site] [Map/Location]

The Community

The neighboring communities of Independence and Monmouth are located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley and form the core of the Central 13J school district. Independence, a community of 8,240 residents, was founded in 1845 and contains a number of historic sites. Revitalization efforts during the early 2000s have yielded an enhanced streetscape, a public library, a movie theater, the Riverview Park Amphitheater and a variety of restaurants. Independence has managed to retain its historic charm and architecture while reinventing itself as a day-trip destination. The community boasts of four community parks. Agriculture and small business continue to provide the core of employment. Fruit and nut orchards, vineyards, trellised hops, grass and grain fields join Christmas trees and livestock to provide diverse family-oriented businesses.

Monmouth, a community of 9,675 residents, was established in 1851. Monmouth has also seen significant revitalization in the past five years and, as a result, attracts a variety of regional and state wide cultural and recreational events. Ten “pocket” parks are the pride of the community and welcome residents and visitors alike. Monmouth is the home of Western Oregon University – a 6,200 student public university initially established as Monmouth University in 1856. The fourth largest university in Oregon, WOU offers 33 majors ranging from computer science to fine arts and is recognized as Oregon’s leader in teacher preparation. It also offers a dozen master’s degree offerings. The Rice Auditorium, Werner University Center and the Health and Wellness Center provide diverse opportunities for both students and the community.

The communities of Monmouth and Independence are centrally located approximately 20 minutes from Salem, the state capitol; Corvallis, home of Oregon State University; and Interstate 5, the major west coast interstate. In addition, the area offers easy access to many recreational opportunities. The Cascade Mountains, an hour and one half away, offer hiking, camping, fishing, and winter snow skiing. The Pacific coastline is a short hour west and offers year round activity and scenic beauty. Oregon’s largest city, Portland, is just over one hour north and downtown Independence offers direct access to the Willamette River.

The District

The Central School District includes 2,950 students in seven schools including one high school, one middle school, four elementary schools and an alternative school/teen parenting center. With a staff of 145 full- and part-time licensed staff, 163 full- and part-time classified/support staff and 12 administrative staff, the district serves the communities of Independence, Monmouth and surrounding rural communities.

Our community-orientated schools score comparably on state-wide assessments while serving students from diverse and varied backgrounds. English Language Learners comprise over 43% of the student population and special learning programs at all levels allow students to prepare for post high school opportunities.

In cooperation with the local Western Oregon University, high school students can take advanced placement courses at a reduced cost. In addition, university students participate in after school tutorial programs helping students at all levels. A recently implemented Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will be hosted at the local high school. Professors will meet in the high school, observe classrooms, design programs and explore joint grant writing opportunities. An expanding partnership between the school district and WOU provides outstanding opportunities for both institutions.

Student involvement and community support have created highly successful co-curricular and fine arts programs. School activities and events are a focal point of the community. Patrons pride themselves in creating a supportive, yet challenging educational environment combined with high caliber athletic programs, all while maintaining a small town feel.

Community support assures excellent services for students. In 2008, the District successfully passed a $48 million bond levy, which resulted in the construction a new high school and improvements to other facilities. In addition to an earlier successful 2006 bond levy, the district has created excellent facilities and community pride.

An elected, unpaid seven-member school board representing regions within the district sets policy for the district and hires and supervises the superintendent.

The Position

The Central School District 13J Board of Directors is recruiting an outstanding educational leader who will provide vision and leadership in the district and community. The successful candidate must have proven leadership qualities, strong interpersonal relations skills, and demonstrated success as an instructional leader, fiscal manager and communicator.

The district currently employs an interim superintendent. The previous superintendent’s 2010 annual salary was $121,000 plus insurance and other benefits. A competitive contract, including salary, benefits, and duration, will be negotiated with the new superintendent. 

The Qualifications 

The Board invites individuals with qualities and qualifications in the following areas to apply.

Leadership
  • Demonstrates strong personal and professional honesty, integrity and fairness
  • Understands diverse student populations and willing to promote programs which enhance learning opportunities for all students
  • Able to provide leadership in setting the instructional vision for the district
  • An independent thinker who is able to make tough management and personnel decisions while maintaining a perspective of the entire district
  • Can establish, articulate, and motivate staff, students and the community in the development of a common vision
  • Can balance the District’s mission with the needs of individual schools
  • Someone who puts the interest of students first in decisions 
 Administration
  • A problem solver who involves others in the process
  • Demonstrates strong fiscal management and budgeting skills
  • Knowledge about and successful experience with personnel issues, labor negotiations, bond construction and contract management
Communication
  • Someone who possesses solid interpersonal skills and who is a good listener
  • Able to work with post secondary organizations to enhance learning and training opportunities for students, staff and the community
  • Able to work with a wide variety of audiences to achieve common goals and solutions
  • A leader in the community; involved and visible within the schools and community
Personal and Professional
  • Speaks, acts, and treats others with respect and understanding
  • Understands and appreciates the value of public school
  • A proven record of successful public school administrative and teaching experience
  • Enjoys being with kids and teachers
Additional qualities and qualifications
  • Is willing to be involved in school and community events
  • Willing to commit to the long-term goals and stability of the district
  • Holds or qualifies for an Oregon superintendent’s license

Timelines

  • Closing Date:  February 16, 2012 
  • Screening:  February 21-26
  • Interviews:  March 7-10
  • Site Visits:  March 12-16
  • Second Interviews:  March 26-28 
  • Selection:  April 2
  • Starting Date:  July 1, 2012

Application Process

All applicants must apply online and provide the following:

  • A completed online application
  • A letter of interest stating why you wish to be employed by the Central School District
  • A current resume
  • Three to five current letters of recommendation
  • A copy of your Oregon superintendent license or proof of eligibility for an Oregon superintendent license
  • A one-page statement describing how you would promote positive communicationwithin the district and community

All application materials must be complete and available to OSBA by 5 p.m., February 16, 2012.

To Apply

To begin your online application go to https://edzapp.com/applicant/login.aspx?origincode=22823
or click here to APPLY NOW! 

Out-of-state candidates: To ensure your eligibility for an Oregon superintendent’s license, direct inquiries to Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, 503-378-3586; (fax) 503-378-4448

For more information

For questions regarding the online application process, please contact:

Stacy Davis,executive search assistant.

For more information about the district and position, please contact:

Dr. Chuck Bugge, Executive Search Consultant
Central School District Superintendent Search
c/o Oregon School Boards Association
P.O. Box 1068 Salem, OR 97308
(541)  490-1470 (Cell)  /  (503) 588-2813 (FAX)  /  cbugge@hoodriverelectric.net

Central 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 Donna Herren at 800-578-6722.