An Invitation to Lead

We, the Board of Trustees of the Nevada Joint Union High School District, are eagerly seeking an experienced and visionary leader for our school district. We are excited by what is happening educationally within our district. We have great opportunities for an educational administrator with a passion for public education and the students we serve. Our new superintendent will need to embrace our community and our culture and join us in our continuing quest for excellence.

The Position

Our ideal candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal skills in communication and have an inclusive management style that welcomes and encourages participation and involvement. A strong understanding of curriculum and instruction is essential. The ability to manage a dynamic organization and foster excellence in all areas of administration is necessary for this position. The ideal candidate must also understand the unique challenges of our high school district. The Board of Trustees is committed to working effectively with the superintendent to foster and maintain a strong governance team.

Our Mission

The mission of the Nevada Joint Union High School District is to provide all students with the educational opportunities that will empower them to reach their full potential and prepare them for work and lifelong learning.

The District

The Nevada Joint Union High School District is an award-winning school district with state and national honors for academic and vocational excellence. We are committed to having quality leadership and stable governance. We are proud of our students and recognize their potential. We work diligently to provide them with programs that meet their academic needs. Our teachers, support staff and administration work cooperatively and collaboratively to accomplish our mission and our strategic goals.

Our district consists of five school sites that include Nevada Union High School, Bear River High School, Park Avenue Alternative Education, McCourtney Road Education Center and most recently the Ghidotti Early College High School. Each site can be accessed through our district website at www.nuhsd.org. Our schools serve approximately 3500 students in grades nine through twelve. We have a certificated staff of 220 and a classified staff of 150. Our general fund budget is $39,500,000. While we are facing declining enrollment, our budget is strong with a healthy reserve.

Our strong, academic programs have helped us maintain an average API score of 750. A high percentage of our students go on to colleges and universities after graduation. We are in the process of building a stronger vocational education program within our district. Our schools provide a wealth of extra-curricular activities including strong, athletic programs. We continue to maintain performing arts, art, music, and other programs for our students.

The district prides itself on being creative. We have developed a number of alternative programs to meet the changing needs of our student population. The Ghidotti Early College High School works with the local community college to help students complete part of their college education before they graduate from high school. Our Independent Study and continuation schools are excellent examples of how alternative education can effectively help students graduate. Some of our schools are developing schedules to allow more flexibility in student choice, while others are using small, learning communities to help students gain greater skills.

While facing the challenges of declining enrollment, we work to create and perpetuate a climate that supports open and continuous communication between staff, students, parents and the community. Our parents and community are supportive of our schools and work side-by-side with the staff to insure student success. Community support is evidenced by the fact that voters passed a bond measure to build a new performing arts theatre and a swimming pool for the Bear River High School campus. The community also raised funds to build a synthetic football field and track at Nevada Union High School. Furthermore, last year, our community generated $6,000,000 in scholarship funds for our graduating seniors.

We are committed to aligning instruction in our classrooms with the California Academic Content Standards with a focus on language arts and mathematics. We are also committed to satisfying all requirements of No Child Left Behind and all state and federal mandates.

The Community

Our schools are located in Grass Valley, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California. Nevada County is a beautiful community with a family-friendly atmosphere that promotes year-round outdoor and recreational activities. Our residents enjoy an environment of pristine rivers, rolling hills, magnificent mountains and a rich history. Residents and visitors alike get pleasure from its award-winning restaurants, quality theater productions, museums, art galleries and local wineries. Located in the heart of the famous California Gold Rush area, we have many historic sites and opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Here, you will find a magnificent four-season climate. Spring brings rushing rivers, wildflowers and hiking enthusiasts. Summer is filled with outdoor activities. Autumn brings a slower pace and the beautiful, fall colors. Winters are cool and rainy with occasional snow; world-class skiing is less than an hour away.

Residents of Nevada County comprise a diverse population with marked differences in thought, interests and socio-economic levels. Located only sixty miles from Sacramento, Nevada County is a magnet for those who wish to experience rural living at its finest. We also offer convenient access to the Lake Tahoe/Reno area, as well as to the San Francisco bay area.

To learn more about our community, please visit the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce website at www.grassvalleychamber.com or the Official Online Guide to Nevada County at www.ncgold.com or the Nevada County Economic Resource Council at www.nerc.org

Selection Criteria

The following criteria represent standards to be used in the evaluation of applications and in the selection of the superintendent.

Professional Experience and Preparation

• Appropriate administrative credentials and academic training to meet the demands of the position
• Experience as a classroom teacher, preferably at the high school level
• Current or recent experience serving in an administrative position at a district office is desirable
• Master's degree required

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will:

• Possess the qualities of personal integrity, honesty, courage and forthrightness in dealing with staff, parents, students, community, and the board.
• Possess a willingness to participate in the community to obtain its respect, secure its cooperation, and lead in its effort to improve the quality of education.
• Be passionate and enthusiastic about students and education.
• Hold high expectations for self, staff, and students.
• Demonstrate an appreciation for learning by being a life-long learner
• Develop trusting relationships throughout the system by holding people accountable, yet recognizing and celebrating success and excellence
• Have a clear vision for the future of the district and can articulate that vision
• Possess a visible and active style that promotes accessibility and availability

Professional Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will:

• Have excellent communication skills—both oral and written—and a record of effective communication with staff, board, and community.
• Communicate regularly and openly with all segments of the schools and the community, while being visible in the schools and community.
• Be an accessible, active listener with a commitment to the district and the area.
• Work well with board members individually and collectively and understand effective governance practices.
• Have been involved in or led a district in developing a successful, comprehensive strategic plan.
• Have a history of involving stakeholders in key decisions of the district.
• Have the ability to make difficult decisions in the best interests of students.
• Have strong curriculum leadership skills to develop, implement, and evaluate current educational theory and instructional techniques to enhance the curriculum and instructional programs.
• Promote the arts and music as necessary parts of a student's education.
• Recognize the importance of extra-curricular programs (i.e. sports, music, drama, etc.) and the role they play in student and community life.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage the district's finances and resources in a responsible manner, as well as the ability to seek and find new funding sources.
• Be a team builder who appreciates the contributions of all.
• Seek and value the potential in others and promote and empower staff at all levels.
• Have a reputation as a leader who follows through and is a "doer".

 

Application Procedures

All applications will be held strictly confidential. Each applicant is requested to follow the procedures listed below. Those applicants wishing additional information should contact the adviser:

Barry E. Reed at 916.212.9905

Applications must be submitted online to:

DLAssoc.com
Nevada Joint Union High School District
c/o Barry E. Reed, Adviser
Dave Long and Associates, Executive Search Services
31500 Grape Street, Ste. 3, #412
Lake Elsinore, CA 92532-9702

All applicants must provide the following items by the closing date, October 1, 2010 (5:00 p.m.), to be considered:

• A completed Application Information Form. (Please complete as instructed; do not complete by stating "see attached résumé".) The Application Information Form and brochure may be completed via the Dave Long and Associates web page at DLAssoc.com.
• A personal letter of application stating reasons for interest in the Nevada Joint Union High School District superintendent position.
• A résumé providing biographical background information about educational preparation, experience, and achievements
• Five (5) current letters of professional references describing the applicant's performance in previously held positions

It is the applicant's responsibility to arrange to have placement papers or reference letters forwarded in time to meet the October 1 (5:00 pm) deadline.

 

Selection Procedure

A professional screening committee will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant. The board and the screening committee will use the described criteria during the screening, interviewing, and final decision-making process. After receiving and studying the report of the screening committee, the board will select and interview the top candidates.

The board will select multiple candidates for the final interviews. The Superintendent Search Advisory Committee (SSAC), consisting of staff and community members, will interview the final candidates and report perceived strengths and weaknesses to the board. The board will then conduct final interviews and select the superintendent.

Any applicant who contacts a member of the board or an SSAC member with the intent of influencing the board's decision will be disqualified.

Travel expenses for those candidates selected for interviews will be the responsibility of the candidate.

Salary and Contract Terms

The Nevada Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees will offer the successful candidate a salary that is competitive and negotiable based on that individual's experience and qualifications, including a multi-year contract.

It is the candidate's responsibility to provide the district with employment eligibility and verification of citizenship in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Applications Close

October 1, 2010 (5:00 p.m.)