Position Title: Superintendent/Principal

Salary: $93,000

Closing Date: October 20, 2006

Downloads:

• Job Application
• Job Brochure

The Position

The Board of Trustees of the Colfax Elementary School District invites dynamic professional educators to apply for the position of superintendent/principal. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a passion for public education and the children we serve. Our district has a history of stable and successful educational practices and accomplishments. We are looking for a leader to help us continue our tradition of excellence and move forward. The individual should be community-minded and enjoy working in a small, rural environment.

The Community

Colfax is a wonderful city located in the foothills of the Sierras in Placer County. The heart of the community, Old Town Colfax, dates back to the early days of the California Gold Rush. We also have a long and proud tradition as a railroad town, serving as an important stopping point along the transcontinental railroad. Trains still rumble through town during the day and our local museum boasts of this legacy.

Colfax residents enjoy a family friendly environment that offers many opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Located close to Highway 80, Colfax is only thirty minutes from urban areas that offer shopping and entertainment. Many of our residents commute to Sacramento and other nearby areas for work.

Our quaint homes and neighborhoods are tucked in among towering pines and oak trees. The small town atmosphere is displayed by our local businesses, churches, service clubs, and civic activities. We are a perfect place to live, to raise a family or to retire.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Colfax is ideally situated for year-round activities — above the fog, but below the snow. We are within easy driving distance to lakes, rivers and mountains which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, biking, horseback riding, boating, and water and snow skiing.

For more information about our community and our history, visit www.colfax.area.com.

Mission Statement

We believe students in a safe healthy environment, supported by a strong and rich academic foundation, will grow to become active and contributing citizens.

The District

The Colfax Elementary School District has two schools: Colfax Elementary and Iowa Hill School. Our student population is approximately 450 students at Colfax Elementary and 5 students at Iowa Hill School. Our staff includes 30 certificated staff and 30 support staff. Many of our staff members have worked in the district for more than ten years.

Our students come from the city of Colfax and the surrounding 125 square miles of unincorporated residential area. Our students continue their secondary education in the Placer Union High School District, with most attending Colfax High School. Like many California schools in rural areas, we are facing declining enrollment and the accompanying challenges.

Our district is fiscally solvent with modern and attractive facilities. Our staff and teachers have worked hard to maintain high educational standards and to offer a well rounded instructional program for our students. We encourage and support active participation from our parents and our community.

To learn more about our district and our schools and to view our School Accountability Report Cards, visit our Web site at www.colfax.k12.ca.us.

Selection Criteria

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

Professional Experience and Preparation

• California Teaching and Administrative Credential required
  
• Master’s Degree required, Doctorate preferred
  
• Teaching experience required
  
• Site-level administrative experience required, preferably at the elementary level

Personal Characteristics

• Has high personal standards, unquestioned integrity and ethics.
  
• Has a passion for public education and an unshakeable belief in children and their welfare.
  
• Has a positive attitude with high energy, personal vitality and a good sense of humor.
  
• Is a resourceful, creative problem solver.
  
• Is community-minded and enjoys working in a small rural environment.
  
• Has excellent communication skills and can clearly express thoughts while speaking and writing
  
• Collaborates with staff, students, parents and trustees; responds thoughtfully and honestly to individual needs.
  
• Demonstrates an appreciation for education by being a lifelong learner.
  
• Develops trusting relationships throughout the system by holding people accountable, yet recognizing and celebrating success and excellence.
  
• Is approachable, visible and accessible to staff and community members.
  
• Demonstrates experience building strong relationships between administration, staff and community.

Professional Skills and Abilities

• Has expertise in the administration and operation of small/rural school districts.
  
• Has a thorough understanding and working knowledge in curriculum, instruction, California state standards, special education, facilities, human resources and community relations.
  
• Communicates clearly and effectively in both speaking and writing; communicates proactively with the community.
  
• Understands how an effective governance team works and provides direction and support to all members.
  
• Utilizes an open and accessible leadership style that promotes involvement in decision making.
  
• Strives to be visible on campus and in the community.
  
• Creates a positive educational climate and culture that promotes accountability and cooperation; instills confidence in schools.
  
• Demonstrates experience involving the parents and community as well as establishing partnerships to benefit the schools and our students.
  
• Has experience articulating and collaborating with high school.

Application Procedure

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 at CSBA (916) 669-3297. For duplication purposes, please do not bind application materials.

Applications are to be sent to:

Colfax Elementary School District
c/o Barry Reed, Adviser
California School Boards Association
3100 Beacon Blvd., Suite Colfax
West Sacramento, CA 95691

All applicants must provide the following items by the closing date, October 20, 2006 (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 downloaded via CSBA’s web page at www.csba.org/es
  
• A personal letter of application stating reasons for interest in the Colfax Union 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 have placement papers or reference letters forwarded in time to meet the October 20, 2006 (5:00 p.m.) deadline. Additional brochures may be requested by calling the CSBA 24-hour Brochure Request Line at (916) 669-3296 or visiting our Web site at www.csba.org.

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 then select candidates for the final interviews. A Superintendent Selection Advisory Committee will interview the finalists and report to the board the strength and weaknesses of each finalist. The board will then interview all finalists and make a selection. Any applicant who contacts a board member with the intent of influencing the board’s decision will be disqualified.

Travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate.

Salary and Contract Terms

The Colfax Elementary School District Board of Trustees will offer a salary that is competitive and negotiable to the successful candidate, based on that individual’s experience and qualifications. The present experienced superintendent’s salary is $93,000 plus a health and welfare package worth $9,500.

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.

Board of Education