Position Title: Superintendent

Salary: $120,000

Closing Date: November 8, 2006

Downloads:

• Job Application
• Job Brochure

The Position

The governing board of the Placerville Union School District (K8) seeks a visionary, forthright educational leader who is committed to excellence in public education. The successful candidate must have the ability to establish an atmosphere of integrity and trust to unify all segments of the school district and community. A demonstrated team approach that is respectful and courteous to all groups is a requisite.

The Community

Placerville is a picturesque, history-conscious community that takes pride in its colorful past. Nearby is Coloma, the site of John Marshall’s gold discovery. As a result of the Gold Rush, the area was well populated by the 1850’s. The historic Gold Rush area brings enthusiasts from around the world.

Nestled in the foothills of El Dorado County, the area provides an ideal climate—dry summers and mild winters—scenery, cultural amenities and recreational enticements to many visitors for enjoyable weekends or extended vacations. Skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, boating and rafting are among the sporting activities available. Throughout the year, many treasures can be found in the numerous antique shops and art galleries that dot the region.

Placerville has a population of 10,350 which is dispersed in quiet neighborhoods and rural foothill settings amid oaks and conifers. The historic downtown area is replete with quaint shops, restaurants and hotels. A diversified economy is creating exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs as well as established businesses. The current population also includes many who commute to the Sacramento area for employment. The community is 45 miles from Sacramento, travel time to Lake Tahoe is an hour and San Francisco is approximately two hours away by car.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Placerville Union School District is to provide children with an excellent educational program that prepares them academically and inspires them to be confident, life-long learners who strive to realize their potential and make a positive contribution to society.

The District

Placerville Union School District has approximately 1,184 students and is comprised of three schools: Sierra School (K-5), Louisiana Schnell School (K-5) and Edwin Markham Middle School (6-8). The district is noted for its excellent schools, parental involvement and sound fiscal management. There is a strong sense of community throughout the district as well as a “family” atmosphere. The district is proud that the sites provide many options for students as well as a caring, nurturing environment.

The board is proud that they have a school that was recognized as a California Distinguished School as well as a National Blue Ribbon School. The staff and community place a high priority on academic achievement yet maintain child focused methods.

District facilities are in excellent condition due to a bond measure supported by the community. The staff is also proud that they can provide an outstanding learning environment that is safe for all students. You are encouraged to visit our Web site at www.pusd.k12.ca.us for more information.

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

• California Teaching and Administrative Credential required or must be eligible for California certification
  
• Master’s Degree required, Doctorate preferred
  
• Experience as a site and district level leader highly desirable, preferably at the elementary level
  
• Classroom experience highly desirable

Personal Characteristics

• Demonstrates a strong sense of ethics, including honesty and fairness.
  
• Outstanding communicator with all segments of the population and establishes formal and informal methods of communicating with all stakeholders.
  
• Demonstrates an appreciation for learning by being a lifelong learner.
  
• Good sense of humor and a realistic perspective.
  
• Is community minded, will be adaptable to a rural setting and be an active, supportive member of the community.
  
• Good problem solving skills that include innovative and creative approaches.
  
• A student centered leadership style that is inclusive and values the expertise of staff at all levels.

Professional Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates a personal commitment to all students achieving at the highest levels.
  
• Develops trusting relationships throughout the system by holding people accountable, yet recognizing and celebrating success and excellence.
  
• Has an in-depth understanding and knowledge of curriculum/instruction, special education, school finance, facilities, human resources and community relations.
  
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills—the ability to communicate effectively with all segments of our schools and community.
  
• Works well with board members individually and collectively—understands how an effective governance team works and provides direction and support to all members.
  
• An open and accessible leadership style that promotes meaningful involvement in decision making.
  
• Demonstrates a responsive, available and visible leadership style.
  
• Experience in involving the parent and community and in establishing partnerships to benefit the schools and our students.
  
• A creative problem solver who has the courage to do what is right for kids.

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:

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

All applicants must provide the following items by the closing date, November 8, 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 Placerville 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 November 8, 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 select candidates for the final interviews who will be invited back. A board appointed Superintendent Selection Advisory Committee will interview the finalists and report the perceived strengths and weaknesses to the board. The board will then interview the 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 Placerville Union 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 previous experienced superintendent’s salary was $120,000.

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