Position Title: Superintendent

Salary: Competitive and Negotiable

Closing Date: September 19, 2007

Downloads:

• Job Application
• Job Brochure

The Position

The governing board of the Esparto USD seeks a successful experienced leader to serve as its next superintendent. The board is pleased with the academic achievement of students in the district, but would like someone to take them to the next level. The ideal candidate would have a variety of educational experience at many levels and a proven, successful experience working with small rural communities. Diversity is considered a strength in this district and the new leader should have demonstrated the ability to work with a diverse community to achieve the district’s goals.

The board is interested in offering a multi-year contract to the successful candidate and hopes to develop a long-term relationship as a governance team.

The Community

Esparto, located near the California coastal range at the mouth of the beautiful Capay Valley, provides residents and visitors with an abundance of natural resources to enjoy. It is a unique setting—a rural agrarian community close to the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento. Running through the community is Cache Creek, which was named by the Hudson Bay trappers for the “caches” often stored in its banks for safekeeping. Capay Valley was the ancestral home of the Patwin tribe until the valley was subdivided in 1850 by early pioneers. The Esparto area has many historical buildings, and during the turn of the century made significant contributions to the growth of Yolo County.

Many of the organic farmers in Yolo County have chosen the Capay Valley as home for their natural produce. Throughout the hills on both sides of the valley several large cattle and sheep ranches uphold the ranching tradition that dates back to the Spanish Land Grant – Rancho Canada de Capay.

In addition to its natural beauty, history and agriculture the Esparto area offers whitewater rafting, camping, and gaming as well as winery and farm tours. The annual Almond Festival, started in 1915, is the premiere event in the area. It is traditionally held on the fourth Sunday in February when almond trees burst into bloom.

The District

The school district’s 2006/2007 general fund budget is $8.8 million with estimated base revenue limit per ADA of $5,951. The student population is approximately 55% Hispanic, 36% white and 9% other ethnicities. There are approximately 140 certificated and classified staff members.
The Esparto Unified School District is considered a small rural school district. Based on the 2006 CBEDS count, the enrollment figures are:

            K-5 enrollment: 452 students
            6-8 enrollment: 257 students
            9-12 enrollment: 324 students
            Total:    1,033 students

The schools offer a variety of programs in addition to their regular outstanding curriculum. These programs include Title 1, class-size reduction, G.A.T.E., Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, migrant education, ROP and special education. They also offer a variety of extra-curricular activities that include Future Farmers of America (FFA), athletic programs and service clubs.

The district is expecting growth in home building and student population, affording an opportunity for staff to be involved in facility and educational improvements.

During the past four years all of our comprehensive schools achieved California Distinguished Schools recognition. We are proud of what is achieved in our classrooms, our offices and around our sites. Our excellent programs are due entirely to a staff and community that are dedicated to one common goal—providing the best for our students.

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
• Classroom teaching experience desirable
• Site and district level experience desirable
• Master’s degree required
• California Teaching and Administrative Credential required or must be eligible for California certification

Personal Characteristics

• Enjoys being a part of the community in which they work
• Demonstrates an appreciation for learning by being a life-long learner
• Has a visible and active style that promotes visibility, accessibility and approachability
• Is honest and has the ability to make the “tough” decisions in the best interests of students
• Is a creative, resourceful leader who possesses a good sense of humor
• An appreciation for working with a diverse population
• A “hands on” leader who will regularly visit classrooms and interact with students and staff face to face

Professional Skills and Abilities

• Has a strong background in curriculum and instruction
• Has been involved in or led a district in developing a comprehensive strategic plan
• Has had many educational experiences kindergarten through 12th grade
• Has successful experience working with a diverse population
• Can develop trusting relationships through out the system by holding people accountable, yet recognizing and celebrating success and excellence
• Has the ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders, both written and oral, yet is a good listener
• Works well with board members individually and collectively
• Understands the dynamics of a small rural community
• Understands school finances and is a creative resourceful leader
• Understands the importance of technology as an educational and management tool
  

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

Applications are to be sent to:
Esparto Unified School District
c/o Barry E. Reed, Adviser
California School Boards Association
Executive Search Services
3100 Beacon Blvd., Ste. Esparto
West Sacramento, CA 95691

All applicants must provide the following items by the closing date, Thursday, September 19, 2007 (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 Esparto superintendent position
• A résumé providing biographical background information about educational preparation, experience and achievements
• A placement file and/or 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 September 19, 2007 (5:00 p.m.) deadline. Additional brochures may be requested by calling the CSBA 24-hour Brochure Request Line at (916) 669-3296.
  

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. Finalists will be invited back for a second interview with the board. The board will then make a final decision. Any applicant who contacts a board member with the intent of influencing the board’s decision will be disqualified.

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

Salary and Contract Terms

The Esparto Unified School District Board of Education will offer a salary that is competitive and negotiable based on experience and qualifications. The board intends to offer a multi-year contract with an attractive fringe benefit package. The previous experienced superintendent’s salary was $125,000, plus benefits.

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