Position Title: Superintendent

Salary: Competitive and negotiable depending on qualifications and experience

Closing Date: February 11, 2008

Downloads:

• Job Application
• Job Brochure

The Position

The Board of Trustees of the Healdsburg Unified School District (Healdsburg USD) invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of superintendent of schools. Through imaginative “big picture” strategic thinking, the superintendent will provide visionary leadership in addressing the instructional, financial and changing demographic challenges of the 21st century.

The Community

Healdsburg, located in Sonoma county, is 75 miles north of San Francisco, situated between Fitch Mountain to the east and a range of low mountains to the west. Santa Rosa, the county seat, lies 15 miles south of Healdsburg. The spectacular California coast is a 45-minute drive.

Established in 1867, the earliest residents were members of the Pomo Indian tribe. In 1867, Healdsburg was incorporated and developed around a central Spanish-style plaza. This unique plaza is one of the few remnants of early California town planning that exists today. Historic homes and storefronts retain the flavor of Healdsburg’s rich heritage.

Today, Healdsburg encompasses approximately three square miles and serves a population of 11,700 in a greater trade area of 50,000.

The area has a moderate mediterranean-type climate with ideal growing conditions for many types of agriculture. Healdsburg’s major industries are agriculture/wine, lumber and tourism.

The famous Russian River flows through Healdsburg and offers opportunities for boating, swimming and picnicking. Lake Sonoma, a 2,700 acre lake, is only 10 miles away. Healdsburg is a base for wine country excursions through the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys.

The city’s Spanish-style plaza plays host to free summer concerts, antique fairs, lively crafts fairs, farmers markets and more.

Within walking distance of the plaza are charming boutiques, art galleries, spas and antique stores, as well as excellent restaurants and cafes featuring fresh, local foods.

The District

Healdsburg USD offers a challenging and enriching curriculum based on the California state academic standards. Its dedicated teachers and staff are devoted to the instruction of the children of Healdsburg and work to create a positive, safe learning environment. Parent involvement and broad-based community support also make Healdsburg schools unique. A 1975 graduate states: “My wife, her parents, our children and I have all received a wonderful education from Healdsburg schools. Our life foundation was built from its values.”

With an enrollment of approximately 2,300 students, the district operates two elementary schools (a K-2 and a 3-5), one junior high school (6-8), one comprehensive high school (9-12), and the Marce Becerra Academy (10-12) continuation school. The composition of the student population is approximately 60 percent Caucasian and 40 percent Hispanic. English Language Learners comprise 35 percent of the total student population.

Healdsburg High School student test scores annually exceed state and county averages on all standardized tests. The school has a number of national merit scholars, offers an increasing number of advanced placement classes, and annually receives over half a million dollars in scholarships. Academic support programs, regional occupational programs in auto body, business, health and hospitality, career pathway programs and strong fine and performing arts programs provide opportunities for all students. A wide variety of programs are also offered at the elementary and junior high school levels, including AVID, John Hopkins Talent Search, Spanish/English immersion, after school tutorial, and computer/technology.

The FY 2006-07 district adopted budget is approximately $18 million.

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the district’s Web site at www.husd.com.

“We’re delighted with the excellent education our two sons are receiving…strong academics, outstanding teachers, and a safe nurturing learning environment validate our decision,” are feelings expressed by two Healdsburg parents.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria represent standards to be used in the evaluation of applications and in the selection of the superintendent. The criteria are not totally exclusive or inclusive. The board realizes that no single candidate is likely to possess all the criteria. The board is looking for a person who has:

• Professional Experience and Preparation
• Master’s degree required
• California Teaching and Administrative Credential required or must be eligible for California certification
• District office and school site administrative experience highly desirable
• K-12 classroom teaching experience highly desirable

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate:

• Is a creative, resourceful leader who possesses a good sense of humor
• Has a passion for public education and a strong belief in children and their welfare
• Is honest and has the ability to make “tough” decisions in the best interests of students
• Is an effective communicator who establishes formal and informal methods of communicating with all stakeholders
• Is a good listener and responsive to input.
• Understands the dynamics and politics of a small community
• Possesses a visible and active style that promotes accessibility and availability
• Is respectful and values a diverse population.
• Can develop trusting relationships throughout the system by holding people accountable, yet recognizing and celebrating success and excellence
• Follows through and is a “doer”
• Has a willingness to participate and become involved in this community
• Demonstrates an appreciation for learning by being a life-long learner

Professional Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate:

• Understands school finances and is a creative resourceful leader who has a history of being able to leverage funds.
• Has been involved in or led a district in developing a successful comprehensive strategic plan
• Has an understanding and experience marketing excellent schools and programs
• Demonstrates an ability to collaborate with other public and private agencies; develops partnerships with the business community
• Has a record of creating a district climate of cooperation and collaboration with employee groups
• Creates and works well with effective teams at all levels
• Has a strong background in curriculum and instruction
• Understands and has success using a variety of techniques in collective bargaining
• Has experience working with foundations
• Works well with board members and understands and promotes successful governance practices

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:
Healdsburg Unified School District
c/o Barry E. Reed, Adviser
California School Boards Association
3100 Beacon Blvd., Suite HEALD
West Sacramento, CA 95691

• All applicants must provide the following items by the closing date, February 11, 2008 (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 site at www.csba.org. 
• A personal letter of application stating reasons for interest in the Healdsburg Unified School District 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 February 11, 2008 (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 meeting with the screening committee, the board will select and interview the top candidates. Reference checks will only be conducted for those candidates selected for an interview.

The board will select candidates for the final interviews, conduct the interviews and select the superintendent. Any candidate who contacts the board 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 Healdsburg Unified School District Board of Education will offer a competitive and negotiable salary to the successful candidate, based on that individual’s experience and qualifications.

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