Director of Schools

Oregon, IL, United States

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Chief Academic Officer, the Director of Schools provides oversight to elementary, middle, high schools, and other programs as assigned. This position provides organizational and educational leadership for building administrators, school leaders, students, staff, and community stakeholders served by Reynolds School District including providing leadership, establishing and monitoring site-based implementation of the operational and instructional vision and focused plans for improving student achievement while narrowing the disparities between the highest and lowest performing students; using articulated and measurable standards, advances the district’s vision that each and every child is prepared for a world yet to be imagined; supervising and supporting professional administrators in site management and in strengthening instructional practices of professional educators; ensuring a culture of high expectation for students which provides equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction; ensuring a positive climate for staff that values shared decision making, and fosters innovation, collegiality, and ethical leadership; supporting and implementing the District’s Equity Policy.

Qualifications:

The Director of Schools is a strong leader with high ethical standards who focuses on developing extraordinary school leaders and programs, understands and models cultural competence, and is a highly skilled communicator who creates connections with staff, students, families and community partners.

Education/Certification/Bonding and/or Testing Required:

Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in an education discipline, preferably in school administration. Doctorate Preferred.

Oregon Administrative license or qualifications to receive one required.

Oregon Fingerprint and Criminal Check clearance.

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Skills to: communicate effective both orally and in writing; effectively use Microsoft Office and educational based computer technology/applications; effective interpersonal and human relations skills; excellent problem solving, and consensus building skills; strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex roles and responsibilities.

Knowledge of: K-12 Education public schools’ laws, policies and guidelines related to administration, curriculum and leadership; current instructional administration techniques and programs throughout the state and nation, incorporating findings into the district where appropriate.

District labor organizations and collective bargaining agreements; research-based instructional strategies and models for improving instructional practices for all students; effective leadership and management strategies and techniques; collection and analysis of data and data use methods; academic achievement standards which align to district goals and create a comprehensive, rigorous and coherent curricular program; district organization, operations, policies and objectives; existing and emerging technologies, including education, business and internet software applications.

Ability to: manage systemic change and successfully implement reform initiatives that produce significant gains in closing the achievement gap; monitor and evaluate student progress and modify plans to meet intended outcomes; build a culture of equity that is student centered; direct, supervise, counsel and evaluate programs and staff; build and sustain productive relationships with families, caregivers, community partners and district stakeholders; develop a caring school environment in collaboration with faculty and staff; apply laws, policies, regulations, and procedures fairly, consistently, wisely, and compassionately; advocate, model and implement district’s equity and other board policies.

Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years experience as a PK-12 school-based building administrator is required.

Experience working in a richly diverse school community and environment and bilingual or multilingual skills are highly desirable.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Supervises and supports school site administrators and other assigned personnel by ensuring successful understanding of, communication of, and implementation of school board policies and by providing professional development to strengthen employees’ knowledge and skills in school site management.

Develops, mentors and builds leadership capacity of building-based administrators in all aspects of school leadership.

Promotes a positive, safe and caring climate for learning; deals sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds; communicates effectively with students, staff and parents.

Supports development and implementation of school improvement plans by building administrators ensuring engagement of staff, parents, and community members;

Develops and supports District initiatives and priorities aligned with implementing a rigorous curriculum to prepare students to be successful.

Ensures student management programs and procedures are in alignment with district’s PBIS/restorative practices and are effective in promoting acceptable student conduct and social growth; ensures systems and procedures are in place to provide for campus safety.

Provides direction for, and leads professional development, implementation and monitoring of district-wide strategic initiatives, plans, policies, and programs that support the district’s mission.

Works with district administration and school leaders to develop measurable goals for student growth; reviews baseline and progression data to identify and implement strategies for improvement; confers with school site leaders to identify implementation activities and regularly reviews progress; ensures instructional systems which monitor student progress; regularly assesses and refines strategies which eliminate the effects of institutional racism.

Participates in district budget development process; manages budget allocations to ensure equitable use of resources amongst schools; develops and/or follows systems and procedures to monitor receipt and expenditure of funds and ensures funds are expended appropriately within federal, state, and local guidelines.

Articulates the district’s mission to schools and the community-at-large; solicits support in accomplishing the mission; uses appropriate and effective techniques to encourage school leader, community and parent involvement.

Ensures building administrators actively engage their school communities

Works with district stakeholders to resolve issues and concerns

Participates in recruitment, interview, and selection process for assigned schools and recommends transfers, reassignments, terminations and disciplinary actions.

Confers with Chief Academic Officer and Superintendent on matters of concern and recommends solutions to complex problems related to the district’s instructional programs.

Represents the district and schools in meetings, workshops, conferences and professional activities including school board general business meetings and work sessions and prepares and presents reports as requested related to assigned responsibilities.

Learns and uses District IT systems and technology to perform routine tasks, such as performance management assessments; accessing financial reports and managing staffing allocations and budget information.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct oversight of assigned school site administrators.

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend employment actions of school site administrators.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel and out-of-state travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress

Primary Location ADMIN

Salary Range $120,774.00 - $136,005.00 / Annual

Shift Type Full Time

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