SAYDEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Position: Superintendent of Schools Reports to: Board of Education Status: Full-Time, Exempt Terms: 12 Months Salary: Determined by the Board of Education

POSITION SUMMARY

The Superintendent serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Saydel Community School District and the administrative head of all divisions and programs of the school system. The Superintendent is responsible for providing educational, operational, organizational, and fiscal leadership to ensure that the district fulfills its mission and provides high-quality educational opportunities for each student.

The Superintendent works under the direction of the Board of Education and is responsible for implementing Board policies and decisions, providing leadership for the district's educational program, supervising district operations, overseeing the district's financial management, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Iowa Department of Education rules, and Board policies.

The Superintendent shall provide leadership that promotes student achievement and well-being, instructional excellence, professional growth, effective operations, fiscal responsibility, strong relationships with staff and families, and meaningful engagement with the Saydel community.

The Superintendent shall exercise appropriate authority by delegating to district administrators and other personnel, while maintaining accountability to the Board for the district's overall performance and operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Superintendent performs the following responsibilities within the framework of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL), Board policy, district goals, and applicable federal and state law.

1. Mission, Vision, and District Leadership

Develop, advocate for, and implement a shared mission, vision, and set of core values focused on high-quality education and the academic success and well-being of every student.
Provide clear direction and leadership for the district's educational program and operations.
Ensure district goals, programs, staffing, resources, and operations are aligned with the district's mission and strategic priorities.
Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of district goals and strategic initiatives.
Maintain a clear focus on student achievement, student well-being, and the unique learning needs of each student.
Promote a culture of high expectations, continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
Ensure that district decisions are guided by sound educational practices, reliable information, and the long-term interests of students and the district.

2. Instructional Leadership and Student Achievement

Provide leadership for a rigorous, coherent, and effective educational program aligned with state standards, Board policy, and district goals.
Ensure that curriculum, instruction, assessment, intervention, and professional learning systems support student achievement and student well-being.
Lead and support a districtwide culture of instructional excellence.
Establish expectations for the use of student achievement data and other relevant information to identify needs, monitor progress, and improve instruction.
Ensure that appropriate academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and other interventions are available to students who require additional support.
Support the effective implementation and continuous improvement of district instructional frameworks and improvement initiatives.
Monitor district progress toward established student achievement goals and communicate progress to the Board and community.
Promote opportunities for students to develop college, career, and postsecondary readiness.
Ensure that district programs respond to the changing educational, social, and economic needs of students and the community.

3. Leadership Development and Professional Capacity

Recruit, employ, develop, supervise, and retain highly qualified administrators, teachers, and support staff.
Establish clear expectations for effective leadership, instruction, professional conduct, and performance.
Provide appropriate evaluation, coaching, supervision, and professional development for district administrators and staff.
Develop the professional capacity of school and district personnel to improve student outcomes.
Build a professional culture characterized by collaboration, trust, accountability, and continuous learning.
Delegate authority and responsibility appropriately while maintaining accountability for results.
Identify and develop current and future district leaders.
Support professional learning that is aligned with district priorities and student needs.

4. Human Resources and Personnel Management

Employ all personnel in accordance with Iowa law, Board policy, negotiated agreements, and applicable state and federal requirements.
Recommend the number and type of positions necessary to provide an effective and efficient educational program within the district's available resources and adopted budget
Establish appropriate assignments, responsibilities, and lines of authority for district personnel.
Oversee the effective administration of collective bargaining agreements and personnel policies.
Direct and oversee negotiations with certified and non-certified personnel as authorized by the Board.
Address personnel concerns, complaints, performance issues, and other employment matters in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner.
Recommend appropriate action to the Board when employee performance or conduct does not meet district expectations.
Maintain appropriate systems for employee recruitment, retention, evaluation, professional development, and recognition.
Promote a positive work environment that supports employee engagement and retention.

5. Board Relations and Governance

Serve as the chief administrative advisor to the Board of Education.
Attend and participate in all Board meetings and provide accurate, timely, and relevant information necessary for effective Board decision-making.
Implement Board policies and decisions and provide recommendations on matters requiring Board action.
Keep the Board informed of significant district issues, opportunities, trends, risks, and developments.
Provide recommendations concerning policy, organization, finance, instruction, facilities, staffing, and other matters affecting the district.
Maintain a clear distinction between the Board's governance responsibilities and the Superintendent's administrative responsibilities.
Support appropriate Board development and professional learning.
Provide the Board with regular updates regarding district goals, student achievement, personnel, finance, facilities, and other significant operational matters.
Serve as an ex-officio member of committees established by the Board when appropriate.

6. Fiscal Leadership and Stewardship

Provide leadership for sound, responsible, and transparent financial management of district resources.
Oversee preparation of the annual district budget and appropriation resolution and present recommendations to the Board for consideration and approval.
Ensure expenditures are consistent with the adopted budget, Board policy, and applicable law.
Work collaboratively with the district's business officials to monitor financial conditions, projections, revenues, expenditures, and long-term financial sustainability.
Recommend financial priorities that support student achievement and district goals.
Serve as the district's purchasing agent as authorized by Board policy.
Establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for the expenditure of district funds.
Monitor the efficient and effective use of district resources.
Communicate financial information clearly to the Board and, when appropriate, the community.
Lead capital funding efforts by developing financing options, coordinating with legal and financial advisors, guiding district efforts to secure voter approval or renewal of PPEL, ISL, and other voter-approved funding sources. Provide accurate, timely public information throughout the process while engaging the community.

7. Facilities, Operations, and Safety

Oversee the effective operation, maintenance, security, cleanliness, and safety of district facilities, grounds, equipment, and transportation services.
Monitor the condition and long-term needs of district facilities through a long-range facilities plan, and recommend to the Board construction, renovation, maintenance, and capital improvements.
Oversee improvement and renovation projects and ensure that contractual requirements are fulfilled.
Work collaboratively with architects, contractors, engineers, and other professionals on district facility projects.
Ensure appropriate planning for emergencies, crises, disasters, and other threats to student and staff safety.
Ensure district operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and established procedures.
Promote efficient and effective operational systems that support the district's educational mission.

8. Community, Family, and External Relations

Serve as a visible and accessible representative of the Saydel Community School District.
Act as a liaison between the Board, school district, families, community members, civic organizations, and other stakeholders.
Establish and maintain effective communication systems that keep families, staff, students, and community members informed about district activities, accomplishments, challenges, and priorities.
Serve as an appropriate spokesperson for the district and communicate accurately and professionally with news media and other external audiences.
Promote district accomplishments and opportunities while communicating openly about challenges and areas for improvement.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with community organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and other partners.
Encourage meaningful community participation in district programs, activities, and events.
Respond appropriately and consistently to parent, student, employee, and community concerns.
Build community understanding and support for district priorities and initiatives.

9. Ethics, Professionalism, and Equity

Act ethically and according to professional standards in all decisions and interactions.
Model integrity, transparency, professionalism, and respect.
Promote equitable educational opportunities and access to appropriate educational programs and services for all students.
Ensure that district practices support a safe, inclusive, caring, and respectful learning environment.
Make decisions based on the best interests of students, sound educational practice, applicable law, Board policy, and reliable information.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion in personnel, student, legal, and other sensitive matters.
Foster an organizational culture in which students and adults are treated with dignity and respect.

10. Continuous Improvement and Accountability

Serve as an agent of continuous improvement for the district.
Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of district programs, policies, procedures, and organizational structures.
Use data, stakeholder feedback, research, and other relevant information to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Establish clear measures of progress for district goals and initiatives.
Monitor implementation of district improvement efforts and make adjustments when necessary.
Ensure that the district remains responsive to changing student, staff, family, community, and educational needs.
Communicate progress and areas for improvement to the Board and community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Strong instructional leadership and a commitment to student achievement.
Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, school improvement, and student achievement strategies.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, staff, families, Board members, and community stakeholders.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
The ability to make difficult decisions while considering their short- and long-term impact on the district.
The ability to establish priorities, delegate appropriately, and hold individuals and teams accountable.
Knowledge of school district operations, finance, human resources, facilities, transportation, and risk management.
The ability to analyze information and use data to inform decisions.
The ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with diverse groups.
The ability to communicate complex issues clearly and appropriately to different audiences.
Commitment to ethical leadership, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Competence in the use of technology for communication, research, information management, and district operations.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, Advanced Studies Certificate, or doctorate in the area of superintendency.
Hold or be eligible to obtain an Iowa Professional Administrator License with Superintendent endorsement.
5 years of successful teaching experience
Demonstrated successful experience in educational leadership.
Demonstrated ability to lead and support high-quality instruction and student achievement.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, families, Board members, and community members.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The Superintendent is expected to:

Maintain a visible presence throughout the district and community.
Develop positive and productive relationships with students, staff, families, Board members, and community stakeholders.
Communicate proactively, clearly, honestly, and respectfully.
Maintain high professional and ethical standards.
Protect the confidentiality of sensitive district, personnel, and student information.
Remain current on educational research, Iowa education requirements, and issues affecting public education.
Participate in professional development and activities that support effective district leadership.
Represent the Saydel Community School District positively and professionally.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements of the position include the ability to:

Move/traverse throughout district facilities and grounds.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, families, Board members, and community members.
Hear and respond to verbal communication.
Operate a computer and other standard office technology.
Remain stationary for periods of time as necessary to perform administrative duties.
Maintain sufficient mobility to visit district facilities and attend district and community events.
Lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
Operate a motor vehicle as necessary to perform district responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Superintendent's responsibilities require work:

During regular school and business hours.
In school buildings, offices, and other district facilities.
Outdoors when attending or supervising district activities and events.
During evenings as necessary for Board meetings, school activities, community events, and other district responsibilities.
During weekends as necessary for district activities, events, emergencies, and other responsibilities.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Twelve months per year.
Salary and benefits shall be established by the Board of Education.
Employment and contract terms shall be consistent with applicable Iowa law and Board policy.

EVALUATION

The Superintendent shall be evaluated by the Board of Education at least annually in accordance with applicable law, Board policy, the Superintendent's contract, and this job description.

The evaluation shall consider progress toward district goals, student achievement and well-being, instructional leadership, organizational effectiveness, fiscal stewardship, personnel leadership, Board relations, community engagement, and other responsibilities established by the Board.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Saydel Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its educational programs or employment practices.

DISCLAIMER

The statements contained in this job description describe the general scope of responsibility and essential functions of the Superintendent position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. The Superintendent may perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Education. Nothing in this job description restricts the Board's authority to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities consistent with applicable law, Board policy, and the Superintendent's contract.