3.) Superintendent Search - Overview and Process with Approval of Brochure to Promote Search for Superintendent

Draft Presented at August 12 BOE Meetinng

The Position

The governing board of the Alameda Unified School District invites experienced and successful educators to apply for the position of superintendent. The board is seeking a professional adviser who is an instructional leader with a commitment to educational excellence and equity for all students. By understanding and meeting the educational challenges in a diverse community, the superintendent will continue to develop a strong educational program for all students. The successful candidate will be highly visible and involved in the community and will serve as chief spokesperson for educational issues. Individuals with nontraditional experience in the field of education are also encouraged to apply.

The Community

Alameda is located in the geographical center of the San Francisco Bay area providing easy access to all of the activities the Bay Area has to offer. This island city is located on the east shore of San Francisco Bay with Victorian homes and shade lined streets covering the 12.4 square miles. Alameda offers a special living environment with a coastal climate, parks, historical business districts and numerous recreational opportunities, The city’s elected officials, special commissions, and volunteers work together to preserve and enhance the quality of life that has been enjoyed for over a century. The community actively supports the district through parent advisory groups, business partnerships and the Alameda Education Foundation. Since 2002, Alameda residents have shown their support for Alameda schools with the passage of three parcel tax measures and one bond measure.

The District

Alameda USD is composed of approximately 10,230 students in 10 elementary schools (3 Title 1 schools), 3 middle schools, 4 high schools with oversight of two charter high schools. The district also operates an adult school and a child development center. There are 567 certificated staff members and 341 classified staff members. The district’s educational philosophy is:

• Every student has the right to reach his/her full potential
• Development of the whole person-intellectual, emotional, creative, and physical-is an important part of a well-rounded individual
• Education is a shared responsibility of the student, the teacher, the parent and the community
• Embracing diversity contributes to the strength of the community
• Instruction should be designed to meet the needs of the diverse learners
• High expectations result in high achievement
• Students learn best when actively engaged in relevant work
• Community service is a valuable learning experience for students
• Decision-making must be responsive to student needs

The district reflects the community’s ethnic diversity with 30% Caucasian, 30% Asian, 13% Hispanic and 12% African American.

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

K-12 public school classroom teaching experience preferred

Successful school site administrative experience preferred

Successful district level administrative experience preferred

Experience as an assistant superintendent or superintendent desirable

Experience with a diverse socioeconomic, multicultural student population preferred

Masters Degree from an accredited college or university required

Personal Characteristics

Has high integrity and is honest, fair, trustworthy and forthright; treats others with dignity and respect

Has a commitment to being an active participant in the life of the community

Creates a district climate of cooperation and collaboration

Ability to listen to new ideas and divergent opinions and secures meaningful involvement of staff, parents and community

Communicates in a consistent and timely manner with all segments of the district and community; is a visible, articulate spokesperson and advocate for public education

Recognizes that all staff members are integral to the success of the district

Demonstrated skills in decision making; is decisive, directive, inclusive and/or collaborative as appropriate to the decision

Is highly visible in the community, schools, and work sites; is accessible and approachable by students, staff, employees and community members

Is sensitive and responsive to the educational needs and concerns of diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic groups

Professional Skills and Abilities

Commitment to academic excellence, a record of improving student achievement and success in closing the achievement gap between ethnic, socioeconomic and culturally diverse students

Strong curricular leader with a dedication to educational excellence and high academic standards, innovation and equitable opportunities for all students

In depth understanding and knowledge of school budgeting and school finance at the state, district and school levels

Demonstrated ability to oversee the district’s facilities and resources in a responsible manner, as well as the ability to seek and find new funding sources

Demonstrated skills in analyzing potential effect and impact of state and federal legislation on the district

Commitment to arts education; will support and promote an equitable arts education program in all of Alameda’s schools

Demonstrated success in working with a governing board; is a person who ensures that the board receives appropriate information, advice and recommendations

A leader with a vision of where the district might go and what the district might become; ability to articulate the vision and incorporate other points of view and to decisively lead the district

Experience in negotiations with a demonstrated record of creating a positive climate in employee relations and a record of creating a climate of cooperation and collaboration

Ability to select, motivate and retain outstanding staff members

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, conduct the interviews, and select the superintendent. Any applicant who contacts a board member with the intent of influencing the board’s decision will be disqualified.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2008. Travel expenses for those candidates selected for the interviews will be the responsibility of the candidate.

Salary and Contract Terms

The Alameda Unified School District Board of Education will offer a salary in the range of $185,000 to $200,000(competitive and negotiable, based on that individual’s experience and qualifications) plus medical benefits to the successful candidate.

Fiscal Implications: $15,000 to $20,000

Superintendent Goal: Goal #2. Align spending plan.

4.)Certification of Measure H Results

Background: The Board need to enter into its minutes the results of June 3, 2008 where Measure H passed with 66.90% yes vote.

Fiscal Implications: Approximately $4 million annually for four years

Superintendent Goal: Goal #2. Align spending plan.