pursuing the position

WSU--Pursuing the Position

WSU Superintendent Program2009-11 CohortPrepared by Gay Selby

Goals

• To assist you in your preparation for securing the position of Superintendent of Schools

• To assist you in distinguishing yourself as a candidate for the position of Superintendent of Schools

Calendar and Topics

• (August) Overview• (September) Preparing Your Resume,

Placement File and Obtaining Letters of Recommendation

• (October) What the Process Looks Like from the School Board’s Perspective

• (November) Researching the Vacancies and the Positions

• (January) Analyzing the Vacancy Announcement and Submitting Your Application

• (February) Preparing for Your Interview• (March) Negotiating Your Contract• (April) Transition Planning and Assuming the

Position

August

• Overview– Superintendent changes for 2010-11

Washington Superintendents2010-11

• 42 New Superintendents (14% turnover)– 3 positions filled by females (7 %); 11 in 09-10

• Deer Park, Mabton, Napavine– 2 positions filled by out of state candidates

• Federal Way, Bellingham

• 295 School Districts (275-285 Superintendents)– 228 male superintendents (77%)– 67 female superintendents (23%)

• National Average (21.7%)

• 9 ESD Superintendents -- 1 new superintendent (ESD 105)

-- 1 female superintendent (ESD 112)

Number and Percent of Superintendent Openings for Washington, 2005-2010

• 2005 (50 openings, 18%)• 2006 (37 openings, 13%)• 2007 (57 openings, 20%)• 2008 (48 openings, 17%)• 2009 (50 openings, 18%)• 2010 (42 openings, 14%)

Number of Openings and Average Number of Applicants by District Size, 2010

Less than 500 Students (12 openings/average number of applicants 12)

500 – 1000 Students (10 openings/average number of applicants 16)



5001 – 10,000 Students (4 openings/average number of applicants 16)

10,000 – 20,000 Students (1 opening/average number of applicants 15)

Over 20,001 Students (1 opening/average number of applicants 16)

Number and Percent of Female Superintendents in Washington by District Size, 2010

• Less than 500 (24/37%)• 500 – 1000 (7/10%)• 1001 – 3000 (12/18%)• 3001 – 5000 (7/10%)• 5001 – 10,000 (8/12%)• 10,001 – 20,000 (7/10%)• Over 20,001 (1/3%)

Cougar Superintendents2010-11

• 130 current superintendents (including ESD’s) • 43% of current superintendents (including

ESD’s)• Represented in each county

For September• Dust off your resume and update it

– What is a resume?– Pro’s and Con’s of Placement File– Purpose and Focus of Letters of Recommendation

• Meet with your superintendent for the purpose of discussing his/her “operating protocols” or “operating principles” with the board of directors. (Bring copy and be prepared to discuss.)– What process was used to develop this document?– How often is it reviewed?– Is it formally adopted by the board?– How is it “operationalized”?– Does your superintendent find the protocols/principles useful?

What is a Resume?(public document)

• Answers the question “what” ?– What is your career goal– What schools you attended– What degrees/certificates you hold– What places you have worked/positions you have held

• What are your responsibilities (optional, be selective, use verbs, only positions “that contribute”)

– What professional organizations you belong to and what leadership roles you have held

– What community groups you belong to and what leadership roles you have held

– What awards you have received– What articles you have authored– What ________________________

Reminders About Resumes

fits the position for which applying• well organized and easy to read (adequate

white space)--professional appearance• be truthful!!!!• proofread carefully--watch dates• white paper--professional and best for duplicating as

necessary• most recent first for education and experience

information• list personal address, phone numbers, and e-mail

address (not business)

• references--list on separate sheet as do not want these included when duplicated for distribution

Pro’s and Con’s of Placement Files

• Pro’s– Historical archive

• Con’s– Can become dated if not attended to regularly

Purpose and Focus of Letters of Recommendation

• Helps reader get a more complete picture of you as a candidate

• Address specific required requirements and/or experiences desired by the district

• Be selective as to who you ask to do a letter of recommendation--need at least two current school board members; select good writers who will invest in the effort

• Be clear with those writing letters of recommendations as to what you want them to focus on--provide a current resume and writing points if needed and clarity as to when needed

• Must be current letters--be dated

Assignment for October

Interview the Board President/Chair about the work of the board and its expectations of the superintendent

Update your resume and bring 8 copies to the seminar; send resume to University Supervisor for feedback

Review your placement file (if you have one)Create a list of persons you would seek a letter of

recommendation from when applying for a superintendent position

October

• What the Process Looks Like from the School Board’s Perspective

pursuing the position

Education