So you want to be a Joplin R-8 interim superintendent

If the description of what the Joplin R-8 School District wants in an interim superintenent doesn't scare off potential applicants, what will?

The requirements were posted Thursday on the district website:

The  Board of Education seeks an Interim Superintendent to provide oversight, bridge internal and external relationships, and continue the positive momentum we are currently experiencing until a formal process provides for the selection of the next Superintendent for the Joplin School District.

The expected term is anticipated to be one year with a start date of August 1, 2015 and with the possibility of a second year extension, dependent upon the development of a formal timeline for hiring the next Superintendent.  The successful candidate will possess a valid Missouri Superintendent Certificate.

Candidates for the position of Interim Superintendent must complete the online application process, providing the following:

*Current resume reflecting all teaching and leadership experience

*Cover letter that describes:  date available to assume responsibilities; length of availability; leadership style, to include verifiable experience in the ability to build and maintain positive relationships

*Copy of valid Missouri Superintendent Certification

*Three (3) professional references that can speak directly to leadership capacities.

Job Title:                    Interim Superintendent of Schools

Department:              Administration

Reports to:                 Board of Education

Classification:            Exempt

Summary

The Superintendent is responsible for the day to day operation of the district in accordance with Board policy and the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.  The Superintendent provides information and recommendations to the Board and serves as the liaison between the Board and the public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

An individual who holds this position is required to:

Serve as the instructional leader for the district

Ensure the district is accredited pursuant to the Missouri accreditation process

Promote student achievement as the primary focus of all district staff

Facilitate and attend Board meetings

Develop agendas for Board meetings in consultation with the Board president and provide Board members necessary information in advance of all meetings

Maintain district records

Implement Board policy through written administrative procedures

Manage the financial affairs of the district and provide the Board with financial reports monthly or as requested

Advise the Board on matters of finance, policy, facilities and personnel

Submit all reports and data required by state and federal law

Maintain facilities that are safe, adequate, efficient and conducive to learning

Direct the acquisition of instructional materials, supplies and other equipment necessary for effective instruction

Direct hiring, assignment and training of staff

Direct a performance-based evaluation program for all staff

Hear staff complaints and grievances

Delegate duties to members of the administrative team as appropriate

Serve as an advocate for the district to the public and state lawmakers

Participate in a standards-based performance evaluation at least annually

Supervisory Duties

The Superintendent has supervisory responsibility over all district staff and immediate supervisory responsibility for the following positions:

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Executive Director of Elementary Education

Executive Director of Secondary Education

Executive Director of Student Services

Director of Communication

Athletic Director

Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent

Qualifications

Education

Specialist degree or higher in educational administration

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Missouri superintendent certificate

The skills and abilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required and are rooted in national standards created by or derived from the Interstate School Leaders and Licensure Consortium (ISLLC). 

Skills and Abilities

Language

This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills.  The individual who holds this position must:

Have sufficient reading skills to interpret educational, scientific and technical journal articles, financial reports and Board policy, governmental regulation and guidance and legal documents.

Have listening skills sufficient to receive inquiries and complaints and respond appropriately 

Be able to make effective presentations to the Board, staff and community

Computation

Ability to do basic mathematic calculations and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations

Reasoning

Ability to define problems, collect data, verify facts, make valid conclusions and deal with abstract concepts

Technology

This position requires basic skills in the use of computers and hand-held devices such as PDAs and phones.  

Other Skills and Abilities

This position requires strong interpersonal skills including the ability to:

Maintain collegial working relationships with staff and members of the Board of Education

Maintain a positive relationship with members of the community

Effectively manage conflict  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical Demands

The individual who holds this position is regularly required to walk, hear and speak and must have close moderate and distance vision ability.  This individual must be able to travel between district facilities.  The position requires a moderate amount of travel, both in and out of state.

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position. 

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

The work environment is consistent with a typical office environment. 

Rarely, an individual who holds this position must work outside in rain and snow and temperatures above 100 degrees and below freezing.  

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How did the Joplin R-8 School District get to this point? Read the story in the newly published Silver Lining in a Funnel Cloud: Greed, Corruption, and the Joplin Tornado, available in paperback and e-book formats from Amazon.com and locally at Always Buying Books and Changing Hands Book Shoppe in Joplin and Pat's Books in Carthage.