OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Superintendent of Schools www.psd70.ab.ca
ABOUT PARKLAND SCHOOL DIVISION Our division is a place where our students and staff are encouraged to reach for the stars - to learn, explore, and create. Our students are challenged to find ways 'Where the World Opens Up.' In our safe and caring schools, our students will grow confident, adaptable and resilient, open to possibilities, and ready to take their place in the changing world. We believe that student success is closely linked to student well-being and the development of social-emotional assets that build resiliency, and we are; therefore, committed to the development of the whole child at all levels of their education. Educating over 11,000 students and serving over 83,000 residents, Parkland School Division is located just west of Edmonton, stretched out along Highway 16 on the first leg of the route to the Rocky Mountains. Stretching more than 100 km east-to-west, Parkland School Division covers approximately 3,995 square kilometres. Our Vision Parkland School Division is a place where exploration, creativity, and imagination make learning exciting and where all learners aspire to reach their dreams. Our Mission Our purpose is to prepare, engage, and inspire our students to be their best in a quickly-changing global community. Our Goal Student success and well-being achieved through inclusive education, quality learning, a culture of wellness, and universal leadership. In Parkland School Division, every student has meaningful contributions to make. THE OPPORTUNITY The position of Superintendent is the most influential and impactful role in Parkland School Division. With this position of authority comes a high level of responsibility to those you will serve. The Superintendent will be responsible for continuing to build upon the excellent foundation, which is currently in place. Parkland School Division will be served by an individual who will be a model: Relationship and Community Builder Servant Leader and Strengths-Based Manager Advocate and Visionary ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES The Superintendent is responsible to the board of trustees for the ongoing management and operation of all affairs of Parkland School Division (the Division). The board recognizes that although the Superintendent is fully accountable to the board, they must be given appropriate authority to carry out their responsibilities. The Superintendent has the delegated responsibility and authority for: The achievement of the Division s mission, goals, and priorities, as established by the board of trustees. The outcomes of all school programs - curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular. Student growth, progress and achievement, and the reporting thereof. The promotion of positive attitudes of students - towards themselves, others, and to school and schooling. The safety, welfare, and conduct of students and staff.
The promotion of positive attitudes of staff - towards their work, students, parents and other employees, schools, the board and the Division. The promotion of positive attitudes of electors - towards the schools, the Division and its programs. The development and implementation of monitoring techniques of schools and the Division and the provision of evaluative data, respecting the Division mission, goals, and priorities. The selection, assignment, development, advancement, evaluation, transfer, and separation of all staff (particularly administrative staff). The condition of Division property. The accommodation and transportation of students. The receipt, allocation and control of all funds. The negotiation of all collective agreements and arrangement of salaries and working conditions of all other Division employees. The development and management of the Division s communications plan. The performance of all duties required by law and board policy or directive. Identification and pursuit of activities leading to professional growth and development for department members. Assist the board of trustees in policy development and implementation. Ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Division. KEY OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES Parkland School Division is committed to a dynamic and continuing effort to improve its structure and service to better meet the needs of students within the everchanging community needs and resources. The Superintendent of Schools will join the Division at a time when many opportunities can be capitalized upon. At the same time, this individual will be challenged to provide leadership through many key issues facing the jurisdiction. Opportunities Working within a Division that is a proven leader in innovative and progressive ways of addressing and administering education. Continuing to build on the foundation of being a Division at the forefront of delivering quality education. Joining the Division during a time of relative stability and having the opportunity to focus on current and emerging issues as well as on a new dimension of learning. Working with a supportive board and with a highly competent and experienced staff, both of which strive to see the Division be successful in every facet of its operation. Challenges Maintaining effective educational environments and balancing the diverse needs of the region within the current provincial policy and funding framework and the limited flexibility of the financial resources available. Addressing the different types of programs (i.e., core, new curricula, alternative, special needs) that are either being mandated by the province, requested by the community or required by the students, and meeting the needs of the stakeholders within the available resources. Achieving stakeholder expectations of the Division to support the individual needs of each student.
Focusing on human resource planning; specifically, the workforce demographic issue. Directing effective leadership of human resources in the broadest context to include health and wellness, training and development, and recruitment and retention strategies. Promoting safe and caring schools by ensuring that students feel protected at school, on the playground, and while riding the school bus. Providing leadership and sound management during times of conflicting priorities (i.e.: provincial vs. local) and working within that framework effectively. Maintaining and/or improving student achievement levels. Addressing issues about aging facilities and the implications of operating older buildings. This includes capital planning, renovation planning, and maintenance management. Continuing the progress with information management and technology utilization to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. The new superintendent of Parkland School Division shall be expected to achieve the following during their tenure: Will comply with the purpose and specific requirements set out in Policy 12 Role of the Superintendent of the Parkland Schools Division Policy Handbook, as amended from time to time. Will first seek to understand Parkland School Division and its many strengths before attempting to implement changes. Will respect the existing culture of Parkland School Division. THE PERSON QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS The successful candidate will: Have a diverse background as an educator: Experience and understanding urban and rural settings would be an asset. School-based administrative experience is required. Provide a demonstrated history of acting in the best interests of children/students. Comply with the qualifications set out in Section 2 of the Superintendent of Schools Regulation, Alberta Regulation 178/2003. Have experience in FNMI and Inclusive evidenced best practices. Have a minimum 10 years of teaching experience. Hold a master s degree with a preference for a strong educational background. Be aware of current and emerging teaching practices and learning theory. Understand clearly the distinctive roles of elected trustees and administrative staff. Have experience working with elected officials from municipal and provincial governments on education related matters. Clearly express how their contribution will benefit and enhance the vision, mission, and goals of Parkland School Division.
Relationship and Community Builder: The role of Superintendent is to create a successful environment that fosters collaboration and encourages contributions of others. The successful candidate will value maintaining relationships and finding respectful solutions and possibilities. We believe that a relationship and community-builder possesses the following attributes and skills: Exemplifies the characteristics of integrity, loyalty, trustworthiness, openness, and respect. Has a fundamental belief in the importance of building community through creating and maintaining strong relationships. Values all division staff and has proven experience in creating an environment of trust and development. Encourages open dialogue among all members of the educational community. Embraces and values differing points of view. Respects the role and importance of school councils and the Council of School Councils. As Parkland School Division has a geographically widespread and diverse population, with both urban and rural needs having to be considered, the successful candidate will have developed the skills to effectively and positively manage competing interests and needs. Servant Leader and Strengths-Based Manager: The successful candidate shall be committed to the ideals of Servant Leadership, in that they will understand that success of the Parkland School Division can only be accomplished through the success of its individual members. Your role as the leader will be to support and foster the continued development of those you lead. We believe that a servant leader and strengths-based manager must possess the following attributes and skills: Actively and respectfully listens with an open mind with the intention of understanding. Fosters an environment of open communication by encouraging the free exchange of ideas and thoughts. Values diversity of perspective by seeking the input of others. Commits to, and models, ongoing learning. Possesses the innate ability to empathize with others. Understands and utilizes the power of persuasion to foster collaboration, rather than using the authority of position to create change and achieve compliance. Encourages those who are reluctant to express their views. Encourages continuous improvement of the division and its members. Exhibits a demonstrated history of stewardship of a school division. Creates growth by building on existing strengths. Accepts new challenges and encourages others to do the same. Advocate and Visionary: As a leader, you must be able to create the vision and express it effectively to evoke the feeling of possibility and purpose. Whether you are presenting to staff, community, elected officials, or students, you shall be the positive voice of the division. We feel that an advocate and visionary will possess the following skills and attributes: Provides effective and timely written and verbal communication for a variety of purposes. Creates and fosters a culture where risk-taking and innovation are celebrated. Reaches out to community members to support Parkland School Division.
Understands and promotes the marketing of Parkland School Division, its schools, and educational programs. Has experience working with both traditional and social media to promote positive initiatives and share good-news stories with the community. Responds to and manages change effectively and positively. Is experienced in adapting and proposing changes based on enrolment trends and educational initiatives from the provincial government. Recommends actions in response to current and emerging issues, needs, and trends. Adapts improvements and innovations happening in non-educational settings for educational purposes. Anticipates and manages political issues. Demonstrates resiliency in the face of adversity and setbacks. Rethinks ideas and practices based on the input and experiences of others. COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided, including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Comprehensive background and reference checks will be conducted on the successful candidate. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Anurag Shourie or Sonny Kapoor Davies Park Suite 501 Fox One 10226 104 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 1B8 Phone: 780-420-9900 Email: Edmonton@daviespark.com