Window Rock Unified School District #8

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1 Window Rock Unified School District #8 EMBRACING CHANGE FOR STUDENT LEARNING OUR MISSION We exist to ensure relevant learning for all students to be successful in a multicultural society. OUR VISION To be an exemplary student-centered learning organization reflecting the Dine values of life-long learning. Invites Qualified Applicants for Superintendent The Window Rock Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2 COMMUNITY PROFILE The Navajo Nation encompasses more than 27,000 square miles, primarily in Arizona, and also extends into Utah and New Mexico. Dine Bike yah (Navajoland) is a diverse geographic region of the southwest that is home to a population of over 250,000. Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation, the largest sovereign Native American nation in North America. The Nation is represented by a tribal government that was established in Representation from local community chapters meet to discuss challenges the Nation faces and act on Window Rock -Tségháhoodzání legislation that guides the future of the Nation. For over 20 years the government has functioned using a three-branch system with an executive, legislative, and judicial branch. Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of the Navajo Nation. Because of its geographic location, and being the hub for Navajo government, Window Rock attracts tourists who travel to a multitude of sites and events. Visitors to Dine Bike yah have the opportunity to spend time exploring national monuments, tribal parks, and sites of historic significance. Frequently visited locations include Navajo National Monument and Veterans Memorial Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Monument Valley, Hubble Trading Post, and the Navajo Nation Tribal Museum to mention a few. Annual events include the Navajo Nation Fair, Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture, and the Navajo Rug Auction. Compensation Compensation for this position will range from $75,000 to $110,000. The successful candidate s specific compensation will be determined during contract negotiations and based on professional preparation and experience. The District offers a competitive benefits package. For further information regarding the District and its outstanding programs please access the District s website at

3 DISTRICT PROFILE Window Rock Unified School District serves a large area of Apache County in northeast Arizona. The District is centered in the Navajo Nation communities of Fort Defiance, Window Rock, and St. Michaels. The communities of Oak Springs, Sawmill, and Red Lake are also served by the District. The District has a student population of over 2100 students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. District schools include: Grades Enrollment Integrated Preschool Preschool 46 Tséhootsooí Primary Learning Center K Tséhootsooí Intermediate Learning Center Tséhootsooí Dine Bi Oita K Tséhootsooí Middle School Window Rock High School Budget: Regular Education $ 10,094, Special Education $ 2,340, Transportation $ 773, Grants $ 3,623, Other Revenue - Prop 301 $ 1,414, Impact Aid $ 8,317, Food Service $ 1,399, Total Budget $ 27,962,169.00

4 SUPERINTENDENT PROFILE The Governing Board of the Window Rock Unified School District seeks an individual to be its Superintendent who believes that all children are the districts most important assets. The Superintendent will work with the Board, staff, community, and students to upgrade educational opportunities offered by the District. The Board will be evaluating candidates based on their professional preparation, experience, and personal qualifications. The District is looking for candidates who possess the following: Master s Degree or higher in Education or related fields from an accredited college or university Minimum of five years successful teaching experience in a pre-k-12 public school setting Minimum of five years experience as a Principal in a pre-k-12 public school setting Experience as a Superintendent or central office administrator in a pre-k-12 public school setting Holds a current Arizona Superintendent s certificate or be eligible to secure a certificate prior to the Board extending an offer for employment Successful administrative record of experience and accomplishments Candidates will further be evaluated on their preparation and commitment to the following: Knowledge of state, tribal and federal grants, intergovernmental agreements, public school budget and finance operation Upgrade student educational programs to include increased exposure to academic coursework and experiences that will enhance student opportunities for higher education and careers Identify and initiate affiliations (associations) with higher education institutions to address pre and post-graduation student learning Bee Hόldzil Fighting Scouts Event Center Ensure that students have a voice in their education Institute programs and strategies to offer students prospects that provide exposure to educationally and culturally significant curricula outside the Nation Ensure that all students, including disadvantaged, gifted and exceptional needs are identified and provided with appropriate program assistance that support the whole-child Establish a parent partnership program that encourages parents to be actively engaged in the education of their student(s) Be the Districts ambassador to the community and establish opportunities for community members to be involved in the school system Implement a parent education program that supports student success and life-long learning Support Native cultural/language values Continue to hire highly qualified staff for all positions

5 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS TERM EXPIRATION Marcus Tulley, Board President 2016 Carl Hillis, Board Clerk 2018 Marty Bowman, Board Member 2016 Brenda Wauneka, Board Member 2018 Floyd Ashley, Board Member 2018 SEARCH TIMELINE VACANCY ANNOUNCED APRIL 24, 5PM APPLICATION DEADLINE APPLICATION SCREENING CONDUCT INTERVIEWS MAY 12, 12 NOON (ARIZONA TIME) MAY 20 6PM MAY 30, 9AM+ COMMUNITY FORUM MAY 30, 3PM BOARD CONSIDERS FINALISTS JUNE 3, 6PM ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW APPOINTMENT JUNE 17, 2015 NEW SUPERINTENDENT ASSUMES DUTIES (OR AS MUTUALLY AGREED UPON) JULY 1, 2015

6 Window Rock Unified School District Core Principles: I. Exemplary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Curriculum A well-developed quality curriculum that ensures effective implementation and articulation that allows for evaluation. Instruction Aligned with goals and expectations for student learning, the design of instruction employs data driven decision-making and actively engages students in their learning while expanding instructional support for student learning. Assessment Clearly defines expectations for student learning to be assessed. There is an established purpose for assessment with appropriate methods in place. There is a collection of comprehensive samples of student achievement that are fair, unbiased and avoids distortion. II. III. IV. Exemplary Student Performance Students demonstrate exemplary abilities for: Learning to learn. Expanding on the Dine values of lifelong learning as a foundation to integrate new knowledge into all subject areas. Utilizing a wide variety of communication skills. Applying higher order thinking skills and Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, personal and social responsibility. Exemplary Staff Performance Is a team approach taking pride and responsibility in setting and carrying out goals and expectations aimed at student learning and is self directed, respectful, and passionate in setting a climate to promote exemplary student performance measures and the Dine values of life-long learning and the Dine language. Strong Parental and Community Relations Community and parental relationships will be grounded by the Dine values of life-long learning by extending the school community through collaborative networks of support for student learning through parental and community involvement at all levels and throughout all programs, and by fostering community building conditions and working relationships within each school and the district. V. Safe, Efficient and Supportive School Environment Schools should be safe, efficient, supportive and secure places for all students, teachers, and staff. A safe and supportive learning environment should enable teachers to teach and students to learn with efficiency at optimal levels to ensure relevant learning for all students to be successful in a multicultural society. VI. Efficient and Supportive Learning Operations All district operational programs are designed to be efficient and supportive of the district s vision of being an exemplary student-centered organization, reflecting the Dine values of life-long learning.

7 APPLICATION PROCESS AND PROCEDURE The Window Rock Unified School District Governing Board has engaged the services of the Arizona School Boards Association to direct a search for qualified candidates. Each finalist will visit the district at his/her expense to be interviewed by the Governing Board. Governing Board members may visit the communities of selected candidates as part of the final selection process. All applicants must submit an online application. To receive consideration, an applicant's file must be completed by May 12, 2015 (12:00 Noon Arizona Time) and must contain: A completed online application (available at Letter of application (one page) A current professional resumé that can be viewed for public record viewing if chosen as a finalist Three recent letters of recommendation Copy of all degrees (if chosen as a finalist, you will be required to provide official transcripts and fingerprint verification) A copy of current Arizona certificates, if applicable Required signature pages (Stated Requirements and Consent to Conduct Background Investigation) Out-of-state applicants and others without proof of certification are responsible for contacting: Teacher Certification, Arizona Department of Education, 1535 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, Arizona 85007, (602) , to determine eligibility for Arizona Superintendent s certificate. Applicants should not contact the Board Members or District officials directly. All inquiries and requests shall be addressed to: Arizona School Boards Association 2100 North Central Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ Phone: Fax: recruiting@azsba.org All applications will be acknowledged and all materials will be accorded confidential treatment. This is to advise you, however, that the Access to Public Records Law and associated case law in the State of Arizona allow for the disclosure of applicant names and information when Finalists accept the opportunity to interview with the local Governing Board. The District and/or ASBA will attempt to notify all applicants as to any release of such information. All final decisions concerning the selection and evaluation of the candidates will be made by the Governing Board.