South Whidbey School District
Superintendent

Position Summary

South Whidbey School District seeks a qualified, highly visible, collaborative leader to work closely with the school board, student board representatives, staff, families, and community to ensure success for every South Whidbey student. Experience with district level leadership responsibilities, preferably as superintendent, and familiarity with Superintendent expectations within Washington State’s public school system is also desired. South Whidbey seeks candidates who manage district operations effectively, build unity and trust among stakeholders while addressing opportunities and challenges, and demonstrate a deep commitment to serving the needs of all students including LGBTQIA, BIPOC, Special Education, persons with disabilities, and others with historically marginalized identities.

About South Whidbey

South Whidbey is located on Whidbey Island approximately 30 miles northwest of Seattle and is a 20 minute ferry ride from the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. The south end of the island has many beautiful beaches, state parks, and small villages including Langley, Clinton, and Freeland. There are wonderful restaurants, and entertainment including live theater at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) and Island Shakespeare Festival (ISF). The area is rural and also accessible by ferry to cities in the area.

About the District

The South Whidbey School District is 60 square miles in size and serves approximately 1,106 FTE students on three campuses. The TK-5 grades are in the South Whidbey Elementary North Campus. An Alternative Learning Experience (ALE grades 1-8) are located in the South Whidbey Elementary South Campus with the District Offices. Grades 6-12 and a 10-12th grade South Whidbey Academy (SWA) choice program are located in the South Whidbey Middle/High School Campus. We employ roughly 144 FTE and 185 (head count) staff. The current superintendent is retiring after 14 years in the role.

Vision

Every South Whidbey School District Student is a lifelong learner who is multi-culturally engaged, literate, and an active community member able to meet the challenges of our global society.

Mission

In collaboration with our community, every student will be supported to be a resilient, innovative, compassionate, and productive graduate prepared for a diverse and dynamic world.

Strengths and Opportunities

Pending: The School Board has selected the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to gather input from students, staff, families, and community members regarding strengths and challenges facing the district as well as the most important leadership qualities and characteristics participants believe the School Board should consider in selecting the next superintendent. This input will be used to develop a Leadership Profile Report that will be shared with the public and prospective candidates. The report will also be used by the Board in making screening and selection decisions. The selection timeline allows opportunity for the new superintendent and current superintendent to work together to make the transition go smoothly.

Application Process and Timeline

Application deadline: November 25, 2024
Application Link: https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-langley-wa/
Announcement of appointment: Late February Superintendent Contract Begins: July 1, 2025

Confidential Inquiries Please Contact

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, Search Consultants:
Kristine McDuffy, 360-391-4934, kristinemcduffy@hyasearch.com
John Bash, 360-269-8224, johnbash@hyasearch.com

Compensation

The South Whidbey School District Board of Directors will negotiate a compensation and benefit package that is regionally competitive based on education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employment

South Whidbey School will provide equal employment opportunity and treatment for all applicants and staff in recruitment, hiring, retention, assignment, transfer, promotion and training. Such equal employment opportunity will be provided without discrimination with respect to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. South Whidbey School Board Policy #5010 provides additional detail regarding these commitments and is available at https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/swsd/Board.nsf/vpublic?open.

For more information and link to apply: https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-langley-wa/

Minimum Qualities/Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Current WA State Superintendent Certification
• Prior successful experience as a school administrator
• A demonstrated history of responsive and transparent customer service as a leader
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Awareness of recent state legislation for public schools and corresponding local impacts Exceptional leadership and management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including transparent and respectful interactions with students, staff, families, and community members
• Demonstrated exemplary communication skills in listening, speaking, and writing
• Commitment to modeling high standards of professional and ethical behaviors at all times and operating consistently with integrity and transparency
• Demonstrated anti-racist stance

Preferred Qualities/Qualifications

• Successful experience as a superintendent
• District level administrative experience in PK-12 education including special education
• Doctoral Degree (PhD or EdD) or in process to obtain
• Experience partnering with community members, consultants, and local organizations in support of public education
• Experience working closely with a Board of Directors
• Experience in collaborative negotiations with unions
• Experience with restorative justice for education

Residency Requirement

The superintendent will be required to reside on Whidbey Island or very close to the Mukilteo ferry terminal. Residency within school district boundaries is preferred

Application Requirements

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Completed Application Form at HYA website
4. Written Letters of Reference (minimum of three)

About Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates

Established in 1987, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) is one of the oldest and largest search firms having assisted more than 1,600 school boards select exceptionally talented leadership in school systems across the nation, large and small, urban and rural. HYA’s reputation and experience make it one of the preeminent school search firms in the nation and a standard which others often emulate. HYA Associates are located across the country to conveniently serve clients and are thus uniquely qualified to bring local – as well as national – perspectives, knowledge, experience, and connections to each search.

Connections working at Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates