Superintendent – Gresham, OR

Job Description

Gresham, OR

The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Education is seeking a superintendent beginning on July 1, 2025, with a base salary range expected to be $240,000 to $260,000 (based on experience); other benefits to be negotiated. The Board of Education expects applicants to be accomplished and energized leaders who understand the unique role and value of the community and school district and who are prepared to engage, collaborate, and inspire teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni and the community to achieve a shared vision of a great school district with great schools.

Gresham-Barlow is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity in Oregon’s fourth largest city and the Portland metro region’s second largest city located just minutes from iconic Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the city of Portland, and Portland International Airport. Gresham-Barlow’s location is ideal for families and businesses wanting to start something new and grow. 

Gresham-Barlow’s diverse population includes longtime residents, young professionals, families, and new immigrant communities. The Gresham-Barlow region has experienced rapid growth over the last 20 years. With that growth, Gresham-Barlow Schools still include a rural, farming community along with a burgeoning urban core. Gresham-Barlow’s residents care deeply about their heritage as a homestead and agricultural community, and are committed to building a vibrant future. Today, Gresham-Barlow is  dynamic, innovative and rapidly growing  with a mutual desire and drive to thrive. In Gresham-Barlow, we are family.

Visit the Gresham-Barlow School District website for more information:  https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/

Gresham-Barlow Mission: Inspire and Empower Each Student
Gresham-Barlow Vision: Culturally responsive graduates who will thrive in an ever-changing global community.
Gresham-Barlow Goals:

• Provide effective, high-quality instruction to each student in our district.
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe and culturally responsive learning environment that gives students and families voice.
• Prudent use of resources that uses an equity lens in decision-making.

DISTRICT’S POINTS OF PRIDE

• Academic accomplishments: a clear and consistent vision for instruction
  • Focus on early literacy; a common instructional focus on increasing student literacy at the elementary level
  • Increasing alignment of instructional priorities and resources
  • Gains in graduation rates for SPED and EML
  • Working towards more inclusive instructional practices
• CTE Programs and Apprenticeship Programs, partnerships with local community college and business community
• Center for Advanced Learning ( district partnership)
• Dual Language Immersion program (expanding to middle school next year)
• Advanced Placement programs
• Increased community partnerships to better support mental health and other services to students; including opening a School-Based Health Center this year
• $291 million bond in 2016 and reinvested an additional $53 million in our community
  • The 2016 bond helped rebuild two elementary schools, add instructional wings to two other elementary schools, and significantly remodel our two comprehensive high schools
  • Significant investment in co-curricular, fine arts and athletic facilities.
  • Integrated security systems were added to all schools
• Strong working relationship with contracted transportation and food service providers
• Historically a fiscally responsible and conservative approach to spending
• “Grow Your Own” Teacher Program
• Culturally diverse school district
• Hard-working and caring teachers, staff, and administrators 
• Student voices are valued and heard
• Equity Advisory Team
• Instructional Leadership Team is highly skilled and knowledgeable

SUPERINTENDENT QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous superintendent experience preferred.
• Central office and/or building administrative experience preferred.
• K-12 Teaching experience.

SUPERINTENDENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Proven Executive: Multi-year success in high-level educational and instructional leadership roles within comparably complex organizations. Demonstrated commitment, entrepreneurial skills, and ability to foster the academic growth of students, ensuring quality and competitiveness, as well as a contribution to economic development.
• Strategic Visionary: Knows the importance of strategic plans aligned with district goals and community values.
• Collaborative Leader: Builds trust, positive relationships, and fosters open communication with the Board of Education, students, staff, parents, and the community, leading to successful outcomes and operational efficiencies for the school district.
• Equity Champion: Possesses a deep understanding of systemic inequities and implements impactful strategies to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.  A proven record of successful equity and inclusion initiatives that serve students and community, aiding in the creation of a dynamic, robust economic engine within the community.
• Exceptional Communicator: Connects effectively with diverse audiences, actively listens, inspiring and motivating stakeholders to embrace change and strive for excellence.
• Fiscal Acumen: Demonstrated success in navigating within shifting financial landscapes, aligning school district budgets and strategic priorities, and fundraising.
• Culturally Aware: Commitment to and understanding the unique community heritage, traditions, history, and capitalizing on this community strength for district improvement.
• Reputation: Honesty, integrity, authenticity, and transparency as a basis for strengthening public trust in the school district and engaging the entire community in an atmosphere of collegiality, collaboration,  and respect.
• Relationship Builder: Ability to foster, grow and sustain strong internal and external relationships for the advancement of the community, school district and its students; including but not limited to a commitment to advocacy, support, and transparency with parents related to curriculum adoptions, school safety, and policy.

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR FRONTLINE APPLICATION:

1. Cover letter (stating interest and unique qualifications for the position) – be sure to save the name of the district in the document title
2. Full resume/vitae
3. Three current letters of recommendation
4. Copy of Superintendent License, or Professional Administrative License (regardless of state) or evidence of eligibility 
5. Contact information of three additional references different than the reference letters

How to apply for this job?

1. Register for an account on the HYA website. Or, log in to the HYA website if you already have an account created. Click the Login/Register button at the top of the page to get started.
2. After logging in, click the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
3. You will be redirected to the Frontline Education website. This website is where you will submit your application. This website also will require its own unique login and password.