Superintendent – Coupeville School District, WA

February 7, 2024
Application deadline closed.

Job Description

Coupeville School District seeks a highly qualified, collaborative leader to work closely with the school board, staff, parents, and community to ensure success for every student. District level experience with instructional improvements, district operations, and effective financial oversight are desired as well as familiarity with Superintendent expectations within Washington State’s public school system. A demonstrated ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with all stakeholders and actively engage in community events, groups, and activities is also desired.

Minimum Qualities/Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree
  • Current WA State Superintendent Certification (or willingness to obtain)
  • 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
  • Aware of recent state legislation and funding system 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
  • Models high standards of professional and ethical behaviors at all times and operates consistently with integrity

Preferred Qualities/Qualifications

  • Successful experience as a superintendent
  • District level administrative experience in P-12 public education
  • Doctoral Degree (PhD or EdD)
  • Experience partnering with community members, consultants, higher education, and local organizations in support of public education
  • Experience working closely with a Board of Directors
  • Experience in maximizing available funding, securing competitive grants, and leading successful levy and bond initiatives
  • Experience bargaining with union groups

About the District

Coupeville School District is a public school district serving about 1030 students from preschool through age 21, with four schools on three campuses: Coupeville Elementary, Coupeville Middle and High, and Open Den, our Open Doors Youth Reengagement program.

Coupeville schools are known as a place where students and teachers connect on an individual level. Every student is seen and valued for what they bring to our school community, and our commitment is to guide each student towards an educational foundation that propels them to reach their full potential.

Community engagement thrives in Coupeville, where the town actively rallies behind our students at various events, from the Homecoming Parade down Main Street to cheering for our 2B Coupeville Wolves at home games. The district enjoys partnerships with local nonprofit organizations that fundraise in support of our students. Our consistently positive record for passing enrichment and capital project levies underscores the community’s ongoing commitment to our educational mission.

In 2022, following an inclusive strategic planning process involving diverse stakeholders, Coupeville launched its five-year Strategic Plan. This comprehensive road map serves as our guide for decision-making and continuous improvement. Rooted in our vision to prepare every student for their future, our district is guided by core values: Students First, Accountability, Sense of Belonging, Transparency, and Educational Equity.

About Coupeville

Coupeville is located in the heart of Central Whidbey Island, approximately 45 miles north of Seattle and accessible by ferry or bridge. The town was settled in the 1850s by farmers and sea captains, who built the historic wharf and grew crops at the prairies on the edge of town.

Coupeville and Central Whidbey offer peaceful landscapes and a variety of outdoor pursuits. Hikers, bikers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts often take advantage of the area’s natural beauty, beaches, and trail systems. Central Whidbey is home to two state parks (Fort Ebey & Fort Casey) as well as Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve.

In addition to the historic and waterfront aesthetic, the island enjoys a robust arts community; both performing and visual. The Coupeville farmers market is a popular stop for locals and tourists alike.  Those visiting Coupeville will find small boutique shops, family farms, incredible restaurants, wineries, and numerous festivals that can be enjoyed all throughout the year.

Whidbey Health Hospital, Island County, and Coupeville School District are the largest employers in Central Whidbey. 10 miles north, you will find the city of Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Coupeville is a small town with wonderful people and a quaint charm.

Strengths and Opportunities

Pending: The School Board has selected the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to gather input from students, staff, parents 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 considered by the Board in making screening and selection decisions.

Application Requirements

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. Completed Application Form at HYA website
  4. A minimum of three written references

Application Process & Timeline

Application deadline:  March 15, 2024
Application Link: https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-coupeville-school-district-wa/
Announcement of appointment: Late April
Superintendent begins: July 1, 2024

Compensation

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

Confidential Inquiries Please Contact:

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, Search Consultants:
Kristine McDuffy, 360-391-4934, kristinemcduffy@hyasearch.com
John Dekker, 360-951-6181, johndekker@hyasearch.com