Superintendent – Ottawa, IL

Job Description

Superintendent of Schools
Ottawa Elementary School District
www.OES141.org

Ottawa Elementary School District 141 is seeking a Superintendent of Schools to begin on July 1, 2025, to provide effective leadership to its comprehensive five-school, PK-8, 1750 student district to accomplish its mission of providing quality education for all children in a positive and inviting environment that empowers students become diverse and global life-long learners.

Ottawa is located approximately 80 miles southwest of Chicago, just south of Interstate 80. Downtown Ottawa is located between the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the intersection of the Fox and Illinois Rivers.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Illinois Professional Education License w/Administrator and Superintendent Endorsement
• Successful Superintendent experience 
• Exceptional leadership, presence, and communication skills
• Proven competency in building leadership and curriculum assessment, development, and implementation

Expectations

Superintendent candidates will be assessed and considered based on professional virtues and possessing the abilities to meet the specific needs of Ottawa Elementary School District 141, with prominence on the following areas: 

• Possesses integrity and consistently acts fairly and ethically;
• Demonstrates a transformative mindset and evidence of innovative educational programming 
• Creates and supports positive school culture and effective educational programs conducive to current and successful teaching and learning standards;
• Proven experience in effective leadership of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning and working environment;
• Collaborates and successfully communicates with teachers, union leaders, and staff 
• Cultivates strong community partnerships and responds to community interests and needs 
• Promotes the success of every student through the development, implementation, and stewardship of a shared vision of learning,
• Has demonstrated abilities in human relations and communications, investing in community, and building trusting relationships;
• Has the ability to interpret complex educational and financial data to stakeholders and the ability to maximize financial and human resources in support of educational programs in the District;
• Has successful experience negotiating with collective bargaining groups;
• Residency within the district is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

A regionally competitive salary range of $165,000-$180,000 based on experience and education, with an excellent benefit package.

Application Requirements/Timeline

Please submit an electronic application. Attach a cover letter stating why you are seeking this position and why you will be an excellent candidate, a resume, three professional letters of reference containing full-contact information, and a maximum of two pages (12 pt, double-spaced) written response to, “Ottawa Elementary School District 141 Superintendent of Schools First 100-Day Plan,” by December 20, 2024.

Please contact the HYA Associates listed below if you have any questions. Do not contact the Board of Education or other school district officials.

EMSA & Ottawa Elementary School District 141 provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination with respect to the hiring or promotion of individuals, conditions of employment, disciplinary and discharge practices, or any other aspect of employment on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, disability, or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.