Superintendent – Taholah, WA
Job Description
SUPERINTENDENT
POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Position Summary
Taholah 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 and school level experience leading and managing instruction and operations is desired along with a commitment to become an active and visible part of our community. A demonstrated ability to develop and sustain positive relationships and work with our stakeholders to achieve shared goals will be among the priorities our Board will be seeking in this search process.
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
• 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
• A history of collaborative engagement with community leaders and organizations as a leader
Dedicated to Educational Excellence
Preferred Qualities/Qualifications
• District level administrative experience in P-12 public education
• Experience working with tribal communities
• Experience partnering with Educational Service Districts, consultants, higher education, and local organizations in support of public education
• Experience working closely with a Board of Directors
• Experience in maximizing available funding and securing competitive grants
• Experience with school construction project design, management, and funding
Residency Requirement
The superintendent will be required to reside within a 45 mile distance of the district. A district-owned residence near the school campus is also available for the superintendent. The Board of Directors will work with the selected candidate to develop a timeline to meet this requirement based upon any relocation needs or circumstances.
About the Community
Taholah, Washington is located on the beautiful Quinault Indian Reservation off the coast of the Pacific Ocean, just 40 miles north of Aberdeen, WA. Taholah is a three-hour drive from Seattle, or three and a half hour drive from Portland, Oregon. The area is rich in natural history and offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Here you will find pristine beaches decorated with sea stacks, glacier-carved lakes and ancient rain forests filled with towering trees and wildlife. Camping, hiking, nature walks, boating, swimming and world renowned salmon and steelhead fishing are just some of the recreational choices available.
The Quinault Indian Nation consists of descendants of the Quinault, Queets, Quileute, Hoh, Chehalis, Chinook, and Cowlitz people. The School is an important part of the Quinault community and native culture is an integral part of educational programming and community partnerships. Nearly 700 people are employed by The Quinault Indian Nation and its enterprises, making it one of the largest employers in Grays Harbor County.
About the District
The district proudly serves approximately 180 students K-12 on one school campus. The rich diversity among students in Taholah includes 71% American Indian/Alaska Native, 15% Hispanic/Latino, and 12% who identify as multiracial. Migrant families make up 38% of the population and 74% of students qualify for free or reduced priced meals. Approximately 40 students receive special education services.
The district employs 19 teachers and enjoys a student/teacher ratio providing students with the individual attention needed to grow and succeed. The administrative team includes a K-12 Principal, Business Manager, Human Resources Coordinator, Special Education Director, Information Technology Administrator, Custodial Manager, and Head Cook. Several support staff also support daily school operations as well as custodial/maintenance, transportation, and food services programs.
The Board and community are excited to be planning for a new school facility which is set to open in the fall of 2027. Â This new facility will be sited on higher ground and will address current seismic standards as well as 21st century learning needs.
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 Board, the public, and prospective candidates on May 15, 2024. The report will help inform the School Board’s screening and selection decisions.
Application Requirements
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume or C.V.
3. Completed Online Application form at HYA website
4. A minimum of three written references. At least one applicant must be from the applicant’s current or most recent employer.Â
All application materials are to be uploaded electronically into HYA’s online application platform.Â
Application Process and Timeline
Application deadline:Â Open Until Filled
Application Link: https://hyasearch.com/job/superintendent-taholah-wa/
Candidate Interviews: UPDATED: May TBD; Selection Announcement: May/Early June TBD
Superintendent begins work: July 1, 2024
Confidential Inquiries Please Contact
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates Senior Search Consultant: John Bash, 360-269-8224; johnbash@hyasearch.com
Compensation
The Taholah School Board will negotiate a compensation and benefit package that is regionally competitive based on education and experience.
