Position Details
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District: Buellton Union School District
Position/Title: Superintendent
Salary: Competitive and negotiable
Closing Date: Friday, April 15, 2016

The Position

The governing board of the Buellton Union School District invites applications for the position of Superintendent from qualified and dedicated professional educators. The ideal candidate will be a "down-to-earth", approachable person who will join with school personnel in providing a 21st Century education for students. They will have a history as a strong leader with excellent communication skills. This positive, inspiring individual will harness the collective energy of the school community for the good of the students, staff and families. The next superintendent will represent the District proudly and professionally yet lead with compassion and responsibility.

The Community

Established in 1992, the city of Buellton is nestled among rolling hills on US Highway 101 in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. Buellton serves as the gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley and has an estimated population of 4,550. Within a six mile radius of the city are four picturesque villages: the Danish village of Solvang, the western city of Santa Ynez; and the quaint communities of Ballard and Los Olivos. Larger cities in the area include Santa Barbara, (40 miles to the southeast), Santa Maria, (35 miles to the north), and Lompoc, (Vandenberg Air Force Base and Vandenberg Village-17 miles to the west).

The climate and geography of the Santa Ynez Valley makes it a prime region for many agricultural operations. Horse and cattle ranches blanket the hills throughout the valley. Farmers raise many crops in this region including 10,000 acres of vineyards. Over 30 wineries are located within a 15 mile radius of Buellton.

Buellton is a family oriented city that values community gatherings, physical fitness and health. The City of Buellton and Buellton Union School District jointly built and operate a Recreation Center attached to Jonata School. The facility is a source of pride for the school district and the city and is enjoyed by citizens of all ages.

The District

Buellton Union School District is a TK-8 district with an enrollment of approximately 600 students. It is currently served by two schools; Oak Valley Elementary includes grades TK-5 while Jonata Middle School serves students in grades 6–8. Both are rural neighborhood schools located within a few blocks of one another.

The student population is 44.3% Latino, 46.7% Anglo, 1% Asian, .2% American Indian and .5% Black/African American. The district is comprised of 29.7% English Learners, and 31.9% who are Economically Disadvantaged.

The passage of Measure V in 2012 resulted in the installation of a solar powered system at both schools. Further, the Bond provided funding to purchase iPads and laptops for students in both schools as well as updating of the infrastructure, professional development for staff and a full time technology coordinator. Teachers and staff are committed to utilizing technology for curriculum enhancement and the development of 21st Century learners.

Buellton Union School District is the LEA for the Santa Ynez Valley Special Education Consortium. The Consortium provides services to individuals with exceptional needs who reside within the districts of Ballard, Buellton, College, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Charter School, Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, Solvang and Vista del Mar.

District Mission Statement

The mission of Buellton Union School District is to ensure student success through a strong academic learning environment that is enhanced by student creativity and personal development. Our students are provided a variety of challenging learning experiences to meet their academic, physical, social and emotional needs. These learning experiences are guided by a committed, dedicated, professional, nurturing staff and supported by parents and the community.

Board of Education

Elaine Alvarado, Board President
Ken Stevens, Board Clerk
Marcilo Sarquilla, Board Member
Mark Ream, Board Member
Joyce Azevedo, Board Member

Selection Criteria

The following criteria represent standards which will be used in the evaluation of applications and in the selection of the superintendent:

Professional Skills and Abilities

  • Able to maintain the climate of trust in the District
  • Has experience with special education programs and practices
  • Has expertise in fiscal matters and will ensure fiscally prudent, cost conscious decisions
  • Able to wear many hats and is a "hands-on" leader
  • Will work effectively with all populations of a socio-economically, ethnically diverse, rural community
  • Communicates with all stakeholders in a clear, concise manner
  • Experienced in collaboration with administrative peers
  • Supportive of stakeholder involvement in District activities, especially parents
  • Has experienced the value of and will promote professional development for staff
  • Sets high expectations for staff and helps them achieve those standards
  • Demonstrated success in negotiating and building positive working relationships with employee associations
  • Understands and supports technology as a tool for student learning
  • Has experience with LCAP requirements and timelines
  • Will build on the strengths of others in the District to construct effective teamwork
  • Believes in and promotes 21st Century teaching strategies

Personal Characteristics

  • Keeps students at the center of decision making
  • Is an active, passionate promoter of the District and students
  • Practices honesty, fairness and ethical treatment of others
  • Puts people at ease, yet will make the necessary difficult decisions
  • Collaborates with community leaders for the benefit of all
  • Builds relationships with others and encourages their participation in decision making
  • Presents a calm, professional demeanor
  • Practices active listening and honors the views of others
  • Has a high degree of personal and professional integrity
  • Is a "people person"
  • Has demonstrated patience and a sense of humor in the workplace
  • Has a history of participating in the broader community

Professional Experience and Preparation

  • Classroom experience is required
  • Site administration experience is required
  • Master’s Degree is required
  • Appropriate Administrative Credential to be the Superintendent of a K-8 District is required
  • Spanish speaking is desired


Application Procedures

Go to DLAssoc.com website to apply.

All applications will be held strictly confidential. Each applicant is requested to follow the procedures listed below. Those applicants wishing additional information should contact the DLA Board Advisor:

Ms. Gerrie Fausett (805) 331 4287

Applications must be submitted on-line to:

DLAssoc.com
Dave Long & Associates, Executive Search Services

All applicants must provide the following items by the closing date, Friday, April 15, 2016, (5:00 p.m.) to be considered.

  • A completed Application Information Form. (Please complete as instructed; do not complete by stating "see attached resume.") The Application Information Form and brochure are available on Dave Long & Associates' web page at DLAssoc.com.
  • A personal letter of application stating reasons for interest in the Buellton Union School District superintendent position
  • A resume providing biographical background information about educational preparation, experience and achievements
  • A placement file and/or five (5) current letters of professional references describing the applicant's performance in previously held positions

It is the applicant's responsibility to submit placement papers or reference letters on-line to meet the Friday, April 15, 2016, (5:00 p.m.) deadline.

Selection Procedure

A professional screening committee of respected educational leaders will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant. The board and the screening committee will use the described criteria during the screening, interviewing and final decision-making process. After receiving the report of the committee, the board will select and interview the top candidates.
The board will then select and invite candidates for the final interviews, conduct the interviews and select the superintendent. Any applicant who contacts a board member with the intent of influencing the board's decision will be disqualified. Travel expenses for those candidates selected for the initial interview will be the responsibility of the candidate.


Salary and Contract Terms

The Board of Trustees of the Buellton Union School District intends to offer the successful candidate a multi-year contract. The salary is competitive and commensurate with training and experience and the terms of the contract are open and negotiable.

It is the candidate's responsibility to provide the district with employment eligibility and verification of citizenship in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. The finalist will also be required to provide the district with certified transcripts that verify attainment of academic degrees and proof of appropriate credentials.


Application Timeline

Applications close Friday, April 15, 2016, 5:00 p.m.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for May 13th and May 14th, 2016