Superintendent of Schools at La Canada Unified School District
About the Employer
“Our Success is Intentional” La Cañada Unified School District is a learning community committed to personal growth and academic excellence. All facets of the district work to ensure its success is intentional. Part of the fabric of the community, La Cañada schools inspire a national standard for high academic achievement, citizenship, and student well-being. LCUSD emphasizes safety, security, and a wide array of wellness offerings as a priority on each of its school campuses. The district operates three elementary schools and a combined grades 7-12 middle and high school. Current student enrollment is approximately 3,975 students, supported by 517 highly qualified employees. Each school in the district has developed a comprehensive Responsive Teaching Plan, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Plan, and has adopted Stanford’s Challenge Success initiative to ensure that all students receive appropriate tiers of support in mastering academic standards and in developing their social, emotional, and physical health and resilience. La Cañada Flintridge is home of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Descanso Gardens. The professional residents of La Cañada are attracted to the city because of its excellent schools and its strong community spirit. Parent participation and involvement in the schools are extensive as evidenced by a robust La Cañada Educational Foundation, which contributes over $2 million annually to the district, the active volunteerism and program support of the PTA at each school site, and the Spartan Boosters at LCHS grades 7-12. Approximately 95% of graduating seniors enroll in post-secondary schools, with students attending their best fit colleges and universities across the nation. All of its schools have been named National Blue Ribbon schools, with Palm Crest and Paradise Canyon Elementary Schools recognized in 2021. La Cañada High School 7/8 was named a National Forum “School to Watch” school four times, most recently in 2023. All LCUSD schools have been designated as California Distinguished Schools, with its three elementary schools recognized again in 2023.
Job Summary
Job Summary
La Cañada Unified School District seeks a Superintendent who demonstrates the ability to: • Set a clear vision/direction for teaching and learning. • Inspire an atmosphere of support, exploration, and teamwork among staff and students. • Remain visible and accessible to employees, families, and the greater community. • Communicate clearly and openly with education partners. • Develop/maintain positive relationships with employee associations. • Ensure the long-term fiscal health of the district. • Work collaboratively with the Governing Board. • Serve as a convener for community agencies/services clubs/non-profits to better serve students.
Requirements / Qualifications
Requirements / Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE: • A seasoned educational leader with a proven track record of success • 3-5 years of cabinet-level (or equivalent) administrative experience preferred • Working knowledge of instruction, business, and human resource functions
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE: • A seasoned educational leader with a proven track record of success • 3-5 years of cabinet-level (or equivalent) administrative experience preferred • Working knowledge of instruction, business, and human resource functions
Comments and Other Information
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A completed application at https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2025598 along with the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Résumé
- Minimum of three (maximum of five) current Letters of Recommendation
- Attach a dated, original article/letter/press release that best reflects your writing style when conveying information to a wide audience
TENTATIVE INTERVIEW DATES:
Saturday, March 1 Round 1
Sunday, March 2 Round 2
SELECTION PROCESS:
The Board of Education has retained Dr. Mike Matthews and Dr. Gary Rutherford from Education Support Services (ESS) to engage in a confidential search to recruit the most highly qualified candidate for this position. Any direct contact with individual trustees during the recruitment or selection phases of the search will result in a candidate’s removal from the process. For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mike Matthews michael.matthews@aalrr.com 310.910.3336
Dr. Gary Rutherford grutherford@aalrr.com 760.578.2096
Comments and Other Information
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
A completed application at https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2025598 along with the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Résumé
- Minimum of three (maximum of five) current Letters of Recommendation
- Attach a dated, original article/letter/press release that best reflects your writing style when conveying information to a wide audience
TENTATIVE INTERVIEW DATES:
Saturday, March 1 Round 1
Sunday, March 2 Round 2
SELECTION PROCESS:
The Board of Education has retained Dr. Mike Matthews and Dr. Gary Rutherford from Education Support Services (ESS) to engage in a confidential search to recruit the most highly qualified candidate for this position. Any direct contact with individual trustees during the recruitment or selection phases of the search will result in a candidate’s removal from the process. For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mike Matthews michael.matthews@aalrr.com 310.910.3336
Dr. Gary Rutherford grutherford@aalrr.com 760.578.2096