SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS at Palm Springs Unified School District
About the Employer
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Palm Springs Unified School District. Lifelong Learning Starts Here! The Palm Springs Unified School District has sixteen elementary schools, five middle schools, four comprehensive high schools, one continuation high school, alternative education programs, one independent study program, and several headstart/state preschools. In striving to meet the needs of a diverse student body, the District provides a wide array of programs, including special education, instruction for English Learners, Career Technical Education (CTE), athletics, advanced placement, Title I, GATE, and many other services. It is our Mission that all members of Palm Springs Unified School District are united in our commitment to equity. We are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. With a diverse team of employees, we are able to grow and learn better together. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our employees invest in their work represents not only part of our culture, but our reputation and District’s achievement as well. In recruiting for our District, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. We create deep, meaningful learning opportunities, build professionalism, and engage parents and community, to ensure success for all students. All students graduate with the skills, capacities and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Palm Springs Unified School District Believes in Student Success: We foster - A growth mindset - Emotionally safe and inspiring learning environments - An every-student, every-day mentality - Highly engaging learning opportunities - Instruction that is tailored to student needs - Learning that propels students towards meeting their full potential Join our PSUSD Team!
Job Summary
Job Summary
Palm Springs Unified School District seeks a Superintendent who demonstrates the ability to: • Set a clear vision/direction for teaching and learning. • Strengthen a culture of equity, support, exploration, and teamwork. • 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. • Inspire high achievement through innovation and continuous improvement.
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 • Knowledge of instruction, business, and human resource functions in California’s public schools
A completed application at https://www.edjoin.org along with the following documents:
- Letter of Introduction
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (Minimum of three, maximum of five current Letters of Recommendation)
- Resume
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 • Knowledge of instruction, business, and human resource functions in California’s public schools
A completed application at https://www.edjoin.org along with the following documents:
- Letter of Introduction
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (Minimum of three, maximum of five current Letters of Recommendation)
- Resume
Comments and Other Information
TENTATIVE INTERVIEW DATES
• Saturday, May 31, 2025 - First Level Interview
• Sunday, June 1, 2025 - Second Level Interview
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 mike@drmdmatthews.com 310.910.3336
• Dr. Gary Rutherford garrettgrutherford@gmail.com 760.578.2096
Palm Springs Unified School District Nondiscrimination Statement
The Palm Springs Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education and employment. The District prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying, of any student by anyone, based on the student’s actual or perceived race; color; ancestry; nationality; national origin; immigration status; ethnic group identification; ethnicity; age; religion; pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy or lactation, including related medical conditions or recovery; parental, marital, family status; physical or mental disability; medical condition; sex; sex stereotypes; sex characteristics; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity; gender expression; or genetic information; or, association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
For questions or complaints, contact:
Title IX Coordinator and Equity and Compliance Officer
Dr. Antonia Hunt, Director – Title IX and Compliance
760-883-2703 Ext: 4805026
ahunt@psusd.us
Comments and Other Information
TENTATIVE INTERVIEW DATES
• Saturday, May 31, 2025 - First Level Interview
• Sunday, June 1, 2025 - Second Level Interview
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 mike@drmdmatthews.com 310.910.3336
• Dr. Gary Rutherford garrettgrutherford@gmail.com 760.578.2096
Palm Springs Unified School District Nondiscrimination Statement
The Palm Springs Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education and employment. The District prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying, of any student by anyone, based on the student’s actual or perceived race; color; ancestry; nationality; national origin; immigration status; ethnic group identification; ethnicity; age; religion; pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy or lactation, including related medical conditions or recovery; parental, marital, family status; physical or mental disability; medical condition; sex; sex stereotypes; sex characteristics; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity; gender expression; or genetic information; or, association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
For questions or complaints, contact:
Title IX Coordinator and Equity and Compliance Officer
Dr. Antonia Hunt, Director – Title IX and Compliance
760-883-2703 Ext: 4805026
ahunt@psusd.us
Application Deadline
5/9/2025 9:00 PM Pacific
Date Posted
4/14/2025
Contact
Gary Rutherford
760.578.2096 | garrettgrutherford@gmail.com
760.578.2096 | garrettgrutherford@gmail.com
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Add'l Salary Info
Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience; a multi-year contract will be considered by the Board.
Length of Work Year
220 Days
Employment Type
Full Time