Lind Ritzville - NorthEast Washington ESD 101

two districts
promising leadership opportunity
invitation.apply/superintendent
Lind
School District
Ritzville
School District
The Boards of the Directors of
the Lind School District and
the Ritzville School District
announce our search for a fulltime, shared Superintendent of
Schools to succeed Mr. John
McGregor in Lind and Dr.
Bill Thurston in Ritzville, both
of whom are officially retiring.
Qualified candidates from
throughout Washington, the
Northwest, and the nation are
invited to apply.
Learn more about our districts www.lind.k12.wa.us
www.ritzville.wednet.edu
www.esd101.net
Two great districts
Great Districts
Two welcoming communities
The Lind School District serves approximately 200 K-12 students in two
separate buildings (Lind Elementary and Lind Junior-Senior High), with
one district principal. In addition, the school district operates an ECEAP
funded pre-school for three and four year old children. The district
consists of 21 certificated employees and 22 classified employees. Small
class sizes enable teachers to better meet students’ individual needs. Lind
School District offers several categorical education programs including
Title I, Title I Migrant, Early Childhood Education and State Transitional
Bilingual. In addition, students enjoy sports activities and a variety of
clubs. The FFA team won fifth place in the national competition in 2010.
The Ritzville School District serves approximately 370 students, preschool through 12th grade, also in two separate buildings (Ritzville Grade
School and Ritzville High School), and one principal leads both. The
grade school supplements the K-8 program by providing a pre-school
program to students using ECEAP funds. Class sizes are small, averaging
about 18 students per class. The high school provides a comprehensive
educational program and many graduates attend postsecondary
institutions. Both school buildings and the gymnasium have been
remodeled within the past 10 years, and strong teachers, principal, and
support personnel serve our great students and are an integral part of our
success as a district.
In 2002, the Lind and Ritzville School Districts formed an athletic
combine, becoming the Lind/Ritzville Broncos. Recently, both school
boards agreed to form a transportation cooperative. Strong support for
young people and high quality education is reflected in consistent
approval of school levies and bonds which result in quality educational
facilities.
Both Lind and Ritzville are rural yet vibrant, family-friendly
communities in Adams County. The town of Lind, located near I-90 and
Highway 395, is 75 miles southwest of Spokane, 60 miles north of the
Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) and 40 miles east of Moses
Lake. Approximately 550 people live in Lind, and many district residents
live in rural areas among the beautiful wheat fields.
Ritzville is located 60 miles west of Spokane via I-90. The city of
Ritzville serves as county seat for Adams County and has a population of
approximately 1700. It has most amenities found in a rural town. Many
options for entertainment exist including a bowling alley, golf course,
movie theater and water park.
Both of the communities are agriculturally-based with successful farms
and ranches throughout the districts’ boundaries. Because of the ideal
location of each, numerous recreational opportunities including boating,
fishing, skiing and hunting are within easy driving distance. Lind and
Ritzville also have
several community
events throughout the
year. The biggest are
Lind’s Combine Derby
(sponsored by the Lind
Lions Club) and
Ritzville’s Blues Fest.
With both communities
sharing families and
friends, they are great
places to live.
Challenges
The Boards of Directors expect our new educational
leader to be able to meet the following challenges:
The Successful Candidate
The Boards of Directors seek a superintendent
who will carry forward the vision of the districts
and who will actively engage in the Lind and
Ritzville communities.
Preferred qualifications include:
Washington superintendent credential, or
willingness to achieve
Master’s degree required, post-Master’s work
encouraged
Successful teaching and principal and/or
district level administrative experience
Unquestioned personal and professional
integrity
Strong trust-building skills - a proven teambuilder
Effective and dynamic communication skills,
both orally and in writing
Commitment to visibility and accessibility to
students, parents, staff and public
Proven instructional leadership
Educational finance expertise - fiscally
responsible and levy passage experience
Understanding and appreciation of the
realities of small school districts and rural
communities
Effective management of needed change and
ability to think and act in new and creative
ways, at the same time honoring the past and
valued traditions
Belief in all children and insistence on
academic excellence for each student
Commitment to transparency with the Board,
staff and community
Engage students, staff, parents and community
members in the continued pursuit of quality
academic achievement for each student, and
maintain and build upon quality academic
programs
Provide sound fiscal direction and management in
the midst of state budget reductions, flat/slightly
declining enrollment, and changing demographics
of the communities
Explore continued opportunities for the two
districts to design programs and share resources that
best meet the needs of students and that make the
most effective use of taxpayer resources
Promote excellence in instruction and retain and
recruit effective and dedicated teachers and support
staff
Successfully pursue grant opportunities which
support the needs of Lind and Ritzville students
Effectively represent the interests and goals of the
Lind and Ritzville School Districts at the regional,
state and national levels
Be a highly visible, energetic, trustworthy and
collaborative member of the school districts,
communities and region
Compensation
The school boards will negotiate a multi-year contract with
a salary based on experience and qualifications that is
competitive with districts of similar size. An appropriate
benefit package will be provided.
The superintendent will be encouraged to reside within the
boundaries of the Lind/Ritzville School Districts.
Application Procedures
The Boards of Directors of the Lind and Ritzville School District have
retained NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101 to
assist in the superintendent selection process. Information and
application materials may be obtained from, and should be sent to:
Dr. Michael Dunn, Superintendent
NEWESD 101
4202 S. Regal St. Spokane, WA 99223
509.789.3800
website: www.esd101.net
A completed application will include:
1. A formal letter of interest
2. Completed Lind/Ritzville School District superintendent application
form
3. Resume
4. An updated placement file and/or at least four current letters of
recommendation
5. Unofficial transcripts
6. A statement explaining how the candidate’s qualifications meet the
qualifications and challenges described in the brochure
Search Schedule
APPLICATION DEADLINE
- March 4, 2011—BY 4 P.M.
INTERVIEWS/DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY VISIT
- Week of March 21-25, 2011
ANNOUNCE THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT
- Late March/Early April
SUPERINTENDENT BEGINS JULY 1, 2011
School Board Members
Lind School District
Blake Bennett, Chair - serving since 2003
Jennifer Anderson - serving since 2009
Dwayne Fowles - serving since 2005
Bev Kulm - serving since 1999
Annie Trunkle-Smart - serving since 1999
Ritzville School District
Marci Miller, Chair - serving since 2009
Scott Carruth - serving since 2010
Shannon Flynn - serving since 2007
Layne Iltz - serving since 2009
Dr. Warren Kragt - serving since 2006
Lind School District and Ritzville School District are equal opportunity employers.