Jacksonville City Schools Superintendent Search

Jacksonville City Schools

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Application Deadline: May 8, 2022 Interviews: May 31 - June 8, 2022 Superintendent Begins: Early July 2022

About Jacksonville City Schools The mission of Jacksonville City Schools (JCS) is preparing all students for a successful life. In the last year, the school system has demonstrated its progress toward that goal through district-wide implementation of the Leader In Me program, high performance on state exams and receiving national recognition.

JCS students are becoming self-reliant through the Leader In Me curriculum, an evidence-based, comprehensive model for building leadership and life skills in students. Leader in Me shows students that change begins with them, allowing them to become an active partner in their learning experience. This ranges from in-classroom learning management to leading parent-teacher conferences and beyond, creating a culture of student empowerment and engagement.

Because JCS students and educators are prepared to work together collaboratively, they accomplish great things. Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic imposed on learning over the last two years, the

system ranked 23rd overall of 138 school systems in the state on its Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program scores, with Science ranked 24th and English/Language Arts ranked 13th. These results are from the exam's first year of implementation, and JCS is excited to tackle the state assessment again with even stronger results than before.

The performance of JCS has spoken for itself: The last three years have brought recognition from Niche.com, a website that analyzes school data across the country to recommend school systems for parents. Jacksonville City Schools has ranked 21st and 24th of 138 districts in the state from 202022, and among the safest and most diverse districts, as well.

Meanwhile, U.S. News and World Report this year ranked Kitty Stone Elementary 67th out of 665 Alabama elementary schools, and the Jacksonville High School middle school program 42nd out of 415 middle schools in the state.

Our Community Located in Calhoun County, Ala., Jacksonville is 63 miles east of the major metropolitan city of Birmingham, Ala., and 79 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. Known as "The Gem of the Hills," the city is located in the Anniston metropolitan area and has a population of more than 14,300 residents. A city with a rich and storied history, Jacksonville originally was inhabited by the Creek Indians. In 1833, the land was purchased from tribal Chief Ladiga and initially known as Drayton. Later in 1834, the city was renamed after Andrew Jackson, the Creek War hero who later became the seventh President of the United States.

Today, Jacksonville is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering panoramic views of the Appalachian Foothills. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the city's year-round moderate climate. Whether seeking water sporting adventures, hiking, fishing, camping or golfing, the nearby Coosa River Basin, Dugger and Cheaha Mountain National Wilderness Areas, Talladega National Forest and world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail offer a wealth of outdoor experiences waiting to be explored. Other attractions include the Dr. J.C. Francis Medical Museum and Apothecary, Anniston Museum of Natural History, Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge and the Berman Museum of World History.

The area's dining scene features delightful fare from traditional barbecue and southern cuisine to fine dining.

In addition to the local K-12 school system, the area features higher education institutions such as Jacksonville State University, which is the city's largest employer, Gadsden State Community College and Samford University.

By the Numbers Schools

Demographics

Elementary School

1

White

63%

Middle/High School

1

Black

34%

Asian Hispanic

1% <1%

Pacific Islander

<1%

American Indian

<1%

Other

<1%

Transportation Number of Route Buses

15

Buses 10 yrs. old or less

7%

Students Bused

798

2021 Graduation Rate: 93.97% 2021-22 Free & Reduced Rate: 45.99%

Personnel Certified Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Ed. Specialist Degree Doctoral Degree

104 31% 51% 17% 1%

Average Years Experience National Board Certified Teachers

14 3

National Institute for STEM Education Certified

Total Enrollment = 1,689

2

Financial Total Budget: $20,591,932 Instruction

62%

Capital Outlay

14%

Auxiliary

11%

Administrative

3%

State 62%

Local 27% Federal 11%

FY 2020 Per Pupil Expenditure: $9,411 AASB School System Snapshot View school system snapshot for Jacksonville City Schools.

https://bit.ly/jacksonvillesnapshot

Search for a Proven Leader The Jacksonville Board of Education is seeking a leader with a demonstrated ability to raise student achievement to serve as the board’s next superintendent. The board also is seeking a candidate who: Has a vision for strengthening this already wellperforming system; Is goal oriented and committed to long-range planning; Is data driven; Has strong verbal and written communication skills; and Has solid fiscal management skills.

QUALIFICATIONS Alabama law requires the superintendent be chosen for general fitness and character and that he/she be knowledgeable in school administration. The successful applicant also must have or be eligible for the appropriate certification to serve as a superintendent in Alabama. A master's degree from a recognized four-year college or university is required but a doctorate is preferred. In addition, applicants must have at least three years of successful educational experience as a teacher, principal, supervisor or superintendent in the last five years; during the five years immediately preceding his/her appointment; at least five years’ experience in public school work; administrative experience, preferably a broad range of elementary and secondary experience; demonstrated ability in group dynamics and in working with people who have varying backgrounds and interests; ability to view all aspects of issues and deal fairly when views differ from his/her own; demonstrated knowledge of school finance; demonstrated knowledge of educational research and methods of research; ability to delegate authority; and possess good character, high moral standing and integrity.

SALARY

The salary range will be $130,000 to $140,000 and will be negotiable based on experience and a proven track record.

Interviews: Superintendent Begins:

This search is being conducted by the Alabama Association of School Boards. All applications will be taken through Frontline, AASB’s online application system, by visiting Applitrack.com/alabamaschoolboards/onlineapp.

If this is your first time applying for an AASB-led search via Frontline, you must first create a user account and password. Next, log in, complete the online profile, choose to apply for this search and upload a cover letter. You also must have an official transcript sent directly to AASB from the institution that granted the highest degree.

If you have previously applied to an AASB-led search and already have a Frontline account, simply log in, choose to apply for this search, answer the questions specific to this search and upload a cover letter. You may email SuperintendentSearch@AlabamaSchoolBoards.org to have AASB upload the official copy of your transcript if it is not yet part of your online file; it is not necessary to have another copy sent.

A search committee will review all applications and recommend finalists to the school board. The board may interview some or all of the finalists.

State law requires that these interviews be public.

SEND TRANSCRIPTS TO: Alabama Association of School Boards P.O. Box 4980 Montgomery, AL 36103-4980 or SuperintendentSearch@AlabamaSchoolBoards.org

Applications must be completed and transcripts received by:

May 8, 2022

SEARCH TIMELINE Application deadline:

Application Process

May 8, 2022 May 31- June 8, 2022 Early July 2022

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Barber at 205-812-5213 or Barbermg19@gmail.com.