Position Description for Superintendent of Schools, Shenandoah County School District, Virginia

The Shenandoah County School Board in Woodstock, Virginia is seeking a highly qualified and experienced, visionary, transparent educational leader to serve as the Superintendent of Shenandoah County Public Schools (SCPS). Members of the school board are seeking a results-oriented Superintendent with a proven record of academic achievement.  The candidate should be student-oriented, data-driven, and an instructional leader who is prepared to continue moving the Shenandoah County School Division toward instructional excellence and high academic achievement.  This will be accomplished through the development of strong relationships throughout Shenandoah Valley and its communities. The candidate should be highly detail-oriented and demonstrate consistent follow-through and must demonstrate a high degree of integrity and professionalism.

Shenandoah County Public Schools is composed of eleven schools including three elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools, Triplett Tech, and a regional Governor’s School.    

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development is engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the School Board in identifying and screening the candidates.? 

Apply online at:  www.macnjake.com

Enrollment:  5,600

Location: Shenandoah County served as a critical frontier region with a strong agrarian culture, a strategic location during the Civil War, and a proud heritage that still remains visible today. It offers a unique blend of small-town friendliness, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community and tradition. With access to outdoor recreation, a growing local economy, and only 75 miles west from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah County is an ideal place to live and work for those seeking both career opportunities and a vibrant, well-balanced lifestyle. 

The Qualifications

The candidate must be visionary and have the background, skills, and abilities essential to lead a caring and involved, primarily rural county school division. The candidate will possess experience as a teacher, principal, and district level administrator in a comparable district. Possession of a doctorate or equivalent preferred but not required. Virginia Superintendent certification – or eligibility for it – is required. The Shenandoah County School Board is seeking a candidate who: 

• Communicates with the county residents on an ongoing basis and demonstrates effective listening skills. 

• A strong communicator and attentive listener who actively seeks and values input from students, staff, and families. Leverages deep knowledge of the student body and local community to maintain a responsive and inclusive vision for the Shenandoah County Public Schools. Keeps stakeholders informed and engaged through transparent, timely and on-going communication. 

• Has a demonstrated track record regarding accountability of his/her performance and for holding all those within the organization to high standards at all times. 

• Demonstrates the willingness and ability to gain a thorough understanding of this primarily rural community combined with an understanding of residents that have relocated to the county. 

• Leads with honesty, humility, empathy, and fairness. Maintains poise and confidence under pressure, responding to criticism and crisis with grace while always upholding the highest ethical standards. 

• A clear academic vision with projected results in improving student achievement and strong fiscal management.

Salary: Regionally competitive salary based upon experience and qualifications

Search Timeline: TIMELINE AND SUBJECT TO REVISION IF REQUIRED:

• Closing date for applications: October 16, 2026
• School Board selects finalists to interview: Late November 2026
• Finalist Interviews with the School Board: Late November 2026
• Selection of new Superintendent: Mid December 2026
• Start date: Contract dependent

Contact information:

            McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.

            11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220

            Omaha, NE 68144

            888-375-4814

            Email: apps@macnjake.com

School Website:                  www.shenandoah.k12.va.us

Consultants:

Dr. Ralph Ferrie                   r_ferrie@macnjake.com

Dr. Debra White                   d_white@macnjake.com

Shenandoah County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Shenandoah School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting a reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.