Position Description for Superintendent of Schools, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, Wallingford, Pennsylvania

 

The School Board of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District located in Wallingford, Pennsylvania is seeking a highly qualified and experienced, visionary leader to serve as Superintendent. The Superintendent will serve as a student oriented, forward-thinking leader who is prepared to continue to move the District toward exceptional and inclusive curriculum and learning while developing strong partnerships throughout the District’s communities. 

 

The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District (WSSD) sits nestled in the heart of Delaware County. The District geographically spans about seven square miles and serves the boroughs of Swarthmore, Rose Valley, and Rutledge and the township of Nether Providence. We are fortunate that Swarthmore College resides in our district, infusing a culture of academic excellence. Being 30 miles from the center of Philadelphia, WSSD residents partake in the vibrancy of a great city which can be easily accessed by train or car.  

 

A large percentage of area school-age children attend the District’s five schools, and the District has dedicated itself to a tradition of inclusivity and excellence. Parent and community involvement remain one of the district’s greatest strengths. The District serves more than 3800 students and is supported by over 500 dedicated faculty and staff members. WSSD is comprised of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. These include:  

 

WSSD points of pride include the largest high school marching band in Pennsylvania with over 400 members, an award-winning visual arts program, and twenty-eight advanced placement courses. In addition to our strong athletic and music programs, the high school offers more than 30 clubs and activities for students to join. WSSD is a learning community where each student can find their place to shine.     

 

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. 

 

Enrollment: 3,800

 

Location: Southeastern Delaware County, Pennsylvania – approximately 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia

 

The Qualifications

 

The candidate must have the background, skills, and abilities essential to lead a premier institution. The candidate will possess experience as a teacher, principal, and district level administrator in a comparable district. Must possess a doctorate or equivalent. Pennsylvania Superintendent certification – or eligibility for it – is required. The Wallingford-Swarthmore Board of Directors is seeking a candidate that:  

 

1. Places the child at the center of all decisions. Holds the knowledge of multiple and varied ways of learning that honor the uniqueness of each child. Supports WSSD educators as they create authentic learning experiences for our students, so they are excited and well-prepared for whatever the future holds.   

 

2. Has developed and facilitated the implementation of effective instructional strategies, district wide, that promote high levels of student growth and achievement. 

 

3. Has demonstrated the ability to implement the priorities named in our strategic plan with fidelity. Measures of success are data driven and shared with integrity.  

 

4. Is a leader with a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality. 

 

5. Understands the importance of getting to know our district’s community and its unique makeup. Able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders with a commitment to incorporate these perspectives in the decision-making/problem solving process. 

 

6. Is an experienced leader who demonstrates the capacity to build consensus while working towards our shared goals. The candidate is skilled in building relationships with administrators, teachers, students, and community members, including the capacity to cultivate effective functioning teams. 

 

7. Has a clear understanding of the efficient running of school district systems and the ability to ensure these interrelated systems run smoothly with automaticity.  

 

Salary: Regionally competitive salary based upon experience and qualifications

 

Search Timeline: TIMELINE IS SUBJECT TO REVISION IF REQUIRED: 

 

Contact information:

            McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.

            11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220

            Omaha, NE 68144

            888-375-4814

            Email: apps@macnjake.com

 

School Website:  https://www.wssd.org/domain/30

 

           

Consultants: Dr. Ralph Ferrie                   r_ferrie@macnjake.com

                      Mr. Robert Copeland           r_copeland@macnjake.com

 

                                                                       

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District 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.