Pribilof School District
Seeks Qualified Applicants for
Superintendent
Closing Date: Feb. 22, 2012
The Pribilof School District is an equal opportunity employer.
Application and Timetable
The Board of Education of the Pribilof School District is conducting a search for a Superintendent. Applications are sought from those with successful experience as a central office administrator. The board is especially interested in applicants who understand school business operations. Candidates should support the implementation of a strategic plan and be capable of aligning instructional strategies and curriculum to standards. The new superintendent is expected to be under contract July 1, 2012.
The Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) is conducting the search. Closing date for all application material is February 22, 2012. All applications will be acknowledged. AASB will review the qualifications of each candidate and make a report directly to the Board. The Board will review all applications and select a limited number of candidates to interview. Interviews for finalists will be conducted in the district the week of March 12, 2012.
Applicants should provide AASB with a letter of interest and request for an application form. The following items must accompany all applications; a confidential placement file, academic transcripts, confidential AASB reference forms, current resume, and certificate. Candidates who do not possess an Alaska Type B Certificate with a superintendent endorsement should begin the process in order to be considered for this position.
Application material should be sent to:
Association of Alaska School Boards
1111 West 9th Street, Juneau, Alaska 99801-1510
Phone: (907) 463-1660
Email: inylen@aasb.org
Visit the School District’s web site at: www.pribilofs.k12.ak.us
The School District and Instructional Program
The Pribilof School District is one of the most isolated Districts in Alaska, but is also one of the most unique and beautiful. It is a close-knit, family oriented community with a history of having long-term superintendents and staff. The islands are located in the Bering Sea and are approximately 770 miles southwest of Anchorage. Of the five islands in the group, only two are populated. St. George has a population of 80 and the school serves children in grades Kindergarten through 10th grade. St. Paul has a population of 450 and the school serves children in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. Total district enrollment is 83 students K – 12. St. George and St. Paul are 45 miles apart.
In 2009 the Board reached out to parents, community members, and staff to assist in the development of a 4 year comprehensive strategic plan. The plan outlines the objectives and action steps needed to increase student achievement. The plan builds on the strengths of the district, including a commitment from community members for the schools on both islands, and good teachers and support staff.
School Instructional Program
The district is both educationally and financially sound. All of the programs implemented in the Pribilof School District are coordinated so that there is no disconnect between efforts in the two schools. This streamlined direction helps foster a learning environment that is centrally focused and both schools in the district have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) every year since No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was enacted. Instruction is individualized to increase student success and is provided in a technology rich learning environment. PSD supports staff development in the areas of Culturally Responsive Teaching, Social Emotional Learning, Data Instruction, and Technology Integration. The district also supports the utilization of Accelerated Math and Reading resources used in daily instruction. After-school programs including tutoring, native arts/crafts, native dance, and other extra-curricular activities are offered to increase student engagement. All programs that students and staff members are involved in are implemented with one goal: to improve student achievement.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has been an emphasis for the past 5 years and teachers have gotten extensive training on how to incorporate SEL strategies in their classrooms.
The new superintendent’s 2 – 5 year priorities are:
• Provide leadership for the continued implementation and update of the strategic plan.
• Continue to improve instruction in a technologically rich learning environment.
• Continue to support and develop community and parental involvement.
• Opportunity to recruit and maintain a high-quality educational workforce and positive workplace environment.
• Ensure the continuation of a fiscally stable district.
• Partner with local, state and federal agencies to build mutually productive relationships.
District Mission Statement
The Pribilof School District unique in history, location, and Aleut Culture, with the support of parents and community, will provide an educational program based on Alaska Standards, which will enable students to become responsible young adults.
The Region
The Russians originally settled the Aleuts on the two islands in the 19th century to hunt seals and sea otters. The Pribilofs are a major seal rookery with nearly 750,000 Northern Fur Seals migrating there to breed and bear their young. A birder’s paradises, over 215 species of birds have been identified on the Islands. Both islands have healthy populations of Blue Fox and Reindeer.
Both Islands have man-made harbors to support the seafood industry. While the local economy is largely based on government services ad public education, land based and floating processing plants employ local and transitory workers during the various fishing seasons.
Both communities have a store, which is stocked with staple food items. Modern houses and amenities including cable TV, and a local FM radio station. Public Health Services on both Islands employ physician assistants, with periodic visits by dentists and medical doctors. The weather is maritime, with 23 inches of precipitation per year, average wind speed of 18 mph, and mostly overcast sky. Average summer temperature is 42F; average winter temperature is 27 F.
Qualifications of the Candidate
The Board of Education recognizes that selecting the Superintendent is one of the most important decisions it will make. The Board is committed to a selection process that is fair and open to all qualified candidates. Priority will be given to candidates whose experience and background closely matches the following characteristics.
Candidates must hold the following minimum qualifications:
• Hold a Type B administrative certificate with a superintendent endorsement in the State of Alaska.
• Have had successful experience as a central office administrator with a strong background in school business functions.
Background and Experience
• Ability to work with a strategic plan and ensure its implementation.
• Thorough understanding of school finance and business operations.
• Have a commitment to professional growth.
• Be active in the recruitment and retention of quality teachers.
• Experience working with local partnership in supporting local schools
• Understanding of capital projects and bond issues.
Personal Characteristics
• Proficient communicator.
• Be accessible and visible in the schools and community.
• Have an inclusive leadership style.
Compensation
$95,000-105,000 for a 260 day contract.
30 days of vacation
The district provides and attractive benefit package with excellent benefits, exceptional housing and furnishings, full medical benefits, and vehicle for use on the island.
Tentative Timetable
• Application deadline February 22, 2012
• Identification of finalists week of February 29, 2012
• Interviews with board in the district March 12, 2012
• Employment begins July 1, 2012
District Profile:
CURRENT BUDGET: $2,543,256.00
REVENUE:
Local: $18,000.00
State Aide: $1,387,922.00
Federal Aid:$1,137,334.00
Other: None
FUND BALANCE:
Appropriated: None
Unappropriated: $515,994.00 at July 1, 2011
EXPENDITURE PER PUPIL: $31,585.00 per student.
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
Administration: 3
Instructional Staff: 15
Non-instructional Staff: 3
AVERAGE TEACHER SALARY: $65,086.00
NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 82
FACILITIES: NUMBER OF SITES AND BUILDINGS:
St. George Island:
- School Building
- Housing Units - 4
St. Paul Island
School Building
District Office Building
Housing Units-10
ADMINISTRATION AND SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
District Office:
Superintendent
One full time employee – Payroll and Accounts
St. George School:
Principal Teacher
One Instructional Aide
St. Paul School:
Principal/SPED Director
7 hr Office Manager/Accounts Receivable
Certified Teacher:
8 Teachers
1 Instructional Aides
1 Bi-lingual Teacher
1 Full time maintenance person
1 6 hour custodian
2 – non-certified preschool teachers
Radio Station:
Station Manager
4 hour employee
Volunteers
School District Location
School Board
Jason Bourdokofsky, Sr., President
Stephanie Mandregan, Vice President
Sarah Merculief, Secretary
Carol Melovidov
Amos Philemonoff
