Superintendent Search

Superintendent Candidate Criteria

The District and the Community

Located in the northeast corner of Mississippi, the Tupelo Public School District provides its community with a nationally recognized program of educational excellence. This excellence is validated through recognition of four schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools, approximately 106 National Board Certified staff members and five Milken Award winners, ACT Core Scores above the national average, and a nationally recognized arts education program. In addition, Sports Illustrated recently ranked Tupelo’s athletic program as third best in the nation. For each of its 7200 Pre-K through Grade 12 students, the Tupelo Public School District provides an educational path lined with opportunities for learning success and excellence. The District deserves its reputation as a leading school district in the state and in the Southeast.
Tupelo is truly Mississippi's "All-America City." It's the place to go for small town atmosphere and big city amenities. Situated in the heart of the Mid-South, cradled amid the gentle rolling hills of Northeast Mississippi, Tupelo is a city that thrives on success.
 Tupelo charms visitors the world over with a unique blend of fascinating history, interesting attractions, diverse recreational and cultural offerings, and a variety of shopping venues. Known as the Birthplace of Elvis Presley, it is also the headquarters for the National Park Service managed Natchez Trace Parkway, and the future home of Toyota’s newest US plant which is currently under construction and expected to further stimulate the city’s economic prosperity. Tupelo also has a Baldrige award winning Medical Center which is the largest rural hospital in the country.

Tupelo is a diverse and progressive city that is moving confidently and energetically into the 21st Century.
The Board of Trustees seeks an experienced educational leader who is an advocate for all students and who possesses the following abilities and traits:
 

The demonstrated ability to:

• be a team builder, motivator, and facilitator who inspires others to strive for excellence;
• build strong working relationships with the Board, with professional colleagues, with parents and with the Tupelo community;
• recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified personnel;
• communicate with all stakeholders in a clear, confident, and purposeful manner, and build consensus surrounding current and future educational, financial, and facility needs;
• lead a high expectation/high performing, nationally recognized school district;
• manage the many issues associated with changing community demographics in a growth oriented school district and community;
• deal directly and fairly with faculty, staff, students and parents; and
• provide the leadership necessary for the district to be a leader in the state and one of the finest school systems in the nation.

Possession of:

• integrity, honesty and a strong “moral compass;”
• a leadership style which is collaborative, inclusive, decisive and visionary;
• a proven record of success;
• high performance standards for self and others;
• knowledge of finance, prek-12 curriculum and instruction, and educational “best practice;”
• strong organization, management and facilitation skills; and
• passion about, commitment to, and advocacy for public education.

The individual selected is expected to be highly visible and involved in the schools and the community. Experience as a superintendent is preferred and an earned doctorate from an accredited university is required.

Certification
Applicants are required to hold, or be eligible to receive, a Mississippi State Superintendent Certificate

Application and Selection Procedure
Individuals who wish to be considered for this position are invited to visit the Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) website at www.hyasupersearches.com for application materials.  All material relative to this position will be treated with confidence.  Candidates are advised that contacts may be made with references and information may be shared with members of the Tupelo Public School District Board.

Applications and all supporting materials should be received by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates by November 3, 2008. It is the Board’s intention to appoint the selected candidate in early December.  It is expected that the new superintendent will assume the position not later than July 1, 2009.

Please address inquiries, nominations and requests for application materials to:
Dr. Arthur E. Jones or Dr. Diana P. McCauley at:

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, Ltd.
1151 Waukegan Road, Suite 200
Glenview, IL  60025
(847) 724-8465   Fax (847) 724-8467
www.hyasupersearches.com