The Redlands Unified School District, located at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, covers an area of 147 square miles and includes the communities of Redlands, Loma Linda, Mentone, Forest Falls, and parts of Highland and San Bernardino. Historically, the area was a prime citrus growing region. Established in 1891, Redlands High School was the single comprehensive high school in the Redlands Unified School District for over 100 years, until the opening of Redlands East Valley High School in 1997 and Citrus Valley High School in 2009. RUSD is ideally located within a short drive of ski slopes in the San Bernardino Mountains and the desert resorts of the Palm Springs area. The Redlands Unified School District enrolls just over 20,162 students who attend one of 26 schools. The District has 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 comprehensive high schools, as well as one alternative high school, an online academy, and an adult education school. Redlands USD has established itself as a school district focused on high academic achievement and excellence for each student making up its diverse population.
The Position
The Board of Trustees of the Redlands Unified School District is seeking an experienced, respected, and visionary leader as superintendent. This individual will possess intellectual, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills that promote authentic and productive interactions with a wide array of internal and external stakeholder groups. Highly visible in the community, the superintendent will actively engage in district and regional events, serving as a proud and articulate voice promoting the school district and its accomplishments. The successful candidate will be skilled in building and strengthening partnerships and coalitions with higher education, community, business, and governmental agencies, bringing a rich array of services to our students and families. It is essential to possess a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that honors, respects and encourages the contributions of all stakeholders, including employees and their professional associations. The superintendent will have an established track record of success in all areas of district and school oversight, including curriculum and instruction, classroom teaching, finance, facilities, human resources, and special education. We are seeking a forward-looking and progressive superintendent who will value our past and present achievements, while leading boldly into the future.
Professional Experience and Preparation
A proven track record of success as a teacher, site administrator, and district-level administrator is required. Executive experience as a superintendent or cabinet level administrator (assistant/deputy superintendent) is preferred.
Personal Skills and Abilities
Supports the uniqueness of each school and its instructional services to students while holding sites accountable for the achievement of common goals
Knows and/or will be able to quickly learn and embrace the rich history, culture, traditions and values of the community and district before considering significant changes
Demonstrates high integrity and is forthright, transparent and trustworthy in all dealings
A "people person" who is approachable and accessible; possessing empathetic listening skills and effective communication with all stakeholders
Models an inclusive, collaborative, consensus building and confident leadership style Treats all people fairly, with dignity and respect
Highly visible and active in the community, schools, and worksites
Open to divergent opinions, inclusion, and able to secure the thoughtful and meaningful involvement of staff, parents, students, and community
A team builder who recognizes the abilities and contributions of a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders Inspires a sense of hope, belonging, worth, and competence among all within the superintendent's sphere of influence
Frames all decisions on what's best for students
Board Relationships
Able to work effectively with the Governing Board to foster a common vision and shared commitment, maintain a strong governance team structure, and establish positive and effective board / Superintendent relationship
Salary/Contract:
Competitive compensation package based on qualifications and experience; a multi-year contract will be considered by the Board
Minimum of three (maximum of five) current Letters of Recommendation
Application Deadline:
Monday, April 21, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Selection Process:
The Board of Education has retained advisors Dr. Joe Condon and Mr. Juan Lopez from Education Support Services (ESS) to facilitate a confidential search to recruit the most highly qualified candidate for this position. Any contact with individual Board members during the recruitment or selection phase of the search will result in a candidate’s disqualification from the process.
Selected finalists will be invited to interview with the Board. For more information, please contact:
Education Support Services Group (ESS) provides a comprehensive menu of services for governing boards, superintendents, senior management teams, school districts, and community colleges. ESS offers direct support in leadership development, governance, executive search services, labor relations, human resources management, fiscal services, and facility planning.
