Superintendent Search: Newton County School District

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Superintendent Search

Newton County School District

The Mississippi School Boards Association is currently conducting the Superintendent Search for the Newton County School District.

The Newton County School District is seeking an innovative and data-driven educational leader who has a proven record of raising student achievement, who has current, hands-on experience with the Mississippi accountability system, and who has demonstrated the ability to develop positive relationships with all stakeholder groups.

About the District

DISTRICT DATA

School District Rating: A
Total Number of Students: 1,677
Graduation Rate: 87.6%
Per Pupil Expenditure: $12,439
Number of Licensed Teachers: 146
Total Employees: 260
Total Number of Elementary Schools: 1
Total Number of Middle / High Schools: 1
Total Number of Career & Technical Centers: 1
Total Number of Alternative Schools: 1

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

The Newton County School District is a Pre-K through 12 district, including a K-6 campus as well as a 7-12 campus. The Newton County School District also has a high performing career center where vocational classes and Pre-K students are taught.

Newton County Elementary School is recognized as a Tier 1 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Model Site in Mississippi and is one of 39 schools in the nation selected to participate in the 2022-23 Choose Kindness Foundation Grant. Newton County Elementary School has a long standing tradition of being a high performing elementary school in Mississippi by “Reaching every child every day in every way.”

Newton County Middle and High School has been a high performing campus with a B rating. All athletic programs consistently make playoffs, and the band, theatre, and choir are high performing programs.

Newton County Middle and High School students are offered a wide range of clubs and organizations in which to participate. Newton County High School offers dual enrollment and advanced classes.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

The Newton County School District is located in east central Mississippi in the county of Newton. The district office is located in the town of Decatur, the county seat. Newton County, with a population of approximately 21,000, spans 568 miles and is the only perfectly square county in the state. It was named after Sir Isaac Newton, a noted scientist and philosopher. The county is also home to East Central Community College.

Applicant Criteria & Qualifications

The Superintendent of Education serves as the chief executive officer of the school district and is responsible to the Board of Trustees for ensuring compliance with all board policies and Mississippi State Board of Education rules and regulations, as well as state and federal laws.

Only applicants who fit the following criteria and qualifications defined by the board will be considered for the position.

CRITERIA

Must meet criteria outlined in MS Code 37-9-13.

QUALIFICATIONS DEFINED BY THE BOARD

Evidence of a recent documented track record of raising the achievement level of all students
A minimum of three years of experience in an “A” or “B” school or district or experience in moving a school or district to an “A” or “B” rating
Is an advocate for students
Skill as an effective communicator, including speaking, listening, writing, and technology
Ability to develop a climate of trust/openness with all stakeholders
Willingness to maintain an open-door policy with all stakeholder groups to benefit students and the district
Ability to develop a formal process for communicating with stakeholders, including the board members
Willingness to and ability to work cooperatively with the school board members
Ability to develop a positive rapport, while providing strong leadership to administrators, teachers, and other school personnel
Uses a team management approach
Will reside in the school district with his/her family and is committed to becoming an active and visible member of the community
Ability to engage parents and community stakeholders in the life of the school
Knowledge of strategic planning, including development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting
Has a track record of strong decision-making; is firm, fair, and consistent
Ability to recruit, retain, and invest in the development of highly qualified personnel
Has experience in developing a climate of high expectations and accountability
Strong commitment to pursue academic innovations for all grade levels
Honest and transparent; high moral and ethical standards of conduct; a strong work ethic