Graham County USD 281 Superintendent

Graham County USD 281 • usd281.com

Job Title: Superintendent of Schools, Graham County USD 281
Location: Hill City, Kansas
Reports to: Board of Education

Job Overview:

The Superintendent of Graham County USD 281 serves as the chief executive officer of the school district, responsible for the overall administration and leadership of the districts educational programs, operations, and policies. The Superintendent works closely with the Board of Education to implement the district's strategic goals and vision, manage resources, and ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. This role demands strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to foster collaboration among educators, parents, community members, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Leadership & Vision:
    • Provide visionary leadership to the district, ensuring alignment with the Board of Education's goals and objectives.
    • Develop and implement a strategic plan focused on student achievement, equity, and educational excellence.
    • Inspire and guide district staff to deliver high-quality education and continuous improvement.
  2. Educational Program Management:
    • Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional programs to meet state and federal educational standards.
    • Promote the use of data-driven decision-making to assess student progress and district performance.
    • Foster a culture of innovation and research-based instructional practices.
  3. Budget & Financial Oversight:
    • Develop and manage the district's budget, ensuring efficient and equitable allocation of resources.
    • Oversee financial planning, revenue forecasting, and expenditure control to ensure fiscal responsibility.
    • Ensure compliance with state and federal funding regulations and seek additional funding opportunities.
  4. Personnel Management:
    • Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate district leadership, including principals, administrators, and other staff.
    • Foster professional development for educators and staff to enhance their effectiveness and professional growth.
    • Build and maintain a positive, collaborative working environment.
  5. Community Engagement:
    • Act as the primary spokesperson for the district, maintaining open and effective communication with parents, community members, and local organizations.
    • Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to promote community involvement and support for the districts educational initiatives.
    • Address concerns and questions from the public in a transparent and responsive manner.
  6. Policy Implementation & Compliance:
    • Ensure that district policies align with state and federal laws and regulations.
    • Work with the Board of Education to develop and enforce policies that promote the district's mission and vision.
    • Monitor and report on the districts progress toward meeting educational goals and benchmarks.
  7. Crisis Management:
    • Lead the district in managing crises and resolving issues that impact school safety, student welfare, or district operations.
    • Collaborate with local law enforcement, health departments, and other agencies to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.

Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or a related field.
  • Valid Kansas Superintendent license or eligibility to obtain licensure.
  • Proven track record of leadership in an educational setting, with a strong focus on student achievement and equity.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Strong knowledge of Kansas school laws, educational trends, and state/federal funding mechanisms.

Skills & Abilities:

  • Leadership: Ability to inspire and manage teams effectively.
  • Financial Acumen: Expertise in budget development and resource allocation.
  • Strategic Thinking: Proficiency in long-term planning and policy implementation.
  • Communication: Exceptional ability to interact with diverse groups and present complex ideas clearly.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to resolve district challenges and improve educational outcomes.

Working Conditions:

  • Primarily office-based with regular travel to schools within the district.
  • Attendance at evening or weekend meetings and events may be required.
  • Ability to handle high levels of stress and responsibility associated with managing a large school district.

Application Process:

Candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to the districts board clerk. The selection process includes interviews with the Board of Education.

Benefits Information

Vacation Leave, 20 days of vacation annually and is not cumulative. 

Personal leave, two days annually without accumulation.

Sick Leave 16 days annually with the unused sick leave may be accumulated up to a maximum of 90 days.

Health Insurance.  Full health insurance

Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, tax sheltered annuity, 403b benefits. 

Salary Information

The term of the contract and salary will be negotiated based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, and personal/professional qualifications. Graham County Unified School District is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education. USD 281 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employer Information

Graham County USD #281 in Hill City, Kansas is located in northwest Kansas at the junction of US Hwy 283 and US Hwy 24. The district has two attendance centers; Hill City Junior Senior High housing students in grades 7-12 and Hill City Grade housing students PK-6. The enrollment of the district is approximately 380 students. Student to teacher ratio is low, averaging 12-16 students in a classroom. Hill City Junior-Senior High has many active clubs and organizations as well as programs in band, choir, art and FFA. HCJSHS students compete in most activities sponsored by the KSHSAA.. The district underwent a facelift in 2015 with the addition of a new state-of-the-art 8 lane track including new concessions and restroom building, immaculate renovation of the auditorium, new HVAC systems at both facilities, Parking lots and renovation of the Grade School playground along with other upgrades. USD 281 recently launched a technology improvement program and has added interactive boards to all elementary and many Jr-Sr high classrooms. Students in the district all have an individual laptop assigned to them, making us 1-1 district wide. In 2020 the district was recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education with three awards of distinction including the Commissioner`s Award. The community is a huge part of USD 281 and is actively working with the district to improve school and community culture. Employment information is available on our website. Come check us out at www.usd281.com

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Job Contact Address

117 North Third
Hill City, KS 67642

Job Start Date

July-1-2025

Applications Due By

November-15-2024

Job Contact Information