Chief Operations Officer

Position Function: The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key executive leader reporting directly to the Superintendent of Schools. This position provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of district operations, including Facilities, Operations, Safety & Environmental Services and Information Service/Technology. The COO ensures that all support functions align with and advance the academic mission and strategic priorities of Wichita Public Schools. The role requires integration of data-driven practices, innovative technologies, and a balanced approach to support student achievement and operational excellence.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Provides effective leadership and supervisory support to the divisions and departments within Administration and Operations, ensuring established responsibilities and delegated duties are carried out and the appropriate level of services is achieved.
• Serves as a key strategic advisor to the Superintendent, ensuring that operational planning supports the district's long-term academic and equity goals.
• Provides support for and ensures implementation of any District Bond Issue plans and/or Capital Improvement plans.
• Initiates and monitors policy/procedure development, planning, and budgets for the divisions and departments within Administration and Operations that are consistent with district-wide goals/objectives and the mission of the District.
• Provides support for and ensures implementation of the District's Bond Issue Plan and Capital Improvement Plan.
• Leads and supports implementation of long-range facilities master planning.
• Drives districtwide sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, and implement climate-resilient practices.
• Provides effective leadership in implementing and promoting the district's continuous quality improvement program and staff quality improvement system for all employees in Administration and Operations.
• Initiates studies for the purpose of analyzing various aspects of the area to ensure that services are being carried out in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
• Monitors organization and staffing information, reviews employee performance issues as appropriate, develops and maintains a standard set of employee performance expectations, and supports effective training for supervisory and specialized employees.
• Provides assistance, guidance, and support to building principals related to responsibilities of the Operations area.
• Coordinates emergency weather operations related to school cancellation and/or special logistics affecting district operations during severe weather occurrences.
• Oversees emergency preparedness and risk management programs, including crisis response, school safety, and continuity of operations planning.
• Provides assistance, guidance, and support to Board of Education members as needed.
• Keeps the Superintendent of Schools informed regarding the operations of the district.
• Champions a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence using data analytics, metrics, and performance management systems.
• Ensures financial transparency and fiscal stewardship through strong oversight of budgeting, accounting, audits, and financial reporting systems.
• Collaborates with city, county, and community agencies on operations-related initiatives that support student safety, access, and well-being.
• Uses innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and decision-making across all operational departments.
• Monitors staffing and organization design to meet service demands and ensure effective training, development, and succession planning.
• Assumes responsibility for all other duties assigned by the Superintendent of Schools, including serving on assigned committees, carrying out special assignments and projects, preparing reports for the Board of Education, and conducting meetings.

Additional Duties: Additional duties as assigned.

Equipment: The COO must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in modern business and operations technology, including but not limited to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Facilities management and energy tracking software (e.g., Tririga), Data visualization and dashboard tools (e.g., Power BI), Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom, SharePoint), Project and workflow management tools, Smart Boards and MS Office products. Must comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use

Travel: In- and out-of-district travel may be required. Overnight travel would be considered light.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Must be available to work beyond the regular workday
• Must be able to work long irregular hours under pressure

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate both verbally and written to effectively share information inside and outside of the organization
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to effectively use Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Use of good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisor when discretion is needed
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of the district's mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving each of them

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Will work under the direct supervision of the Superintendent
• Will interact with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• Employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours unless approved leave is granted
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior supervisor approval
• All employees must report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including executive oversight of multiple operational divisions
• Proven record of leading cross-functional teams, managing large-scale projects, and implementing organizational changes
• Experience working in public-sector, unionized environments is highly desirable
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and trust across diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to serving the diverse needs of students and families across all socio-economic backgrounds, with a focus on inclusive, community-centered leadership that fosters equitable access to district resources and opportunities.

FLSA Status: Exempt

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