Superintendent, Lawrence Public Schools
Alma Advisory Group, United States
Job Description
About our District
Proudly nicknamed the "Immigrant City", Lawrence, Massachusetts has been home to many immigrant communities for generations and is a city rich in diversity, history, and resilience. Lawrence Public Schools is committed to creating high-quality learning opportunities that meet the whole child's development. The district strives to create an inclusive environment that encourages children of all abilities to be lifelong learners and to meet their full potential. Latinos are now the largest ethnic group in Lawrence, accounting for 94.5% of the school district's current population. Lawrence serves approximately 13,008 PK-12 students, in its 5 early elementary schools, 8 elementary, 7 middle, 2 high schools, and 4 mixed grade band schools. The district’s minority enrollment is 100%. In November 2011, the Lawrence Public Schools was placed into state receivership by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary amp; Secondary Education (DESE) because of its chronic underperformance and is currently overseen by a seven-member appointed board called the Lawrence Alliance for Education (LAE).
About the Superintendent Role
Reporting to the seven-member appointed LAE board, the next superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools will enter the district at a critical time as the district strives to transition from receivership in collaboration with DESE and the City of Lawrence. The next leader will set the vision and innovative strategy to improve academic outcomes for the students of Lawrence, centering the input of students, families, and the community in the process. The superintendent should possess the cultural competence to embrace and leverage the unique strengths of the community while maintaining a keen focus on accelerating learning and raising expectations for all students. This person must be willing to meet parents where they are, to collaborate with city and state leaders and community partners, and to prioritize student-centered decision-making at all levels of the organization.
What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)
- Develop the vision and implement the strategy to improve student outcomes at every level
- Guide and lead the transition planning and strategic planning process to establish the future of the district.
- Establish a vision for academic and instructional excellence, centering on what matters most to students and families. Model deep knowledge of curriculum and evidence-based pedagogy
- Model innovation, creativity, and thought leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a manner that upholds the district’s vision and drives its mission.
- Strengthen systems and structures that support multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.
- Augment innovative and culturally and linguistically responsive instructional models and structures based on research and best practices.
- Use and analyze school and district data to drive decisions and guide problem-solving to achieve the best student outcomes.
- Organize and support a diverse and high-performing workforce
- Recruit, retain, develop, and inspire highly effective staff at every layer of the organization, focusing on competitive compensation and well-being for all employees.
- Create conditions where staff feel supported and valued so that they can do their best work for students.
- Provide professional development and professional growth opportunities to improve retention and ensure an effective pipeline to leadership.
- Actively coach and develop direct reports to be effective in their roles and in the management of their teams and functional areas.
- Create new partnerships to attract, develop, and promote multilingual staff members who are reflective of the student population.
- Strengthen and maintain strong partnerships with the unions.
- Maintain visibility and communication between the district, schools, and families in a collaborative way
- Be visible and present in the schools and in the community in meaningful ways.
- Establish two-way communication between the district office, schools, and families to allow for input and inclusion in important decisions.
- Collaborate meaningfully within the city to inform, problem-solve, establish partnerships, and share ownership of the district.
- Leverage and align the numerous community partnerships and resources in support of students' and families' needs both during school and after school.
- Ensure that district systems and structures are accountable to and in support of students and schools
- Organize the district’s departments and staff to ensure optimal support and service for each school, removing barriers and bureaucratic practices that impede progress