THE POSITION

Whitmore Classical Academy is seeking a dynamic and accomplished leader as their Head of Schools. The Head of Schools will be responsible for developing all programs and systems associated with the opening and operation of SVCS and would assume the position at the time specified in the contract. The Head of Schools will be responsible for all aspects of the school’s performance.

The Head of Schools will be expected to:

• Achieve the school’s Mission and proactively position the school to support its Vision;
• Develop and implement timeline, policies, processes, and procedures required to take SVCS from the development stage to 1st day of school in September 2026;
• Serve as the head of schools teacher: select develop and inspire faculty and staff members.
• Produce favorable academic outcomes;
• Provide general management of all school operations, including safety and emergency response, personnel selection and performance, budgeting and financial management, fundraising, communications and public relations, regulatory requirements, and facilities management;
• As the senior executive leader, manage professionally a broad base of constituents including the board, charter authorizers, philanthropic donors, the public, employees, and students and their families; and
• Report to the board at regular intervals on the status of the school’s performance.

Relationship with the Board

SVCS’s board operates according to a model of governance called Policy Governance. The most important aspects of Policy Governance are these:

• The Head of Schools is the sole report to Whitmore Classical Academy Board of Directors and reports directly to the Board President; likewise, the board relates to the school solely through the Head of Schools.
• The board does not co-manage the school with the Head of Schools. Rather, it holds the Head of Schools accountable for producing outcomes within parameters established by law, the Charter Agreement, and the board’s policies, administrative guidelines, and procedures. In Year Zero of school operation, the board serves as a working board to assist the Head of School to meet the goal of opening for students in September 2026.
• The board views organizational performance and the Head of Schools ‘performance as one.
• The board has committed to governing with an emphasis on outward vision rather than internal preoccupation, strategic leadership more than administrative detail. In summary, the board leads by defining preferred organization outcomes and by supporting political advocacy and fundraising. It regulates by ensuring that the school performs favorably relative to parameters established by law, the Charter Agreement, and board policies. This model is intended to appeal to a self-motivated, talented point leader, a Head of Schools eager to operate in an environment where roles and expectations have been clearly delineated and defined.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for the position, candidates must have:

• Hold and/or be eligible to obtain an Oregon Administrator License per TSPC Licensing
• Demonstrated success leading a classical liberal arts school, ideally K-12, having produced favorable academic outcomes over time;
• Experience collaborating with a Board of Directors;
• Current or prior classroom experience, ideally in a classical or liberal arts school; The ability to teach well and to coach teachers to greater degrees of effectiveness;
• Experience in budgeting, financial management, financial reporting, auditing, human resources management, and operations management;

• Experience in personnel management, including recruiting and hiring, supervising and evaluating, and individual and organizational development;

• Leadership experience in a fundraising capacity;
• An understanding of state accountability systems for K-12 public schools and laws relevant to charter schools;
• A graduate degree is preferred in one or more of the liberal arts or a related field of study;
• Experience reporting directly to a board of directors; and
• Experience dealing with people of diverse backgrounds and constituents with competing agenda.
• Ideal candidates will possess demonstrable skill in fostering positive, productive relationships and outcomes in a public-school environment.

THE DISTRICT

The community of Florence and outlying communities, while vast in geography, are small and close-knit. The Siuslaw Valley Charter School has a projected opening date of Fall of 2026 for grades K-4. Our goal is to provide a content-rich, American classical public school curriculum in alignment with Oregon State Standards.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Submit application to info@siuslawvalleycharterschool.com

Current Resume

Cover Letter of Interest

3-5 current letters of reference

Copy of administrative license or proof of eligibility to obtain

Statement about how you meet the qualities and qualifications set by the Board (in narrative form, no longer than 500 words).

Application packets are submitted at the link below:

info@siuslawvalleycharterschool.com

Application packets should be submitted as soon as possible to be considered for the position.

For more information regarding the position and the application process, please contact:

Kay King, Siuslaw Valley Charter School Board President

Kay.king@siuslawvalleycharterschool.com