RECRUITMENT BULLETIN #14-189                            SUPERINTENDENT, BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MAY 14, 2015                                                                                                                                  

 
POSITION: 
                         
The Buffalo Board of Education, is interested in receiving applications from strong instructional leaders that are qualified
for the position of:

 
              SUPERINTENDENT of SCHOOLS

 

APPLICATION:     
            
Candidates must complete an online application at www.buffaloschools.org.  Please upload a cover letter detailing professional
accomplishments and an updated resume. 
                                               
Candidates must agree to release of name and personal bio if they are one of three (3) finalists.

Applications successfully received will generate a confirmation email to the account listed on the application.  If you do not receive
a confirmation email, we cannot guarantee that your application was received.  You must submit an application until you receive a
confirmation email.

 
QUALIFICATIONS:     
     
Candidates must have a Master’s degree and New York State School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL)
certification. A Doctorate Degree is preferred.
 
Candidates must have extensive leadership experience in an educational setting, which must include district and building level
administrator experience. Candidates with successful administrative experience in an urban school district with a large racially
and economically diverse population are preferred.  Candidate must have extensive knowledge of the Buffalo Public Schools. 
 
OVERVIEW:
 
Currently, BPS has 58 schools serving approximately 34,000 students, of whom 76% qualify for free or reduced price lunch.  Buffalo
Public Schools has a racially diverse student population speaking multiple languages. Of the 58 schools in the district, 28 have been
given “priority” status by the state and 16 more have been given “focus” status. Within the district, a sizable number of students do
not meet state standards, and only about half of those who attend high school graduate with a diploma.
 
The Superintendent will be responsible for moving Buffalo Public Schools towards the ambitious goal of preparing all students for success.
 
 
POSITION:
 
The Superintendent shall be the chief administrative officer for the Buffalo Public Schools. He/She is responsible for the effective operation
of the District; for the general administration of all instructional, business or other operations of the District; and for advising and making
recommendations to the Board of Education with respect to such activities. He/She shall perform all the duties and accept all of the responsibilities
usually required of a Superintendent as prescribed by the Education Laws of New York State, the rules and regulations of the Board of Regents
and Commissioner of Education, laws and regulations of the United States, statutes of New York State, and the policies, rules, and regulations
established by the Board of Education.  The Superintendent will work to position schools as the primary unit of change and provide central office
supports to enable continuous improvement.  The successful candidate will perform complex professional and administrative work directing and
providing leadership for all programs, operations and activities.
 
 
REPORTING:
 
The Superintendent will report directly to the Board of Education.  The Superintendent directly supervises senior management and indirectly
supervises every district employee.
 
 
EXPECTATIONS:

Ensure that Buffalo Public Schools is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.  The Superintendent will serve as a
liaison between the Board and staff while facilitating communications and representing Board positions and decisions; fiscally manage the
school system through supervising and providing oversight of the annual budget; interpret the needs of the District and make reports to the
Board, providing facts and explanations needed to assist the Board in its decisions; establish and maintain positive relationships with the
community by developing and operating effective school-community relations while acting as a public advocate for the school system at
all times; exercise fairness, objectivity and attention to the best interests of the school system in the conduct of all personnel relations and
decisions; oversee the instructional program within the framework of the regulations of NYSED and the goals and policies of the School Board.
 

KEY COMPETENCIES:

 
Individuals serving as Superintendent will demonstrate the following:
 

• Strategic vision and courage to ensure that all students achieve
• Experience with data-driven instruction leading to increased student achievement
• Knowledge of school turnaround
• Knowledge of proven instructional approaches, curriculum, assessment and instruction
• Unwavering commitment to getting the job done and willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of BPS students
• An ability to identify, diagnose, and prioritize key issues
• An ability to find innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problems
• Excellent execution and project management skills
• A track record for establishing clear metrics for success and regular monitoring of progress towards goals
• Knowledge and ability to apply best practices to district instructional and student support programs
• Strong management skills along with excellent financial planning skills for a large urban school district
• An ability to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including by building consensus and resolving conflict
• Effective communication skills and an ability to listen and tailor messages for unique audiences and modes of communication
• A strong record of working effectively with unions and their leadership
• A collaborative and cooperative leadership style
• Skill in navigating existing political structures and systems
• An ability to organize people and resources in ways that improve instruction and student achievement
• Experience with compliance of federal and state mandates, grant requirements and deadlines

 
 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 
The Superintendent will be responsible for the following (list is not all inclusive of Superintendent responsibilities).  Major areas of
responsibility are:


Academic Leadership

• Ensure delivery of a coherent, data-driven, research-based, and impactful instruction and student supports across the district.

 
Strategy

• Develop key strategic, policy, managerial, logistical, and administrative decisions. Serve as chief problem-solver to anticipate and address a variety of issues across the district.

• Direct cabinet members to design and implement new operational models that ensure efficient flow of effective services and supports to schools.

 
Management

• Lead organizational conversation to determine long range needs, forecast available resources, and manage policies that maximize investments in BPS strategy.
   
  District Community Relations

• Effectively communicate and collaborate with district partners.
• Act as a liaison to the New York State Department of Education, city agencies (including the Mayor’s Office), policymakers, funders, and other key external partners to maintain strong and responsive relationships.

Other Duties/Responsibilities as assigned by the Board of Education

 
 
APPOINTMENT:   

Appointment will be made by the Board of Education following assessment of training, experience, and credentials.  Personal interviews shall be
scheduled for individuals that meet all qualifications.  A contract will be developed with the Board of Education and the successful candidate.
           
 
SALARY:                  By contractual agreement.  Negotiable and commensurate with experience
           
 

 

FINAL DATE FOR FILING:         JUNE 5, 2015