Invitation to Apply for Superintendent of Schools

Invitation to ApplyThe Board of Education of the Ballston Spa Central School District has commenced a search for a Superintendent of Schools. WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent of Schools, James P. Dexter, will coordinate the search process over the next several months. The Board of Education will make all decisions relating to the candidacy, interviews, and appointment to the position.

Terms of EmploymentThe Board expects to offer a minimum salary of $175,000 based on the successful candidate’s experience and training. A competitive fringe benefit package will be included. The Board will offer a professional contract with renewals based upon performance evaluations.

Recruiting TimetableDeadline for receipt of applications New superintendent takes office

January 19, 2018July 1, 2018

QualificationsThe Board of Education is seeking a candidate who successfully demonstrates strengths in the areas listed below:

Academic Leadership Demonstrates the ability to promote success for all students by creating a school culture and instructional program supportive of student learning and professional growth of staff; demonstrates knowledge of current New York State (NYS) Learning Standards and Instructional Shifts; and ability to articulate best practices for elementary, middle and high schools Community Relations Participation in school and community events, as well as embracing collaboration with all types of business/community partners, including local and state governments Personal Characteristics Demonstrates strong character and integrity; is approachable, collaborative, influential, and empathetic Human Resources Demonstrates a thorough understanding of NYS education and labor laws

Application Process

The WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent of Schools will receive all inquiries and letters of application for the Ballston Spa Superintendent of Schools position. Candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, completed application, three letters of reference specific to this position, transcripts, and proof of certification to:

Mr. James P. DexterDistrict SuperintendentWSWHE BOCES1153 Burgoyne Ave., Suite 2Fort Edward, New York 12828

All inquiries, questions, and requests for clarifications are to be directed to Mr. James Dexter at 518-746-3310, ext. 8, or by email to jdexter@wswheboces.org. Under no circumstances are members of the Ballston Spa Board of Education to be contacted.

The Ballston Spa Board of Education places a high value on the visibility and approachability of its leaders. Ballston Spa’s geographic location is unique, placing it within the vicinity of many cities and towns. The successful candidate will maintain a residence in reasonable proximity to the district, as determined by the Board, so that they are able to attend to all of the demands of the position, which include, but are not limited to, being visible at school and community events and activities, and interacting with faculty, parents and residents. The Board will consider financial compensation for candidates who relocate to the district within the first year of employment.

For more information visit www.bscsd.org

Fiscal Leadership Ability to communicate budget goals and challenges; can utilize innovative strategies to generate financial support for the district Communications Demonstrated experience utilizing strong communication skills with a variety of media and with all school/community constituents Relationship with the Board of Education Able to articulate and implement effective communication strategies with the Board of Education Labor Relations Established history of collaborative and productive labor relations that align with fiscal restraints Other Able to effectively delegate responsibilities with appropriate accountability; experience with building and capital projects

Educational Program The district’s vision is that the Ballston Spa Central School District will be a place where excellent education is provided for all students, supported by a community that is active in the educational process, both at home and in the schools. As a result of high expectations and rigorous programs, students will be challenged to work hard and learn well. The district will stand out among neighboring schools for its unique ability to meet the diverse educational needs of its students. Ballston Spa fully addresses the Learning Standards. The elementary level features the incorporation of current best practices, balanced literary instruction, interdisciplinary teaching and an extensive use of technology by students and teachers. Each school has access to technological tools both in the classrooms and throughout the building. Both the High School and Middle School are organized on a modified, rotating, block schedule, which allows students to participate in high school coursework across content areas in 8th grade.

High School students may take Advanced Placement courses and University in the High School classes for college credit in art, biology, calculus, chemistry, physics, history, language and composition, literature and composition, French, Spanish, Video Game Design, technology and many other areas. In 2012, the High School began to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, an internationally recognized program of study that exemplifies college and career readiness. In 2011, the Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School was launched at the Hudson Valley Community College TEC-SMART facility in Malta, where students attend classes in this state of the art learning environment while being fully enrolled in college, with the opportunity to earn up to 25 college credits upon completing the program while still in high school.

Ballston Spa Central School DistrictThe Ballston Spa Central School District currently serves approximately 4,300 students from grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. The district is proud of its excellence in curricula and student services. New and upgraded learning environments were designed to support academic and enrollment growth. More than 600 educators, administrators and support staff make up the district’s dedicated team of employees.

The schools include four elementary level buildings (grades Pre-K-5), which include Milton Terrace Elementary School, Gordon Creek Elementary School, Malta Avenue Elementary School and Wood Road Elementary School; Ballston Spa Middle School (grades 6-8); and Ballston Spa High School (grades 9-12). In 2012, the district launched a $57 million facilities renovation project, including the construction of Gordon Creek Elementary School (2013), the historical renovation and restoration of Malta Avenue Elementary School (2013-2014), renovations at Milton Terrace Elementary School, Wood Road Elementary School and Ballston Spa Middle School (2012-2017) along with improvements to the array of district athletic facilities (2014-2017). In 2010, 2013, and 2016, Ballston Spa High School was recognized as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by Newsweek Magazine, by The Washington Post in 2011, and by US News and World Report in 2012 and 2017. It was also recognized on The Washington Post’s list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2010 and 2012, Ballston Spa High School received the National AP Achievement Award from the College Board for increasing access to AP coursework while maintaining achievement levels. The Ballston Spa Middle School received the designation as a 2015 School to Watch by the New York State Education Department after a lengthy review process and is one of only 27 schools in New York State since 2004 that have achieved this prestigious national honor. Class sizes average 20 students at both the elementary level and secondary level; 87.4 percent of graduates continue on to post-secondary education and over 90 percent receive Regents diplomas; 31 percent of students receive free or reduced price lunch; and 14 percent receive special education services.

AthleticsAlpine SkiingBaseball BasketballBowling CheerleadingIce HockeyFootballGymnasticsGolf

Lacrosse Soccer Softball SwimmingTennis Track & Field Volleyball Wrestling

Clubs and ActivitiesAnime, Band, Book Club, Chorus, Communications Club, Debate Club, Environmental Club, Interact Club, Math Club, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, Orchestra, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics, Students Helping Students, Student Council, Drama Troupe (to name a few)

District Financial Data2017-18 Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,340,7422017-18 Full Value Tax Rate (per thousand assessed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17.2942017-18 Taxable Assessed Valuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,725,062,50520117-18 Full Value Taxable Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,834,496,733

Board of Education The Ballston Spa Central School District has a seven person Board of Education, each elected to a three-year term.

Board Member and Term Ends

Kevin Schaefer, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018Susan Filburn, Vice President . . . . . . . . . . 2019Nancy Fodera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018Lillian McCarthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020

Jeanne Obermayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020Mike O’Donnell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018Dottie Sellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019

Ballston Spa Community The Ballston Spa Central School District is in a growing suburban area of Saratoga County located about 25 miles northwest of the state capital in Albany. The district covers approximately 60 square miles and is comprised of a village and four townships — the village of Ballston Spa, and the towns of Ballston, Charlton, Malta, and Milton.

Ballston Spa is just south of the resort towns of Saratoga Springs and Lake George. The nearby Adirondack Mountains and Green Mountains of Vermont are but a few of its outstanding regional attractions. Access to I-87 Northway and the NYS Thruway makes Boston, New York City, and Montreal an easy three-hour drive. Numerous museums, libraries, recreation fields and shopping areas fulfill basic needs while offering an excellent quality of life to the estimated 31,000 residents of diverse socio-economic backgrounds living within its boundaries.

The district’s motto, Educating Everyone Takes Everyone, is a concept that bears itself out in every aspect of the school community. Parent/teacher groups are an integral part of each school, and volunteers are a welcome, familiar sight in all school buildings. Community members and parents are also active on school committees and task forces.

The Ballston Spa Central School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Brochure produced in cooperation with WSWHE BOCES Communication Services