EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY

AN INVITATION TO APPLY FOR THE POSITION OF

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS

The School Committee of Natick, MA invites dynamic and innovative qualified candidates to apply for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

Natick, which is located 20 miles west of Boston, was founded in 1651 and is currently home to approximately 37,000 people. A suburban setting that is home to many historical landmarks, Natick Soldier Systems Center, and miles 8-12 of the Boston Marathon, Natick is located on the beautiful Charles River and offers convenience to Boston and Worcester via the two MBTA stops. Within the Town are varied scenic areas with lakes, ponds and the Massachusetts Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Town also has many wonderful restaurants, shopping and a performing arts center in the Natick Cultural District in the center of town.

Representative Town Meeting is the governing body for Natick which is led by an appointed Town Administrator and elected Select Board. The current Town Administrator and School Superintendent have a positive and cooperative working relationship.

Natick Public Schools are overseen by a seven-member School Committee. The Natick Public School District is a comprehensive PK-12+ system serving more than 5,300 students. The district is comprised of eight schools including a preschool, four K-4 elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and an 18-22 program. Several of the schools have been rebuilt in the past 15 years, including a state-of-the-art Kennedy Middle School which houses a planetarium and hydroponics lab. Natick also has submitted an application to renovate an elementary school with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA.)

Natick Public Schools is known for its high achievement with consistent scores on MCAS, SAT and ACT higher than the state average. More than 85% of students taking AP exams scored a 3 or better in 2023. With a focus on personalized learning and innovative approaches to learning, students have opportunities to explore their interests with robust academic programming, fine and performing arts programs, music and STEM. Natick’s Strategic Plan has a focus on academic achievement, Profile of a Graduate competencies, Social Emotional Learning and Healthy Living, and dismantling systemic barriers for equitable access to opportunities for all students. Extracurricular activities for students include more than 50 clubs and activities and 40 athletic teams at the high school. Natick also has a robust before and after school childcare program. In addition, there are relationships in place with other afterschool providers such as the YMCA to support childcare for working parents. The administration and teachers' union have a strong working relationship and successfully negotiated multi-year contracts for all unions in 2022.

The FY 2024 school district operating budget is just over $83 million. Natick has strong community partnerships that support the district’s goals and expected outcomes.

For additional information about the school district, please refer to the district website: https://www.natickps.org/

The successful candidate must have demonstrated strong leadership skills at the Central Office or school-based level, a background in teaching, and support for every learner to achieve their full potential. This outstanding leader should have a record of building successful teams and developing strong collaborative relationships while striving for academic excellence. Natick is looking for a leader who has experience with strategic planning that includes facilities and enrollment projections.

The position offers an opportunity to lead a district that has:

• Demonstrated high achievement among students
• Strong commitment to equity and a sense of belonging
• A focus on the social-emotional well-being of students, including a sense of belonging
• A strong, dedicated staff
• Strong commitment to equity and sustainability

Qualifications: Qualified candidates must have strong communication skills and highly-evolved interpersonal skills, as evidenced by effective communication and collaboration with a variety of constituent groups.

The ideal candidate will have experience with:

• Demonstrably improving student achievement
• Effective instructional strategies
• Team building
• Financial operations
• Facilities/building projects
• Driving initiatives focused on inclusion and DEI

An advanced graduate degree is preferred, and a master’s degree is required. A Massachusetts Superintendent license or eligibility for license is necessary. The Natick School Committee will offer a competitive contract with a regionally competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a generous benefits package.

The deadline for submitting applications is December 7, 2023. Preliminary interviews are planned for the beginning of January 2024. The start date for this position is July 1, 2024.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Sally Dias/Dr. Judith Paolucci; Natick Superintendent Search; NESDEC; 28 Lord Road; Marlborough, MA 01752; Phone: 508-481-9444, Email: search@nesdec.org

To access the application, please visit www.nesdec.org

https://www.applitrack.com/nesdec/onlineapp/