Announcement of Vacancy - Superintendent of Schools - 2024-2025 School Year
Mission Statement of the Winchendon Public Schools
The mission of the Winchendon Public Schools is to collaboratively provide a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment to create compassionate and powerful critical thinkers in an ever-changing world. Our core values are grounded in the importance of respect, responsibility, accountability, integrity and empathy.
Community Profile
Incorporated in 1764, Winchendon, previously known as Ipswich, Canada, is located at the headwaters of the Millers River in North Central Massachusetts. By 1800, the craftsmen of the town were well known for their ability to craft handsome buildings whose sturdiness and charm have survived the decades and given our town historical richness. Due to the abundance of water power, industry in Winchendon flourished with the working of wood into many forms , the first of which was the shingle, which was made in such quantities in the late 1700's that neighboring people called this settlement "Shingletown." Next came wooden pails, tubs, clothespins, bobbins and a variety of other small wooden-ware products. These were expanded to include furniture and so many toys that later, at the turn of the 20th century, Winchendon became known as "Toy Town."
A small community with a population of 10,943 as of 2021, the town consists of approximately 42 square miles of breathtaking forested land, including the Otter River State Forest and the Lake Dennison State Recreation Area. Popular community events are held annually, including the Winchendon Music Festival and the Fall Festival.
At the heart of this proud community is the Winchendon Public School District, comprised of a dedicated group of teachers, administrators and staff who are focused on shaping students’ educational success through a commitment to improvement and student-centered, data driven decision-making.
Winchendon built the first public high school in the area in 1887; Old Murdock, a National Historic Site, is now used as the town senior center. The current middle/high school, built in 1996, has unique architecture which captures the spirit of the original school.
The School District
Student Enrollment: 1,248 Budget (FY24): $19,729,832
Winchendon School Committee: Karen Kast-McBride (Chair), David LaPointe (Vice Chair), Anthony Findley, Adam LeBlanc, Jake Catlin
Administration and Staff:
Superintendent, Director of Pupil Services, Assistant Director of Pupil Services, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Business Manager, Director of Technology, Director of Facilities & DPW, Facilities & Maintenance Managers (2), High School Principal (1), Middle School Principal (1), Elementary School Principals (2), Assistant Principal (1), Deans (2), Teachers - Including Related Services, Curriculum Coaching, Counseling Staff (119), Paraprofessionals (40), Clerical Support Staff (11), Custodial Support Staff (10), IT Staff (2)
School Buildings:
Memorial PreK, Memorial Elementary School (K-2), Toy Town Elementary School (3-5), Murdock Middle School (6-8), Murdock High School (9-12)
The Position
The Winchendon School Committee invites capable educational leaders to apply for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The successful candidate must be a dynamic individual with an approachable collaborative leadership style and a commitment to high academic achievement for all students. The starting date for this position is July 1, 2024.
Salary and Contract
The Winchendon School Committee will offer a multiyear contract with salary and benefits which are competitive and commensurate with experience.
The Successful Candidate Will Be:
A dynamic educational leader with at least five (5) years of experience in upper level school district administration;
Dedicated to collaborating with and providing effective communication with students, faculty, staff, parents, school committee members and members of the community;
Willing to strengthen and support excellent teaching and learning in the Winchendon Public Schools;
Able to ensure strong fiscal accountability through strategic budget planning, implementation and oversight;
One who listens before leading decisively and fosters a positive climate in all schools for all students, staff and families;
Capable of building strong relationships with local, state and federal policymakers;
Licensed as a Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts;
Holder of a Master’s degree.
Application Process
Application available at: https://winchendonk12ma.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=199
Completed application information must be received on or before April 15, 2024.
The appointment will be made in May, 2024, with the anticipated start date of July 1, 2024.
Winchendon Public Schools offers all programs, activities, and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability