SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH - Idaho School Boards ...
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SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
A single conversation changed my vision of education forever. The quest to reach 100% of the students has only grown stronger with time.
The District: Application Process:
• Student Enrollment: 1,300 Interested candidates should submit applications
• Employees: 6 Administrators, 98 Certified Staff, 69 Classified no later than - March 8, 2021.
Staff
• Budget: $14 million General Fund; $4 million Federal, Special & Mail:
Bond Funds
Idaho School Boards Association
Attn: Misty Swanson
PO Box 9797
Timeline: Boise, ID 83707-4797
(or)
• Application Deadline: March 8, 2021 Email: misty@idsba.org
• Semi-Finalists Selected: Mid-March, 2021 If you have questions, please contact Misty Swanson at the ISBA Office:
• Reference Checks Conducted: Mid-March, 2021 misty@idsba.org or (208) 854-1476.
• Finalists Selected: Late-March, 2021
• Finalist Interviews, Site Tours, etc.: Early-April, 2021 A completed application packet for superintendent
• Candidate Selected: Early-April, 2021 should include:
• Start Date: July 1, 2021 • Application form available at www.idsba.org.
• A letter stating qualifications and reasons for interest in the
position.
• A current resume.
Compensation: • Academic transcript including degrees (copies are acceptable).
• Two to four letters of recommendation.
• Minimum base salary of $125,000 per year to be increased
based on experience, plus benefits • Verification that the candidate holds, or will be qualified to
hold, an Idaho credential / license as a Superintendent.
Why We Live Here
Nestled in the heart of Long Valley, the McCall-Donnelly School District
is bounded by Goose Creek Pass to the north and Little Donner Pass to The first-rate education in our rural
the south. To live here is to be intimately connected to the great outdoors
and to the mountains that surround us. We ski, snowmobile, hike, bike,
mountain community is very special.
golf, boat, raft, pick huckleberries and mushrooms, fish, hunt wild game, It’s given our kids a great start in
splash on the beaches of Payette Lake and Cascade Lake and fly into the
outer reaches of the backcountry. We soak in natural hot springs and we education and instilled solid values
watch as herds of elk roam the meadow. We are content. as they go forward in life.
We celebrate the seasons with a host of events: a Huckleberry Festival and
Wooden Boat Show; Seven Devils Playwrights Festival, which has gained
national recognition; race runs around Payette Lake; a mountain biking
race and a full week of ice sculptures, music, and an old-fashioned parade
down Main Street during Winter Carnival.
A Sense of Belonging
The quality of life here is unsurpassed. But most importantly, we are a
tight-knit, family-friendly community where it’s easy to find a sense of
belonging. We know our neighbors – and are happy to pitch in when
help is needed. There’s a sense of inclusiveness here, where everyone is
welcomed and accepted for who they are.
We are fortunate to have a school district that mirrors the valures of our
community. Our children are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills,
taught to nurture their curiosity and creativity, and inspired to explore the
natural world that surrounds them.
Why Your Child Will Thrive Here
McCall-Donnelly School District offers something you won’t find in many What does this mean for your child?
places: a progressive approach towards teaching that focuses on the whole
It means that your son or daughter will be seen for the unique individual he
child and a determination to help that child succeed.
or she is – and won’t get lost in the crowd. It means that, as educators and
Given its rural location, many parents are surprised at how sophisticated the community members, we are committed to your child’s success. And we
school system is. In 2016 McCall-Donnelly High School was ranked by US understand that success can be measured, not just to an arbitrary scale, but
News & World Report as one of the top four high schools in the state of Idaho. according to the student’s progress.
The district is one of just 130 districts across the nation to be recognized on This is a special community with abundant opportunities for your child to
the Gaston Caperton Honor Roll. This award is for excellence in rigorous shine. We hope you and your family will choose to become part of it!
academic offerings and innovative college-prep programs for under-
represented students.
The Best Preparation Possible
It takes a village to raise a child and our community enthusiastically supports
its children. Whether it’s contributing to scholarship funds, attending soccer
and football games or volunteering, the adults in this valley want your child
to have the best preparation possible for “the real world.” We partner with
local organizations such as Rotary and the McCall Outdoor Science School.
Local businesses, the University of Idaho, and Boise State University provide
a range of learning opportunities.
Our educators enjoy a supportive relationship with one another. Teachers feel
supported by administrators, and have the freedom to bring innovative ideas
and methods to their classrooms.
Our kids are continually challenged and encouraged to learn in a wide variety
of ways which has kept them excited about school.
Our Approach to Learning
Everyone who works in the McCall-Donnelly School District – from the
administrators to the teachers to the staff, custodians and volunteers – is
committed to helping your child succeed. This determination is evident in our
approach to learning.
We teach holistically. In otherwords, we teach the whole child, not just the
“academic child.” We recognize that students aquire knowledge in different
ways so we strive to provide an environment which fully engages our
children. The outcome is some of the highest levels of performance in the
state of Idaho on multiple measures.
We believe in the magic of flow. Flow is a formal education term and refers to
the feeling state where a student is so engaged and mentally focused that he
or she is completely absorbed in the task at hand and loses track of time.
Students who experience flow have increased concentration, absorb at
a deeper level and generally have feelings of happiness and increased
competency. Everything just seems to flow. Athletes call this state “being in
the zone.” The faculty has created a safe
and nurturing environment that
Techniques Grounded in Research
fosters individuality, and allows
We encourage this state through several techniques grounded in research:
• Present a challenge that is within the student’s capability to
new ideas to form and prosper.
achieve. When children experience a series of “wins,” it jumpstarts
their motivation to succeed and builds their enthusiasm to meet the next
challenge.
Our Approach to Learning ~ Cont.
• Let students discover how the learning assignment is relevant
to their own lives. When they understand the connection between
the classroom learning and their own lives, they are more likely
to engage. This is exciting to watch during the Socratic Method,
in which students learn to think critically and frame questions for
discussion that often lead to seeing how the material is relevant in
their own lives.
• Provide experiential learning in which Students “experience”
what is being taught. We do hands-on activities that draw the
student into the sphere of the subject. A lot of our teaching is
based on problem-solving and occurs outside the classroom with
community partners.
• Support flexibility in what we see as the Art of Teaching.
We set clear and attainable goals for the students which provide
structure – and then give constant feedback, adjusting to the needs
of how that student will succeed. This allows students to be aware
of how they are moving towards the goal so that students and
teacher are working together in flow.
• We listen. When students believe they are heard and their input is
valued, an environment of trust develops and positive relationships
take root.
Students respond positively to learning in this manner. The outcomes The district seems to attract the
include less anxiety about learning, and more interest and enjoyment in
most amazing teachers, principals
their work -- which in turn produce higher quality work, especially in
math, reading and science. and support staff who are consistently
And guess what? When our kids get in the flow, so do we! aware of our student’s needs.Arts & Creativity
McCall-Donnelly School District is unusual for a small rural
community in that the arts disciplines are flourishing and strongly
supported by both the administration and the community.
Kids who can’t draw or play an instrument often think that they “aren’t
creative.” But at MDSD, the teaching staff emphasizes that creativity
takes many forms. Cynthia Dittmer, the visual arts instructor at the
high school, said:
“Creativity is evidence of a unique thought process and it takes
practice to use those creative muscles. My goal is to help students gain
confidence regarding creativity and to help them strengthen the tools
they already have.”
Beyond the Boundaries of School
Dramatic arts students have the opportunity to collaborate with the
nationally renowned Seven Devils Playwrights Festival, held in McCall
each summer, to travel to New York City for a five-day tour, and to
attend plays and ballets in Boise. They produce two shows each year,
and Drama Club members perform at assemblies and at the school’s
air band contest.
Drama teacher Audrey Linville said that she has witnessed multiple
benefits for students who explore their creativity: “They gain a
newfound confidence and have an increased self-esteem. They no
longer care so much about what others think so they are more willing
to take risks. They recognize they have an ability they weren’t aware of,
and they experience collaboration with other students and community
Creativity is evidence of
members. The biggest area of growth is their ability to establish trust
with their peers.” a unique thought process.Spotlight ~ Ted McManus Ted McManus teaches English and Humanities. At the end of important study units, he employs the Socratic Seminar method – a technique in which the students come to the desired knowledge through a series of questions. McManus uses it as a means of fostering critical thinking skills in his students. “The nature of the Socratic method is that the teacher doesn’t speak. After studying, say, To Kill a Mockingbird, I make up three to five overarching questions that relate to the book and to life in general. The kids write a page and a half about their thoughts, and bring it in. Different students lead by asking the questions and facilitating an open discussion. I get to really know what the kids are thinking and what’s important to them. “If I stay out of the way, it often goes in a direction I’d never thought of. I get to really know what the kids are thinking and what’s important to them. The kids connect personally to the material and it allows them to talk about how the material applies to their lives. They enjoy it and feel that their voices are important. It also teaches them to think critically. By the end of the year, it’s the kids who make up all the discussion questions. Their creating the questions is a real critical thinking skill! “McCall is a great place to begin a teaching career because we have mature teachers who are willing to share with newer teachers. Plus we have the benefits of a bigger town – drama, art, music and sports – in a small, tight-knit community.”
STEM - Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – or STEM – education is an
interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts
are coupled with real-world lessons. STEM promotes experiential-based
learning rather than note memorization. We connect students to their local
environment to give them a sense of place.
A Partnership with MOSS
While students of all ages – from elementary through high school —
participate in STEM-based projects, high school sophomores complete
a one-week course working with the McCall Outdoor Science School in
Ponderosa Park. MOSS is a year-round learning center for students K-12
staffed by faculty and graduate students from the University of Idaho’s
College of Natural Resources.
At MDSD, science and mathematics courses are required. STEM electives
range from Business and Engineering Technology to Health Professions.
Advanced Placement classes are available as well as dual credit and tech
prep credit with the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, College of
Western Idaho and Boise State University.
Our emphasis is to teach students to
analyze, problem-solve and develop
critical thinking.Spotlight ~ Deirdre Abrams Donnelly Elementary is regarded as one of the top-performing schools in the state, with students consistently exceeding state averages. Deirdre Abrams, who has taught in the McCall-Donnelly School District for over 20 years, loves to get her fifth-graders outdoors to tackle problems in real-world situations. The annual study of the water quality in nearby Boulder Creek is an example of kids engaging with math and science – as well as various members of the local community. “Every fall we go out to the creek and measure the water quality. Each child has a pair of waders we acquired through a grant from the McCall-Donnelly Education Foundation. We teach the whole child – not just the academic child – with play-based problem-solving. “We raise rainbow trout in the classroom, tag them with help from Fish & Game, and have a release ceremony at the creek. Then, we can track where our fish go with the underwater surveillance camera I purchased through a grant. It’s livestreamed so the kids can watch at home. “The kids stay really focused. They love the idea of working like a scientist and don’t want to jeopardize their ability to work outside. Being in 5th grade is the big payoff. The sheer nature of problem-solving and being outdoors keeps the kids engaged. Our kids like school!”
Athletic Activities Living on the shores of Payette Lake, with two ski areas and wilderness as far as the eye can see, almost guarantees that the community’s children will discover at least one recreational activity they enjoy. The high school and middle school have an all-school ski day as a community- building event so the students can get to know each other in a different environment. Athletic programs at MDSD enjoy strong community support. Booster clubs and local businesses, along with the McCall-Donnelly Education Foundation, provide scholarships and equipment. Many of the athletic coaches are community members who take time off from their jobs or small businesses to volunteer. Athletics as an Extension of the Classroom Athletic Activities Director Mike Kraemer, who has been with the MDSD for more than 15 years, added these comments: “We want the athletic program to be an extension of the classroom where the kids learn life skills, gain a responsible work ethic and learn how to work as a team for the good of the whole. “Whatever their interests are, there is a place for every student at the high Whatever their interests school and in extracurricular activities. There’s always a spot for them on the team because we have a no-cut policy. We want these kids to feel like they are, there is a place for always have a shot and that they can try something new. every student. “We set them up for success.”
Heartland High School Heartland High School is the alternative high school for the McCall- Donnelly School District – a safe learning space for students who were unable to thrive in a more traditional setting. At Heartland High, these students are welcomed into a culture of acceptance -- and learn not only academics, but the self-confidence that comes from relationships that are built on trust. The administration and the teaching staff understand that the circumstances in which these students find themselves are often the result of life events beyond their control. Relationship-Building and Developing Trust “Relationship-building and developing trust are the foundation of our students’ success,” said Principal David Pickard. “It’s essential for our teachers to have the ability to connect with these kids, because that’s where you start.” One of the beauties of Heartland High is we see kids start here who are shy and timid, and we get to watch them come out of their shells. You see it socially and with their academics. “When a student gets to experience success and acceptance they haven’t had before, it motivates them to keep going.” “We have students who have big hopes. Our responsibility as educators is to help them realize those dreams. We say to them, ‘Let’s talk about hopes and where you see yourself in five years.’ Then they can start to see a future for themselves.” There’s a real culture The school was accredited in 2016 and is scheduled to open the doors of a here that centers around brand-new building—in which the architects elicited student input for the floor plan design – in 2018. acceptance.
Spotlight ~ Naryan Clements
“I was born in South Dakota. When we came to Idaho, we moved around a lot
so I missed a lot of credits at school. I was determined to get my high school
diploma, and set a good example for my younger brother and sisters who had
the same struggles. The challenge was moving to different schools all the time
that each had different curriculum. I knew I could do it but also knew I couldn’t
attain my goal of a diploma unless I could stay in one place the whole time.
“Heartland made me feel welcomed. I’ve been to a lot of schools and met
a lot of teachers – and at Heartland, the students were equally as kind and
supportive as the teachers! The teachers worked as a team to help the students
and really wanted to be there.
“The moment I went to Heartland, my self-confidence increased ten-fold.
When I started getting good grades, it really motivated me to keep going – I’ve
never had so much feeling of success!
“For my senior project, I interviewed with the executive chef at Shore Lodge
who became my mentor. After graduation, I started as a dishwasher, became a
cook and am now Lead Cook. I’m the grease that keeps the machine running
smoothly in the kitchen and makes sure the food gets out in a timely fashion.
And I just got my name on my chef ’s jacket!
I’ve never had so much
“I want people to know how thankful I am for the help I got both in school feeling of success!
and the workplace. I really appreciate my teachers at Heartland and the staff at
Shore Lodge.
“In fact, I felt I had the support of the whole town. People went out of their
way to help me.”Special Education Program
At all grade levels, the academic curriculum is modified according to the directions and complete vocational tasks such as walking dogs at McPaws
progress of each student. The students follow a highly structured schedule. or stocking shelves at the Food Bank.
Team teachers and aides are trained in behavior and language intervention
strategies. There are three main programs: 18-21 Program: This program helps transition high school
graduates into “the real world” as functioning adults with as much inde-
Resource Program: Students are offered remedial math and reading pendence as possible. The focus is on independent living, life skills and
support and study skills. This program helps students who may have a learning developing regular routines. Students integrate into the community and
disability that requires more focused academic support. develop vocational skills by volunteering with local businesses.
Extended Resource Program: Academic curriculum is tied to life
skills in the effort to prepare students to be as independent as possible. For in- Our goal is to help our students become
stance, math is tied to shopping at the grocery store. Students use frequent trips
into the community to work on social skills and to volunteer, learning to follow
successful and independent adults!Spotlight ~ Heather and Erik Heather and Erik graduated from McCall-Donnelly High School in the Extended Resource Program. Both continued on in the 18-21 Program. Heather “Heather wants to get out in the world and make a difference,” said her guard- ian Susie Rohnert. “She wants to make a difference by becoming a pastor or by working with foster children.” Heather spent years shuffling in and out of foster homes before landing at the Rohnert home, along with her two younger brothers. “MDHS gave her more confidence in herself and her abilities,” said Rohnert. “In foster care, Heather wasn’t allowed to have a normal life, literally. She has such determination and strength! And it starts with having a team that listens to them and helps them overcome their obstacles.” Erik At MDHS, he was helped by his aide Mallory who assisted him with the activ- ities of daily living. “His days at school consisted of attending two general ed classes and two classes that allowed him opportunities to learn life skills - such as personal hygiene, and loading and unloading a dishwasher. He loves work- ing out in PE and doing projects in art class. He volunteers at local businesses in the community and in different areas of the school. He likes wiping down tables after lunch period. Eric is non-verbal, but that does not stop him from communicating! I communicated with Erik by speaking directly to him. He communicates uses sign language gestures, facial expressions and physical requests such as squeezes. He loved being around his peers and became much more social. Erik was such a fun young man to work with! He is a very smart, loving and happy guy.”
The McCall-Donnelly Grant-funded projects include:
Education Foundation
• Español Rapido: an innovative Spanish language program at Donnelly
and Barbara Morgan Elementary Schools
• Worm Composting: a program with the high school Environmental
The McCall-Donnelly Education Foundation is one of the school district’s key
Science class
partners. While MDEF is not part of the school district, it is instrumental in
• Purchase of snowshoes and mountain bikes for classes throughout the
providing grants that allow teachers to offer rich learning experiences outside
school district
of those budgeted by the district.
• Sustaining STEM: an outdoor STEM program for Heartland High in
Since a group of civic-minded citizens began the foundation in 2006, the collaboration with McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS), and the
foundation has distributed more than $404,320 in grant monies, serving as a University of Idaho
catalyst for innovation with dozens of projects and initiatives.
• The Hometown Art Project
The Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit run by a volunteer board and funded
• Weather Station: an electronic wireless weather station for scientific
through individual donations, grants and community fundraisers such as Taste exploration for all grades at Barbara Morgan Elementary School
of McCall and Chocolate & Spirit Tasting.A Foundation for Success
The McCall-Donnelly School District and the communities it serves are
acutely aware of the need to prepare its students for life beyond Long Valley
when they graduate. The schools teach the kids the value of curiosity, critical
thinking, experiential learning and academic enquiry. College placement
counseling and vocational counseling help seniors prepare to launch into the
world of adulthood. Enthusiastic support comes from booster clubs, churches,
local businesses and scholarships from Rotary, Optomists and AAUW.
Lifelong friendships nurtured in our mountain valley become a network of
connection and opportunity as our young adults become part of the
global community.
A small high school like McCall
can help you succeed in ways you
didn’t even know were possible.A Foundation for Success Clint Thomas 2012 graduate McCall-Donnelly High School 2017 graduate University of Sioux Falls Clint Thomas was one of the outstanding student athletes during his time at McCall-Donnelly High School. He played basketball, ran cross-country and track, was a member of the Honors Society and was also involved in commu- nity projects. He graduated from the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota with a degree in sports management, and minors in history and math. “In high school, I had about a hundred things going on. Basketball was a huge part of my life. We went to the state tournament my junior year. Being able to pull that off with my friends was a pretty cool thing. Being Organized and Disciplined “My dad was the coach and my school principal. He gave me a rough layout to follow: ‘be disciplined and stay on it.’ Being organized and disciplined in my studies was instrumental to my success. “We’d be driving to games that, from McCall, often took three or four hours to get to. So I’d do my schoolwork on the bus or early in the morning before school. “One thing that’s often overlooked in living in a place like McCall is that because it’s a small community, you have to learn to get along with a lot of different types of people to be successful. That’s one of the skills you really need to survive out in the world. “Basketball is still a huge part of my life. It’s important for athletes to emphasize their academics because academics carry you a lot further. Competitive sports last for a limited time but education is forever.”
Julie Hamilton, Esq.
2007 graduate, McCall-Donnelly High School
2011 graduate, University of Montana
2016 graduate, Harvard University Law School
Julie Hamilton grew up in McCall, attended the University of Montana at
Missoula, and landed at Harvard Law School. After graduation, she clerked for
a Colorado Supreme Court justice before working as a litigation associate in a
major law firm in Denver. She talked about how high school prepared her for
the world beyond McCall:
“Sometimes a small community can feel suffocating because everyone knows
your business. That can be difficult in high school because you’re trying to learn
about who you are. But that same community ends up being very important
to you. You come out of that with a group of perpetual cheerleaders who are
invested in seeing you succeed. When I arrived in Boston to go to Harvard,
I had a sense of confidence that comes from being supported by the entire
community when I was growing up.
The Whole Town Invests in Each Child
“One of the special things about going to school in McCall is that it’s such a
small community, it feels like the whole town invests in every child there and
wants to see them succeed. You grow up knowing you are always embraced
and have champions – people who are willing to invest their time and resources
in you.
“My advice to a student today would be to get to know your teachers!
It’s unique to have small classes and have those teachers tied to the same You grow up knowing you
community as you. Ask them what they’ve done and what they think. Students
who can talk to their teachers as mentors will get a lot out of the experience. I
are always embraced and
wish I’d done more of it!” have champions.With grateful thanks to the McCall-Donnelly Education Foundation whose generostity enriches the lives of our students. For more information, contact the McCall-Donnelly School District: Photography: Pam Benham, BenhamPhotography.com 120 Idaho St., McCall, Idaho 83638 ~ 208.634.2161 Design: Scott Schmaljohn, SDesign.us info@mdsd.org ~ www.mdsd.org Copy: Cheryl Hass, Haas Communications
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