Montrose county school district RE-1J, Montrose, CO
a n n o u n c e m e n t
o f
vac a n c y
Superintendent
of schools
T
he Montrose and
Olathe School
District will ensure
that all students
have a safe and
academically
rigorous
environment to
learn. All students
entering into our
high schools will
graduate with life
skills and knowledge
required to enter
the workforce,
begin a career,
attend college,
or other postsecondary education
opportunities of
their choice”
The Community
Welcome to Montrose County in beautiful Southwest Colorado! Our thriving community is home
to 39,527 neighbors in over 2,200 square miles in the Uncompaghre River and Paradox Valleys. In
addition to being the Agricultural hub of the western slope, we are home to Black Canyon of the
Gunnison National Park, as well as the Gunnison Gorge National Recreation and Wilderness Areas.
We are located less than two hours from ski resorts in Telluride, Crested Butte and Aspen. The
majority of our County is made up of National Forest, Bureau of Land Management or National Park
lands.
Montrose residents have many post-secondary educational opportunities. Montrose is home to the
Montrose Campus of Mesa State College, as well as close to the Delta-Montrose Technical College.
We are located 60 miles from Grand Junction and Gunnison, homes to Mesa State College and
Western State College, and 100 miles from Fort Lewis College in Durango.
The community of Montrose participates in all aspects of life, and offers a variety of options for
religious worship. We are also home to the Montrose Memorial Hospital, San Juan Cancer Center
and the Black Canyon Surgical Center as well as many qualified physician and dental offices. The
Montrose Regional Airport makes travel to anywhere in the world very convenient.
Recreation and entertainment facilities make Montrose an enjoyable family destination. We are
home to two walk-in theaters and a seasonal drive in theater, miniature golf, indoor/outdoor
swimming pool, several parks and playgrounds, and newly opened water park, and year round
activities for children and adults through our Montrose Recreation District.
The school district
This District has provided educational opportunities to students in Montrose and Olathe since the 1900s and was
reorganized in 1967 to the current boundaries, which include the City of Montrose, Town of Olathe and surrounding
unincorporated east Montrose County.
The Montrose County School District RE-1J services more than 6,000 students with a staff of 750, and offers a variety
of district programs. The district includes: six elementary schools; three middle schools; two high schools; two charter
schools and one on-line academy.
Graduation rates for Montrose County School District are above state average of 77.3% at both high schools. Montrose
High schools graduation rate for 2014 were 87.3% and Olathe High Schools was at 89.0%. Student demographics: 56%
white, 39% Hispanic.
Montrose County School District has achieved Full Accreditation, with no schools on priority improvement. Montrose
High School has exceeded state averages in annual state assessment testing and is also a “Top 100 High School” in Colorado.
The Montrose County School District graduating class of 2014 had 65% of the students indicate that they would be
attending a two-year or four-year College after graduation, and ranging from our own local facilities like Colorado Mesa
University all the way to colleges in California, Montana, Idaho and Hawaii.
Montrose County School District RE-1J is proud to be the location of two National award winning School Based Health
Centers, as part of our commitment to Health and Wellness for our students and families. We also have a nationally
recognized Nutritional Services Department. We have an outstanding 21st Century After-School program for our students
as well as many award winning teachers on our staff. Our high school sports programs continue to excel in regional and
state levels, including our 2008 2A State Champion Olathe High School Football team. We have a great English Language
Learners department, and a very progressive Technology and Curriculum department. Our academic programs also are
regular award and state and nationally recognized including our NJROTC, Forensic Team, and FFA.
All applicants must apply online.
Please begin the process at www.casb.org/administrative-openings
montrose Couny School District RE-1J www.mcsd.org
Application Deadline: May 22, 2015
Interviews:
June 12-13, 2015
Date of Employment: No later than July 1, 2015
Note: To be considered a candidate for this position, a complete application must be received online by the Colorado Association of School Boards
(CASB) offices by 9:30 P.M. Mountain Time on May 21, 2015. Application materials received after this date/time will not be considered. Mailed
materials received after this date/time will not be considered. Mailed applications, emails or faxes are not accepted.
compensation
The board of education is offering $125,000 to $150,000
depending on experience. A district benefits package will
be provided.
financial information
Assessed Valuation $442,250,639
Per Pupil Expenditure $7,242
Budget Year 2014/2015
General Fund $41,628,345
Capital Reserve Fund $1,501,586
Pupil Activity Fund $1,800,000
Total Appropriation $65,696,655
qualifications
The board of education, staff and community have
determined the following qualities to be essential to the
success of their future superintendent.
• Broad experience in PK-12 education
• Strong business, financial sense and ability
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• An open, approachable and collaborative
leadership style
• A focus on student achievement while meeting
needs of all students
• Demonstrated record of improving academic
performance
• The ability to build strong relationships with
diverse groups
• Effective problem solving skills
• A leadership style that values staff and
community input
• Committment to maintaining high visibility in
schools and community
• Doctorate preferred
• Ability to obtain Type A license required
Application Process
All applicants must apply online. Please begin the
process at www.casb.org/administrative-openings. For a
complete application you must provide the following:
1. A completed and signed online application
2. A current professional resume
3. Transcripts, placement papers and/or credentials
requested by you from college or university placement
center (photocopies are acceptable)
4.Three recent (dated within the past two years) letters
of recommendation
5. Answers to the following four questions, citing
examples of past experiences, no longer than one
typewritten page each:
A. What is your definition of a successful student and
how would you ensure that each student achieves
to his/her potential while meeting state and
community requirements?
B.In today’s educational environment that
emphasizes assessment and measurement, how
can the Montrose County School District meet
the diverse needs of students (especially English
Language Learners) while increasing student
achievement for all students?
C. District test scores have indicated limited growth
in student achievement. What strategies would
you implement to bring about necessary growth in
student achievement?
D. As superintendent, how do you develop a budget
to effectively use limited resources to provide
for competitive salaries, to maintain facilities,
and to assure quality programs that will increase
student achievement? Please cite an example of
your involvement in a program that measurably
increased student achievement.
Information regarding licensing can be obtained from the Colorado
Department of Education website or by calling 303-866-6628.
SEARCH
If you have any questions regarding applying for this position, please contact:
Amber White, Superintendent Search Assistant• awhite@casb.org
Colorado Association of School Boards, 1200 Grant Street, Denver, CO 80203
This document can be downloaded and printed at www.casb.org/administrative-openings