The Qualifications
The candidate must have the background, skills, and abilities essential for excellence in educational leadership. The Board recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of the most important decisions it will make. The Board developed the following desired characteristics.

An effective educator who has the ability to develop and promote a vision for the district that focuses on student excellence and achievement. Riverbank Unified School District is looking for a public school educator who must be knowledgeable and current in curriculum and has demonstrated the ability to work with staff in developing a K-12 articulated curriculum. Additionally, this leader must have a working knowledge of second language instruction, Career and Technical Education, academic intervention programs, Multiple Tiers of Student Support (MTSS), co-curricular sports and activities and Special Education services. The next superintendent must know the best practices in teaching and learning, be able to implement effective curriculum and instruction, assist in the selection of purposeful professional development, and employ systems of assessment that all result in increased achievement for all students.

An effective collaborator and communicator who has strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills, and is accessible to all. The superintendent must be a team builder who is able to bring people together in unity, establishing trusting, transparent, inclusive, and respectful relationships with the Board, administration, staff, students, and community. Specifically, the superintendent must be skilled at keeping the Board informed in a timely manner, understand the role of the Board, and engage them in collaborative decision-making.

A Community Leader who makes it a priority to engage the community promoting parent participation and support for district activities. Experience working with diverse communities and engaging second language families is a desirable characteristic. This superintendent must be able to promote and publicly support equitable education for students and families who need additional resources to be successful. This leader must be an inclusive, transparent, problem solver who is approachable, visible, and assessable to parents, staff, and community. Our leader must encourage partnerships with community organizations that support student well-being and mental health.

An ethical leader with a strong principled work ethic who leads by example and expects high standards for self, staff, and students. We need a person who possesses the characteristics of honesty, humor, confidence, caring, and energy in order to motivate all to perform at high levels of expertise. In order to maintain trust and integrity the superintendent must treat all equally and not play favorites especially with the Board. The District desires a superintendent who has the courage and willingness to take positions and action that benefit students and the district even when it may be unpopular to do so. This leader can effectively relate to and work with diverse cultures, listen to their needs, expectations, and opinions, and is skilled in resolving their issues with the schools.

A strategic manager who demonstrates operational expertise and the ability to implement long-range educational and fiscal plans that benefit students. A strong team builder who empowers other leaders by developing their knowledge and skills, appropriately delegating tasks and responsibilities, building leadership from within, and providing professional development and guidance. An evaluator who ensures that there are systems of evaluation for self and all employees providing accountability on a regular basis. A person who is an influential problem solver in the arenas of fiscal management, Special Education, collective bargaining, facilities, and other operational functions of the District. Demonstrated success working with employee unions must be evident. Having experience with construction bond projects is desirable.