Principal
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District - Wallingford, Pennsylvania
Apply to www.macnjake.com
Position Description
The School Board of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District located in Wallingford,
Pennsylvania is seeking a highly qualified and experienced, visionary leader to serve as
Superintendent. The Superintendent will serve as a student oriented, forward-thinking leader
who is prepared to continue to move the District toward exceptional and inclusive curriculum
and learning while developing strong partnerships throughout the District’s communities.
The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District (WSSD) sits nestled in the heart of Delaware
County. The District geographically spans about seven square miles and serves the boroughs of
Swarthmore, Rose Valley, and Rutledge and the township of Nether Providence. We are fortunate
that Swarthmore College resides in our district, infusing a culture of academic excellence. Being
30 miles from the center of Philadelphia, WSSD residents partake in the vibrancy of a great city
which can be easily accessed by train or car.
A large percentage of area school-age children attend the District’s five schools, and the District
has dedicated itself to a tradition of inclusivity and excellence. Parent and community
involvement remain one of the district’s greatest strengths. The District serves more than 3800
students and is supported by over 500 dedicated faculty and staff members. WSSD is comprised
of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. These include:
Strath Haven High School
Strath Haven Middle School
Nether Providence Elementary School
Swarthmore-Rutledge School
Wallingford Elementary School
WSSD points of pride include the largest high school marching band in Pennsylvania with over
400 members, an award-winning visual arts program, and twenty-eight advanced placement
courses. In addition to our strong athletic and music programs, the high school offers more than
30 clubs and activities for students to join. WSSD is a learning community where each student
can find their place to shine.
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development is engaged as the
consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the School Board in
identifying and screening the candidates.
Enrollment: 3,800
Location: Southeastern Delaware County, Pennsylvania – approximately 30 miles southwest of
Philadelphia
The Qualifications
The candidate must have the background, skills, and abilities essential to lead a premier
institution. The candidate will possess experience as a teacher, principal, and district level
administrator in a comparable district. Must possess a doctorate or equivalent. Pennsylvania
Superintendent certification – or eligibility for it – is required. The Wallingford-Swarthmore
Board of Directors is seeking a candidate that:
1. Places the child at the center of all decisions. Holds the knowledge of multiple and varied
ways of learning that honor the uniqueness of each child. Supports WSSD educators as
they create authentic learning experiences for our students, so they are excited and well-
prepared for whatever the future holds.
2. Has developed and facilitated the implementation of effective instructional strategies,
district wide, that promote high levels of student growth and achievement.
3. Has demonstrated the ability to implement the priorities named in our strategic plan with
fidelity. Measures of success are data driven and shared with integrity.
4. Is a leader with a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality.
5. Understands the importance of getting to know our district’s community and its unique
makeup. Able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse
stakeholders with a commitment to incorporate these perspectives in the decision-
making/problem solving process.
6. Is an experienced leader who demonstrates the capacity to build consensus while working
towards our shared goals. The candidate is skilled in building relationships with
administrators, teachers, students, and community members, including the capacity to
cultivate effective functioning teams.
7. Has a clear understanding of the efficient running of school district systems and the
ability to ensure these interrelated systems run smoothly with automaticity.
Salary: Regionally competitive salary based upon experience and qualifications
Search Timeline: TIMELINE IS SUBJECT TO REVISION IF REQUIRED:
Closing date for applications: November 27, 2024
School Board selects finalists to interview: Week of December 16, 2024
Finalists Interviews with the School Board: Late January 2025
Selection of new Superintendent: Early February 2025
Start date: Contract dependent –
Contact information:
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144
888-375-4814
Email: apps@macnjake.com
School Website: https://www.wssd.org/domain/30
Consultants:
Dr. Ralph Ferrie - r_ferrie@macnjake.com
Mr. Robert Copeland - r_copeland@macnjake.com
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District does not
discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting a reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.