Superintendent of Schools

White Mountains School Administrative Unit #35 - Franconia, Vermont

The School Boards of White Mountains School Administrative Unit #35 invite highly qualified and future-focused candidates to apply for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

SAU #35 serves seven picturesque towns nestled in the foothills of the western White Mountains. These towns—Bethlehem, Easton, Franconia, Landaff, Lisbon, Lyman, and Sugar Hill—are surrounded by the natural beauty of both the White Mountains and the Lakes Region. Here you will find the true spirit of New Hampshire, offering residents and visitors alike a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Four season recreational opportunities are in abundance, including hiking and camping in the beautiful White Mountain National Forest; fishing the streams and natural lakes and ponds; horseback riding and cross-country skiing over many miles of groomed trails; and alpine skiing on premiere slopes of the Northeast.

SAU #35 is comprised of five distinct school districts that serve a diverse student population of around 800 students. The district’s schools include:

Bethlehem Elementary School (preK-6) is noted for its personalized learning and continuum of educational programs. This school is in the town of Bethlehem and provides elementary education for Bethlehem students. Bethlehem Elementary was recently awarded the 2024 Elementary School of Excellence Award by the New Hampshire Excellence in Education (EDies) board.

Lafayette Elementary School (K-6) has received the New Hampshire Elementary School Award for Excellence and has been designated as the 4th best elementary school in NH by US News and World Report. This school is in the town of Franconia and provides elementary education for Easton, Franconia, and Sugar Hill students.

The Landaff Primary School (or The Blue School, preK-4) currently provides education for 16 students in a one room school. This school is located in the town of Landaff and provides preK-4 education for Landaff Students. The Blue School recently applied for and was granted an Innovation School Plan by the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Lisbon Regional School (K-12) is a prime example of a public school with a well-designed integrated curriculum. This school is located in the town of Lisbon and provides K-12 education to Lisbon and Lyman Students.

Profile Middle/High School (7-12) has received national recognition as a pioneer in the "Green School" architectural design. This school is located in the town of Bethlehem and provides middle/high school education to students from the towns of Bethlehem, Easton, Franconia, and Sugar Hill. Profile High School was listed as one of the top ten high schools in New Hampshire, according to the 2024 U.S. News and World Report. 

Each school provides students with a rigorous and engaging education, but in order to ensure achievement to the fullest potential, the school administrative unit needs a leader who can unify its efforts, inspire its educators, and motivate its schools to new heights.

For more information, please visit the district website: www.sau35.org

The next Superintendent of SAU #35 must demonstrate:

• The resourcefulness to promote student performance and social/emotional development as primary objectives

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to successfully work with all stakeholders, including six school boards

• Management and leadership in a diverse and unique set of small rural school districts

• Superior fiscal acumen and knowledge as needed for six different district budgets 

• Visibility in all communities served

• A commitment to establishing consistency and uniformity among all districts 

• Collaborative and confident decision making

• Outstanding communication and time management skills

General Qualifications and Requirements

• Strong central office experience combined with a background in public education and building administration or demonstrated experience in educational leadership 

• An advanced graduate degree is preferred and Superintendent certification or eligibility for certification in New Hampshire is necessary

SAU #35 is prepared to offer a competitive salary of up to $190,000 (inclusive of a comprehensive benefits package) to a leader with exceptional credentials, accomplishments, and promise.

Interested applicants should contact:

NESDEC Search Office
SAU #35 Superintendent Search"
New England School Development Council
28 Lord Road, Marlborough, MA, 01752
Telephone: 508-481-9444, Email: search@nesdec.org

To access the application, please visit www.nesdec.org

https://www.applitrack.com/nesdec/onlineapp/

Applications will be reviewed beginning on January 17, 2025, with interviews scheduled shortly thereafter.  The starting date is July 1, 2025.