the community profile of the new superintendent of schools the

PROFILE OF THE NEW
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
The Florida Union Free School District is seeking
an educational leader with a proven record of
administrative accomplishments. The successful
candidate should have the capacity to build trust
and maintain confidence with the Board, staff, and
community. Key to this person‘s success will be the
ability to lead and motivate staff and students to
higher levels of achievement.
The next superintendent must be able to manage the
district’s resources responsibly while ensuring that
the educational needs of all children are being met.
The Board of Education has identified the following
as the most desirable characteristics of the new
superintendent:
Ability to clearly identify problems and develop
effective solutions.
Strong commitment to improving student
achievement/student success.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
A person of unquestioned integrity.
Committed to involving staff, parents, students,
and community in decision-making.
A Reflective thinker – not impulsive.
Shares credit for successes, accepts responsibility
for failures.
Strong presence in the schools and community.
Capable of developing communication plans that
build support for the district’s mission and goals.
Displays positive, can-do attitude with a good
sense of humor.
Evidence of success in the implementation of
effective district financial practices.
Candidates must possess or be eligible for a New York State School
District Administrator’s Certificate.
The Florida Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
THE FLORIDA UNION FREE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Florida Union Free School District is known for
innovative programs and personalized learning. A
massive investment in instructional technology and
training and a recent building project creating state
of the art science facilities has put the district at the
forefront of teaching and learning for tomorrow’s
world. District developed Student Learning Outcomes
create clear targets for skills, knowledge and habits
that provide a bridge between academics and the world
outside. Through a balance of structure and risk taking,
faculty and students explore content together building
academic knowledge, self-esteem and personal efficacy
that prepares each student for life-long learning and
career decision.
FUFSD consistently enrolls approximately 845 students
grades Pre-K through 12. Golden Hill Elementary
houses 384 students Pre-K through 5. S.S. Seward
Institute houses 461 students grades 6 through 12.
The high school has seen an increase in college course
participation through partnerships with SUNY Orange,
the AP Program, and Syracuse University (SUPA). Project
Based Learning allows students to integrate academic
content with inquiry and application opportunities.
FUFSD 11th and 12th graders design Individual
Student Projects (ISPs) involving in-depth exploration
of problems selected by the student. Students devise
and test possible solutions working with adult mentors
and presenting findings to authentic audiences. Seward
graduates are admitted to highly competitive colleges
and receive significant scholarship support from
receiving colleges and the Florida community at large.
The middle school program incorporates academic
life readiness skills. Personalized learning labs target
specific skills and interests of the students at a
developmentally critical time. The 8th grade program
provides robust opportunities early on, for students to
challenge the high school curriculum expanding upper
level learning.
The elementary program is focused on student
engagement with ample opportunities for self-reflection
and self-assessment. In addition to academic skills, all
students have access to a unique social-emotional learning
curriculum. Student grouping is modified as performance
information and is regularly reviewed by teachers. Project
based learning opportunities culminate in the 5th grade
milestone project which is student selected, planned, and
executed. The new Pre-Kindergarten program received
high marks from NYSED. Enrichment experience abounds
with programs like MAD Science, TRePs Marketplace,
Odyssey of Mind and the Annual Science Fair. Enrichment
Planet provides opportunities based on student interest
such as; coding, bee-keeping, cartooning, LEGOs, and Jr.
Great Books. The addition of elementary Spanish is in its
first year and will continue to expand.
The Arts come alive with MS/HS concerts and art shows
held twice a year, Annual MS and HS musicals, and
opportunities for students to showcase talents through
off-site shows. The Athletic program has a history of
success including numerous Section IX Titles in diverse
sports and success in State Tournament Play. Elementary
student interest in arts and athletics is supported by
inter-murals, running club, and the annual talent show.
Parent involvement goes beyond bake sales! Each building
has an active parent teacher association, and building
level advisory teams. The District Advisory Team is made
up of parents, staff, students, and community members
who contribute significantly to the District’s learning
initiatives. The community goes out of its way to assure
that there are opportunities for all students.
THE COMMUNITY
The Village of Florida and parts of the towns of Warwick
and Goshen make up the Florida Union Free School
District. The Village is located approximately 60 miles
northwest of New York City.
Florida is part of Orange County, one of the fastest
growing counties in New York State. The area comprises
a blend of an established agricultural community with
a growing cross section of professional and business
residents. The area has a rich cultural history and affordable
housing, making it an attractive place to raise a family.
Close proximity to major highways including the New
York State Thruway, Rts. 17 and 84, as well as the
Stewart International Airport, make the district and
other points of interest easily accessible.
West Point, Mt. Saint Mary College and SUNY at New
Paltz are within a one hour drive. Orange County
Community College is located nearby in the city of
Middletown.
The beautiful Hudson Valley area offers excellent
recreational and outdoor activities for this familyoriented community. Many diverse houses of worship
are located within the region.
Florida Union Free School District is part of the OrangeUlster Board of Cooperative Services.
The Board of Education of the Florida Union Free
School District, located in Florida, New York, is seeking
a highly qualified educational leader to fill the position
of Superintendent of Schools. The search process
will be conducted over the next few months with the
successful candidate beginning employment as of July
1, 2016. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Diane
Munro who has provided the district with outstanding
leadership over the past five years.
Dr. Vincent J. Coppola, and Robert W. Christmann, search
consultants for the Western New York Educational
Service Council, are assisting the Florida Board in
the selection process. The consultants will carry out
the task of screening applicants and recommending
to the Board a group of final candidates. Candidates
must not contact members of the Board of Education
directly. The Board will make all decisions concerning
the selection process, the evaluation of candidates, and
the final appointment.
First interviews, with the Florida Board of Education,
are tentatively planned for April 18, 20 and 21, 2016.
Second round of interviews with the Board of Education
will be held April 25, 26 and 27, 2016. During the
second round, the three finalists will be invited to
spend the entire day and evening in the school district
to tour the schools, meet the staff and be interviewed
by the Board of Education and a focus group of
individuals representing parents, community, teachers,
administrators, support staff and students.
Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged
to submit letters of interest, academic transcripts,
resumes, completed application forms, professional
credentials and/or appropriate letters of reference
to Dr. Coppola at the address below. Candidates
should include a copy of their N.Y.S. School District
Administrator‘s Certificate. Current letters of reference
from the two most recent employers as well as
other letters of reference should be included in the
professional credentials portfolio. If a candidate does
not have current professional credentials on file with
a university placement office, the candidate must still
submit the required aforementioned documentation.
Applications and Disclosure Forms can be obtained
online by visiting www.wnyesc.org.
Candidates are urged to contact the career and
placement office at their university early in the
process to ensure that credentials and other required
documentation are in the possession of the consultant
no later than March 7, 2016.
All requested information should be sent to:
Dr. Vincent J. Coppola
Robert W. Christmann
Florida Union Free School District
Search Consultants
Western New York Educational Service Council
State University of New York at Buffalo
222 Baldy Hall
Buffalo, New York 14260-1000
IMPORTANT DATES
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
The voters of the district elect the members of the Board
of Education to three year terms of office. The Board
meets for a work session on the first Thursday of each
month and holds regular meetings on the third Thursday
of each month.
MEMBERS
John A. Campana, President
Karyn Meier, Vice President
Daniel A. Codi
Robin E. Fraser
Florida Union Free
School District
John T. Redman II
FINANCIAL DATA
Total Budget 2015-2016
$20,427,155
State Aid for 2015-2016
$5,369,804
Total Debt Service
$5,369,804
Debt Service Payment for
2015-2016 Only
$780,000
CONTRACT & SALARY INFORMATION
Application
Deadline
First Round
of Interviews
Second Round
of Interviews
March 7, 2016
April 18th, 20th,
& 21, 2016
April 25th,
26th, & 27th,
2016
(All required documents must
be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on
this date.)
(Full Day Visit)
The Board of Education plans to offer a three-year
contract with a salary up to $175,000 , depending upon
the preparation, qualifications, experiences and record
of the successful candidate.
Residency is preferred, but the Board will consider those
applicants who presently live within a short commute of
the school district. Superintendent experience preferred
but all candidates with extensive administrative
experience are encouraged to apply.
Board of Education
Invites You To Apply
For the Position of
Superintendent
of Schools
www.floridaufsd.org
2016