ANNOUNCING
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
Cleveland Independent School District
Cleveland Independent School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Superintendent of Schools. Applications will be accepted February 7, 2025 through March 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT. See the application process below for more information.
Welcome to Cleveland Independent School District!
Cleveland Independent School District is a fast-growing, diverse, and dynamic district committed to providing innovative and strategically planned instruction to more than 12,500 students.
Cleveland High School serves grades 10-12, offering Advanced Placement, dual credit, and career and technical education programs. The Cleveland Ninth Grade Center provides the same opportunities exclusively for 9th-grade students, ensuring a strong foundation for high school success.
For grades 6-8, Cleveland Middle School and Santa Fe Middle School offer a rigorous academic curriculum along with a variety of fine arts programs.
Our six elementary schools—Northside, Southside, Eastside, Cottonwood, Pine Burr, and Santa Fe—implement diverse instructional strategies and academic resources, creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Douglass Learning Academy, our alternative learning campus, provides a flexible "Learn at Your Pace" program, offering students a second chance to achieve academic success.
Our Shared Vision
Ensure a relentless pursuit of excellence; so that ALL of our students achieve academic success and feel connected to their school and community.
Our Mission
Together, with the community, CISD creates a safe environment for high academic and personal growth that empowers all to be successful.
District Goals
Ensure all students receive high-quality instruction.
Provide and support high-quality staff for all classrooms.
Empower staff with resources to ensure student excellence.
Provide a safe and secure learning environment, cultivating character and high expectations.
Maintain a positive two-way partnership designed to strengthen the strategies aligned to the district vision and continuously improve teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.
Maintain high-quality facilities with an instructional focus.
Board of Trustees Expectations for the New Superintendent
Leadership Experience:
Must have extensive experience in school leadership, ideally having served as a Superintendent or in a senior leadership role within education. A deep understanding of educational leadership and management is essential.Work Ethic and Urgency:
Should possess a strong work ethic, approach the role with energy, and demonstrate a sense of urgency in responding to the district's needs. The ideal candidate should be proactive and decisive in addressing challenges and opportunities.Adaptability to Fast Growth:
Must understand the challenges and demands of leading a rapidly growing district. The new Superintendent should be capable of creating and implementing plans to manage this growth while preserving the district’s rich history and community values.Innovative and Growth-Oriented:
Values and fosters innovation in education. Should model a growth mindset and encourage staff and students to embrace continuous improvement, learning, and creativity.Advocacy and Passion for Education:
Should be deeply passionate about public education, advocating for the district both locally and on the state level. The ideal candidate will be a strong voice for public education, ensuring its continued success and sustainability.Community Involvement:
Committed to being an active member of the community, both professionally and personally. The Superintendent should be dedicated to living in the district and engaging meaningfully with students, families, and staff.
What We're Looking For:
Cleveland ISD is seeking a visionary and dedicated leader who relentlessly pursues the success of every student, with an unwavering commitment to the service of others. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to the promise and purpose of those they serve and will personally model an insatiable desire to learn and grow.
Collaborative Leadership
Proven experience as a Superintendent or in a central office role.
A deep understanding of the demands of leading a fast-growth district.
A collaborative decision-maker who actively works with stakeholders across the district, ensuring all voices are heard in planning and decision-making.
Works cross-functionally with all CISD teams, fostering a culture of inclusivity and shared ownership.
Culturally Responsive Leadership
Prioritizes and models culturally responsive practices as a foundational aspect of professional practice.
Demonstrates the ability to respond to the diverse and dynamic needs of students, employees, and the community in a timely, thoughtful manner.
Makes equitable and fair decisions that reflect the district’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Mentorship and Development
Actively mentors and develops others, providing formal and informal feedback to help staff reach their full potential.
Inspires, motivates, and encourages others to perform at their best, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.
Builds trust and strong relationships throughout the district.
Visionary Leadership
Uses data analysis and research-based trends to predict and plan for the future.
Thinks beyond traditional boundaries, offering innovative solutions to challenges.
Continuously seeks improvement, both for themselves and for the district and community.
Job Requirements
Master's Degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field
Valid Superintendent Certificate or ability to obtain a Texas Superintendent Certificate through TEA
Five years of leadership in school administration in a public school district
Application Instructions for Superintendent of Schools:
Thank you for your interest in the position of Superintendent of Schools. As part of the application process, we request that all candidates submit two key components:
A Video Submission
Please provide a video (not to exceed 10 minutes in length) introducing yourself and sharing your vision for the district. In your video, we encourage you to address the following topics:Your leadership philosophy
Key accomplishments and experiences that qualify you for this position
How you would support the district’s goals, values, and future direction
Any additional insights or personal attributes that would help us understand your approach to leading a school district
Electronic Portfolio
Along with your video, please submit an electronic portfolio that includes the following:A letter of interest
A current resume
Copies of relevant certifications or credentials
A list of professional references
Any additional supporting materials (e.g., letters of recommendation, leadership achievements, articles or books you've published, etc.)
Submit your Video Submission and Electronic Portfolio to executivesearch@clevelandisd.org.
Search Timeline:
Friday, January 31 Hiring Committee Selection
Wednesday, February 5 Board of Trustees Profile/Criteria Development
Friday, February 7 Post Superintendent position
Monday, March 3 Stakeholder Survey Window Opens
Friday, March 14 Deadline for Applications
Week of March 17 Review of Candidates, Interview List Set
Friday, March 21 Stakeholder Survey Window Closes
Week of March 24 1st Round Interviews
Friday, March 28 2nd Round Candidates Selected, Final Background Check
Week of March 31 2nd Round Interviews
Friday, April 4 Lone Finalist Named
TBA Special Call Board Meeting to hire Superintendent
TBA New Superintendent Start Date