Superintendent

ATTENTION: DO NOT APPLY VIA NIMBLE. YOU MUST APPLY VIA THIS APPLICATION PROCESS.

Valparaiso Community Schools

Superintendent Opportunity Profile

A Message from the Board of School Trustees

Valparaiso Community Schools is a high-performing district with a strong tradition of academic excellence, community support, and student-centered values. As we begin the search for our next superintendent, we are focused on building upon that foundation while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.

We are seeking a leader who will engage meaningfully with stakeholders, maintain our high standards, and guide the district with integrity, transparency, and a clear vision for the future.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to lead a Grade A, high-performing district with strong community pride and support.

The next Superintendent will partner closely with the Board, staff, and community to:

• 
  Sustain and enhance academic excellence across all schools
• Establish a culture of clear, consistent, and transparent communication across all levels of the organization
• Invest in leadership development and ensure strong, accountable systems of support for administrators and staff
• Strengthen communication and trust with stakeholders
• Support and retain high-quality staff
• Ensure responsible financial stewardship of district resources
• Continue fostering a safe, supportive, and innovative learning environment

Strategic Priorities

In addition to maintaining the district’s strong foundation, the Board anticipates the next Superintendent will play a key role in advancing several strategic priorities, including:

• 
  Long-Term Financial & Referendum Planning

Supporting the district’s long-term financial stability, including planning and community engagement related to the 2030 referendum, with a focus on early stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and alignment to long-term district needs.

• 
  Enrollment & Facilities Planning

Evaluating enrollment trends and guiding long-range planning for facilities, including capacity, utilization, and potential capital improvements, to ensure the district is well-positioned to meet future student needs.

• 
  Student Technology & Learning Innovation

Advancing a thoughtful and balanced approach to student technology, digital learning, and instructional innovation, including considerations around AI, device programs, and equitable access across the district

These priorities will require a leader who can navigate complex decisions with transparency, engage stakeholders effectively, and build alignment across the district.

About Valparaiso Community Schools

Valparaiso Community Schools (VCS) serves approximately 6,200 students in Valparaiso, Indiana, and operates with an annual budget of approximately $100 million.

The district has a long-standing reputation for excellence, supported by:

• 
  A Grade A district designation
• Strong community engagement and support
• Recently updated facilities designed for innovative learning

District Structure

• 
  1 High School (Grades 9–12)
• 2 Middle Schools (Grades 6–8)
• 8 Elementary Schools (Grades K–5)
• Alternative education programming available

Additional Services

Valparaiso Community Schools partners across Porter County to expand opportunities and support for students, including:

• 
  Partnership programs in Porter County for:

o Special Education (K–12)

o Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities

• Administration Center
• Transportation Center

Community Overview

Valparaiso is located in Porter County in Northwest Indiana and is widely recognized as an excellent place to live, work, and raise a family. The community is known for its strong schools, engaged residents, and high quality of life.

District Leadership Structure

The Superintendent leads a strong and experienced administrative team responsible for academics, operations, and student services.

District Administration

• 
  Superintendent
• 3 Assistant Superintendents
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Director of Special Education
• 12–K College and Career Director

School Leadership

Valparaiso High School

• 
  Principal
• Associate Principal
• 2 Assistant Principals
• 2 Deans
• Athletic Director
• Assistant Athletic Director
• Alternative School Principal

Middle Schools (2)

• 
  Principals
• Assistant Principals
• Dean support (shared at select buildings)

Elementary Schools (8)

• 
  8 Principals
• 1 Assistant Principal (Flint Lake Elementary)

Essential Services Leadership

• 
  Aquatics
• Buildings & Grounds
• Food Service
• Health Services
• Human Resources & Benefits
• Technology
• Testing & Grants
• Transportation

Leadership Priorities

The Board is particularly focused on identifying a Superintendent who will:

• 
  Lead with transparency and ensure consistent, direct communication across the district
• Strengthen leadership development and accountability systems to support all staff
• Continue building a culture of trust, collaboration, and high performance

Leadership Profile

Student-Centered Leader

• Champions student success and well-being
• Advances strong instructional practices and continuous improvement
• Supports development of the whole child

Collaborative, Stakeholder-Focused Leader

• Builds trust through transparency and engagement
• Partners with staff, families, and community organizations
• Promotes a culture of professionalism, accountability, and integrity

Strategic & Reflective Leader

• Sets clear priorities aligned to district goals
• Uses data and research to inform decisions
• Adapts effectively in a changing educational landscape

Effective & Transparent Communicator

• Communicates proactively, clearly, and consistently with all stakeholders
• Ensures important information is shared directly and in a timely manner
• Builds trust through visibility, accessibility, and openness

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

• Builds strong leadership capacity across the district
• Invests in professional growth and development at all levels
• Addresses performance concerns with clarity, consistency, and accountability
• Fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and trust

Fiscal Leader

• Oversees development and management of the district budget
• Aligns financial decisions with strategic priorities
• Ensures responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources

Key Responsibilities

• 
  Serve as Chief Executive Officer of the district
• Implement Board-adopted goals and strategic priorities
• Lead district operations, academics, and personnel
• Foster a positive and high-performing organizational culture
• Maintain strong relationships with community and government partners
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

Qualifications

Required

• Indiana Superintendent certification (or eligibility to obtain)
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including:
• Classroom teaching
• Building-level administration
• Central office leadership
• Demonstrated success leading people, programs, and initiatives
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and school operations

Preferred

• Experience in a high-performing district
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups
• Knowledge of Indiana school law and finance
• Proven ability in strategic planning and implementation

Mission & Vision

Mission

Our students and staff pursue personal excellence in a safe and supportive environment by developing critical thinking, compassion, integrity, and perseverance.

Vision

We empower our students through education, exploration, and opportunity to cultivate lifelong learning and community engagement.

Compensation

The salary and benefits package will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Information

Valparaiso Community Schools is partnering with University Search Group to conduct this search.

Application Timeline

• 
  Application opens: April 15, 2026
• Following the review of applications, interviews are expected to begin the week of May 11, 2026
• Anticipated start date: Summer 2026

How to Apply

For initial consideration, candidates should submit:

• Letter of interest
• Current resume/CV
• Completed application, including responses to all application questions

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to provide:

• Copy of a valid Indiana Superintendent license or evidence of qualification
• College/university credentials and transcripts
• Professional references

Applications should be submitted through University Search Group’s application process: APPLICATION

Contact Information

For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact:

Terry McDaniel

University Search Group

terry.mcdaniel@indstate.edu