IONIA COUNTY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Superintendent of Schools
Job Posting
The Position
The Board of Education of the Ionia County Intermediate School District (ICISD) is seeking candidates for the position of superintendent. The Board of Education seeks a dynamic, visionary and resourceful educational leader who is committed to lead a highly respected service agency and to respond to the needs of the local school districts in Ionia County.
About Ionia County
ICISD serves five K-12 public school districts, three rural schools, and six non-public schools. The Administration Building, Freedom Acres, and Heartlands Institute of Technology are all located in Ionia, the largest city by population and home to the county seat. Covering an area of 576 square miles and a population of over 64,000 people, Ionia County is located in the heart of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Centrally located, it is an easy drive from Ionia County to many larger metropolitan areas such as Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Battle Creek.
Recreational opportunities abound in Ionia County where one can find many lakes with public access sites and numerous miles of rivers and streams. Ionia County is home to several state game areas including the 4,500 acre Ionia State Recreation Area. In addition there are more than 50 miles of converted rails to trails to enjoy throughout the county.
About the District
ICISD was established in 1963 and has a track record of consistent leadership. Since its existence, ICISD has been led by only six superintendents. ICISD is a service organization that provides services and support to educators, administrators, students,and school personnel who serve the localpublic, rural, and non-public school districts within Ionia County. A brief description of the services offered is as follows:
Business & Technology
The business office’s administrative and professional staff provide services to the ICISD in the areas of payroll, finance, grants, and human resources. The technology department provides internet service for staff and students at some of the local and rural schools. Direct technical support is provided to Heartlands Institute of Technology, the three rural schools, and Saranac Community Schools. Assistance to the local districts is provided in regards to various State required reporting systems. The tech department also provides hosting and support of a student management system for the local and rural schools.
Special Education
ICISD in collaboration with our local districts provides a full continuum of special education programs. The ICISD’s Special Education Department oversees and provides programs and services to approximately 1,700 children and adults with disabilities from birth-to-26 years of age.
ICISD programs include:
- Itinerant Staff Serving Local Districts
- Freedom Acres School
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Program
- PI-OHI Program
- Early Childhood
- Transition Programs
General Education
The General Education Department of ICISD assists local districts in meeting school improvement goals and requirements mandated by State and Federal legislation. A variety of professional development activities that focus on subject content and instructional practices are offered to LEA’s for the purpose of improving teaching and learning strategies to directly increase student achievement in all aspects of their educational experiences. In addition to professional development, ICISD operates the Great Start Readiness Program and the Great Start Collaborative. ICISD also actively seeks the attainment of nontraditional funding that includes corporate and foundation grants with the purpose of enhancing the needs of its constituents in innovative ways through programs such as the Ionia County Community Foundation, Youth Advisory Council, and IM Kids 3rd Meal.
Heartlands Institute of Technology (HIT)
Students have an opportunity to participate in real world learning environments. The purpose of HIT is to provide students with the skills, attitudes, and experiences that enable them to enter the work force and/or post-secondary education or training after high school with greater
success. The following is a list of the State approved CTE programs offered at HIT:
Aviation TechnologyComputer Network Administration
Construction TechnologyCriminal Justice
Culinary ArtsDiesel Technology
Health OccupationsPlant/Animal Science
Machine Tool
District Demographics
ISD Enrollment…………………………140
Teachers & Paraprofessionals… 298
Administrators……………..……………20
Annual Operating Budget…….27.69
Projected Fund Balance….………3.67
Taxable Value……………..………….1.79
Tax Rates:
General Fund .1315 Mills
Special Education 4.7421 Mills
Vocational Education 0.9987 Mills
Total 5.8723 Mills
LEA & non-public enrollment 10, 300
Public Schools within Ionia ISD:
- Belding Area Schools
- Ionia Public Schools
- Lakewood Public Schools
- Portland Public Schools
- Saranac Community Schools
- Coon School
- Haynor School
- North LeValley School
SELECTION CRITERIA:
The Ionia County Intermediate School District is seeking a leader with a proven track record that reflects the following qualities, characteristics and skills:
Minimum of a Master’s degree required
Michigan Administrative Certificate or equivalent
Progressive, visionary and creative leadership, with a proven track record of engaging others, working collaboratively and building coalitions to achieve the vision of an educational institution.
Understanding of the mission and purpose of the ICISD, with a strong sense of accountability for providing value to the local districts in the region.
Strong, proactive communication skills, including listening and the ability to forge consensus throughout our diverse communities.
Able to demonstrate forward thinking in his/her knowledge of and support for the entire range of ICISD programs and services, including general education, special education, career technical education and early childhood education.
Skilled in creative problem-solving and collaborative decision-making processes; understands the power of the region working together for increased student achievement.
Strong political and public relations skills with high visibility in local districts and the community at large; ability to articulate issues and advocate for education on public policy issues.
Successful experience in the effective management of resources and ability to generate new sources of revenue outside of traditional sources; understanding of school finance; and the use of data to drive decisions.
Demonstrates working knowledge of established educational best practices, Core Curriculum, and 21st Century skills for teaching and learning as they relate to curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development at both the WSESD and local district level.
Advocates for the effective use of technology and embraces its potential learning.
High moral and ethical character; impeccable integrity and trustworthiness.
The Board of Education welcomes all applicants for this position. Due consideration will be given to all applicants who can demonstrate a high degree of congruency with the above identified profile. While no preference for a specific applicant has been pre-determined by the Board of Education, Superintendent and/or ESD/ISD experience is preferred, but not required.
Salary and Contract Information
The ICISD Board of Education will provide a competitive, regional compensation package. The actual salary and benefits will be commensurate with the demonstrated education and experience of the successful candidate. A multi-year contract with provisions for annual review and extension will be offered.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should complete and submit the Michigan Leadership Institute online application at or Completed online applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018.
All questions regarding the search should be directed to David Killips, MLI Regional President, 734-320-7562 or
Applicants are advised not to make direct contact with any member of the Board of Education.
Search Timeline
Application deadlineFriday, April 20, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Initial interviewsMay 2 and 3, 2018
Second interviewsMay 10, 2018
Site visitsTBD
Selection of SuperintendentTBD
Start DateOn or about July 1, 2018
The board may make exceptions to this profile, process and/or timeline to ensure selection of the best possible candidate. The services of Michigan Leadership Institute have been secured to assist the Board in the search process and in the screening of candidates. The Board of Education will make all decisions with respect to process, evaluation of candidates, and appointment of the successful candidate.
Board of Education Members
S. Tutt Gorman, President
Vacant, Vice President (member will be appointed at April’s Board meeting)
Linda Hoxie-Green, Secretary
Brian Talbot, Treasurer
Robert Insley, Trustee
Ionia County ISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer