] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → CHIEF OF SCHOOLS

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Chief of Schools

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Chief of Schools CODE: 0151 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Chief of Schools GRADE: NS MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: The Chief of Schools (COS), under the direction of the deputy superintendent of schools, leads the school system's work on the supervision and support to schools and principals; development, implementation, and monitoring of the curriculum, assessments, and instructional programs; services and programs that promote positive school cultures, and advance the academic physical, social and psychological well-being of students; engagement of families; services and programs for student with disabilities; engagement of students through athletics, student leadership, and extracurricular activities; and allocation of resources through Title I and other local, state and federal grants that support the education of students with diverse needs. The COS collaborates to implement strategic initiatives to eliminate the achievement gap and to improve the academic achievement of all students; communicates and coordinates cross-office collaboration of system priorities to promote effective teamwork; manages the budgets for these offices to effectively and efficiently utilize resources; articulates the strategic initiatives and alignment of programs of the school system to various local and state officials; supervises and evaluates staff using the professional growth system standards and honors the associated timelines with fidelity. Collaborates with other offices in the design and implementation of post pandemic schooling; serves as a member of the executive leadership team.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Demonstrates student-focused leadership that reflects the core values of learning, relationships, respect, excellence, and equity; promotes visionary leadership through strategic planning; proactive problem-solving, and results driven actions. Exemplifies authentic collaboration and relationship building with internal and external stakeholders and demonstrates a commitment to equity and excellence for all students, contributing to MCPS being an antiracist school system. The COS has an extensive understanding of a data accountability management system to monitor students' academic growth and progress (e.g. All In: Equity and Achievement Framework), develops a data-driven system-level strategic plan, and aligns resources to support its implementation. Understands and applies change management to office and system-level conditions to drive actions and results and knowledge of project management to facilitate the implementation of system-level strategic priorities. Broad knowledge of curriculum development, program implementation, and assessment processes. Thorough knowledge of national requirements as well as local and state laws, policies, and procedures. Thorough knowledge of how schools operate. Keeps current on research in the areas of instruction, curriculum, student wellness, special education, and educational leadership. Ability to build a well-integrated instructional team that exhibits excellent cross-functional communications, collaborative structures, and coordinated efforts that support the strategic initiatives of the school system. Knowledge of effective instructional programs and methodologies and experience in evaluating such methods for effectiveness in meeting school improvement targets. Uses data driven decision-making to determine effectiveness of programs and initiatives. Proven ability to execute programs effectively and produce results. Significant skill in directing the work of others and resolving complex problems and expertise in educational program design, development, and implementation in a diverse school system. Excellent conceptual, analytical, problem solving, organizational, and leadership skills. Exceptional oral and written communication skills and a proven track record of working collaboratively with various constituencies.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in educational administration, supervision, or curriculum development. Doctoral degree is preferred. Principal experience and central office administrative leadership experience required. Experience with educational accountability measures, state and local assessments, curriculum development, and managing a variety of programs and initiatives. Knowledge of testing and program evaluation procedures. Experience in project management, including the ability to deploy resources and manage multiple projects. Experience in leading large-scale educational program development and improvement.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Must meet Maryland State certification requirements for Administrator II.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Requires the ability to work long hours and withstand moderate amounts of stress in order to maintain a healthy physical and social emotional state of well-being.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees, monitors, and facilitates the integration of the projects/initiatives identified by the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools. Engages in authentic collaboration and relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders.

Utilizes the equity impact questions to view all work through the lenses of race and equity.

Collaborates with all members of the executive leadership to ensure coordinated planning and consistent implementation of MCPS strategic plan, making certain that programs and priorities are focused on eliminating the achievement gap and improving student achievement.

Identifies program and project managers and ensures that all project timelines are met.

Defines problems, collects and monitors data, and makes recommendations to address issues.

Works with all offices that report to the superintendent of schools to design and implement best practice instructional systems that address the goals and priorities in the strategic plan.

Assists in the development and continuous assessment of school system targets.

Reviews and monitors individual office budgets and expenditures to ensure that they are aligned with the strategic initiatives of the school system and that resources are directed appropriately.

Oversees the comprehensive approach to Pre K-12 school improvement.

Presents information to the superintendent; the Board of Education; Executive Staff; public groups; and national, state, and local officials.

Advises and updates the superintendent of schools on the integrated work of the offices of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, Offices of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, Special Education, Student and Family and Support and Engagement, School Support and Improvement, Title I and Early Childhood, Athletics, and Student Leadership and Extra Curricular Activities.

Monitors education research, trends, and developments to support school improvement efforts and program development.

Is an active member of the superintendent's executive staff and supports the overall performance delivery strategy of the district while ensuring that all curriculum and instructional leaders across the school system function as an integrated team.

Understands and applies principles of performance evaluation and professional growth standards for employees.

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Class Established: 3/2012
Date(s) Revised: 4/2021, 2/2024
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.