Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.
Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.
HIGH DESERT MIDDLE SCHOOL
About the District
Bend-La Pine Schools (BLS) is the fifth-largest school district in Oregon and comprises 33 schools, plus two charter schools, across an attendance area of approximately 16,000 square miles. We employ over 2,000 staff members in licensed and non-licensed capacities, making us the second-largest employer in Central Oregon. At Bend-La Pine Schools, we believe in educating thriving students and know the importance of supporting our students to become kind and thoughtful humans who engage with the world around them.
The School
High Desert Middle School serves approximately 650 students in the Southeast corner of Bend and first opened its doors in 1992.
High Desert is home to Bend-La Pine’s Spanish Language Dual Immersion strand, where students learn to understand, speak, read, and write fluently in both Spanish and English. Our Spanish Language Dual Immersion students develop strong intercultural competence skills as a result of this educational model. High Desert Middle School is proud to foster a thriving community through bilingualism, biliteracy, and intercultural competence.
At High Desert, we strive to explore and discuss the things that we have in common while sharing the things that make us unique. In order for every student to feel a sense of belonging, we strive to create a school environment that offers equitable outcomes through a powerful and engaging education for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, native language, ability, or socioeconomic status. At High Desert, we will engage in meaningful learning and respectful discussion including topics of race, equity, and systematic oppression.
The Search
Bend-La Pine Schools utilizes a distinct search for each site in search of a Assistant Principal to ensure that the right candidate is selected for each school. Applicants who are successful through the screening process will receive an invitation to an in-person interview consisting of various activities at the school site and the district office. A site visit to the finalist’s current school site may be conducted as part of the interview process. All finalists will interview with the Superintendent, who has final decision-making authority.
Qualified applicants should apply online at: bls.fyi/careers and should be prepared to submit an application packet that includes:
A cover letter
Current resume
Three current letters of recommendation that include the names, titles, addresses, home and office phone numbers of the recommender
College transcripts
Any other relevant supporting materials
Compensation
224-day contract
Family medical, dental, and vision insurance
Term life and long-term disability insurance
Professional development program and tuition reimbursement
Salary estimate (based on 2022-2023 salary schedule): $106,351 - $113,285
Bend-La Pine Schools, unlike many districts, currently pays the employee’s portion of PERS, a 6% contribution of the employee’s annual salary
Selection Timeline
Position closes: April 20, 2023
Interviews: Week of April 25, 2023
Anticipated start date: July 1, 2023
Required Qualifications
Must hold, or be able to obtain by July 1, 2023, Oregon Administrative Licensure
Record of increasingly responsible positions in education
Successful teaching and administrative experience
Clear understanding of IDEA, TAG, MTSS, ELD, and DI Programs
Understanding of best practices in early literacy and mathematics
Understanding of CCSS and standardized assessments and the ability to use data to lead school improvement efforts
Effective management of school operations that support teaching and learning
Experiences with systems around diversity, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practices
Strong communication skills, with a focus on being an exceptional listener, highly visible and approachable to help establish positive, collaborative working relationships with and among students, staff, parents/guardians
Understands and has experience in non-exclusionary practices for student behavior that may include: Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), and Restorative Justice practices
Experience with building collaborative teams and creating a positive and professional working environment for all
Experience in current employment practices, goal setting, and evaluation and support of staff
Preferred Qualifications
Previous public school teaching experience
Prior school administrative experience
Spanish language proficiency
Clear knowledge of secondary school scheduling, curriculum, and systems
Instructional leader with a focus on secondary school best practices and enriching curriculum to meet the needs of all learners
Experience with two-way dual language programs
Professional experience with leading and building cultural inclusivity with an diverse group of students including, but not limited to, socio-economics, ability level, TAG, Special Education, multi-lingual, identity, and gender preference
Supportive of professional development opportunities and trainings that provide staff collaboration
Listens to and advocates for staff and students
Ability to build and nurture relationships grounded in trust and compassion
Direct additional requests for information to:
Ryan Kelling
Director of Recruitment & Retention
Human Resources Department
Phone: 541-355-1110
Fax: 541-355-1109
520 NW Wall St Bend, OR 97703
ryan.kelling@bend.k12.or.us
Application materials of final candidates may be published. Reference checks will be made and there may be a site visit of the candidate before selection.
Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Bend-La Pine Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
