Central

Job Posting: Executive Director

Location: Wadena, MN

Position Type: Up to 1.0 FTE

The Freshwater Education District #6004-61 is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter.  We are looking for a visionary educational leader who thrives on collaboration and regional impact.

We are based in Wadena, MN, and currently serve as a vital resource for 13 member school districts. We provide specialized, mandated educational services to our partners. By leveraging a shared-service model across multiple districts, we deliver high-quality results at a significantly lower cost. If you are a licensed school administrator with a passion for multi-district leadership and a heart for early childhood education, special education, and alternative learning, we want to hear from you.  Salary range for 1.0 FTE $115,000-$160,000 (prorated if less than 1.0 FTE).  Benefit package included.

Key Responsibilities
System Leadership: Provide executive oversight and superintendent-level leadership for the Freshwater Education District.
Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with member district superintendents to identify service gaps and implement high-quality regional programs.
Fiscal Stewardship: Manage the district budget, ensuring sustainable funding and equitable resource distribution among member districts.
ALC Oversight: Direct the operations, curriculum, and student success initiatives of the Area Learning Center (4 sites).
Advocacy: Serve as the “voice” of FED at the state and regional levels, ensuring our rural member districts are represented in policy discussions.

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Position Title: Middle School Principal
Department/Building:  Forestview Middle School (5-8)
Reports to: Director of Schools – Superintendent
Assignment: 2026-2027 School Year
Duty Days:  Year Round, 260/261 Days
Salary Range:  $ 132,993.00 – $ 152,305.00 (Based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Principals/Assistant Principals Master Agreement located on district website)
Union:  Principals/Assistant Principals Association
FLSA: Overtime Exempt

BENEFITS:   Health, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, TRA, 403b, HSA/HRA, Paid Sick/ESST & Paid Non-Contract Time

APPLICATION REVIEW:  Beginning March 18, 2024

Middle School Principal

Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, to provide leadership and supervision in administering the educational program of a Middle School in order to promote the educational development and achievement of students in accordance with Board of Education policies, administrative procedures, rules and regulations, and applicable law.

To provide leadership in program development and improvement, as well as in professional staff development.

Essential Functions

Develops and administers school programs consistent with school district goals and objectives.
Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, including curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Promotes a school environment that is safe and conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.
Ensures that Board policies and procedures are implemented and followed at the school.
Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
Encourages staff to continue to grow professionally and to experiment with new approaches or strategies to teaching.
Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and reporting for all student activities, attendance and records as required by law.
Coordinates the work of school staff and school district program leaders to develop and implement instructional programs and teaching practices.
Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and works with teaching staff to modify instructional methods to fit students’ needs, including students with special needs.
Coordinates with the central office in recruitment and selection of employees, the proper maintenance of employee personnel files, the administration of collective bargaining agreements, corrective action, and other human resource issues.
Organizes and conducts regular meetings with teachers for continuing development of instructional techniques.
Involves staff in the evaluation of programs and the planning of new programs.
Encourages parental involvement in students’ education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school’s standards and school district policies.
Supervises and evaluates teaching staff and other building employees in accordance with the school district’s evaluation plan, and makes recommendations regarding goals, areas needing improvement and continued employment.
Organizes and manages the budgetary and financial affairs of the school consistent with school district policies.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note:    The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
Knowledge of Middle school curriculum and concepts.
Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision.
Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education.
Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
Ability to develop and implement projects.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Note:    Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.

Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:

Current MN K-12 Principal licensure or equivalent.
Teaching Certification in related area (i.e., Middle School or subject area and grade level).
Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education

Bachelor’s and Masters Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in School Administration.
Sixth year, doctorate, or other planned program in related field preferred.
Experience

Extensive successful teaching experience at the Middle School level, and preferably in more than one subject area or grade level.
Successful administrative experience at the Middle School level preferred.
FLSA Status:       Exempt

APPLY ONLINE:    www.isd181.org

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Position Title: Elementary School Principal
Department/Building:  Lowell Elementary (K-5)
Reports to: Director of Schools
Assignment: 2026-2027 School Year (One Year Position)
Duty Days:  Year Round, 260/261 Days
Salary Range:  $ 121,664.00 – $ 138,529.00 (Based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Principals/Assistant Principals Master Agreement located on district website)
Union:  Principals/Assistant Principals Association
FLSA: Overtime Exempt

BENEFITS:   Health, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, TRA, 403b, HSA/HRA, Paid Sick/ESST & Paid Non-Contract Time

Elementary School Principal

Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, to provide leadership and supervision in administering the educational program of an Elementary School in order to promote the educational development and achievement of students in accordance with Board of Education policies, administrative procedures, rules and regulations, and applicable law.
To provide leadership in program development and improvement, as well as in professional staff development.
Essential Functions

Develops and administers school programs consistent with school district goals and objectives.
Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, including curricular and extra-curricular activities.
Promotes a school environment that is safe and conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.
Ensures that Board policies and procedures are implemented and followed at the school.
Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
Encourages staff to continue to grow professionally and to experiment with new approaches or strategies to teaching.
Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and reporting for all student activities, attendance and records as required by law.
Coordinates the work of school staff and school district program leaders to develop and implement instructional programs and teaching practices.
Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and works with teaching staff to modify instructional methods to fit students’ needs, including students with special needs.
Coordinates with the central office in recruitment and selection of employees, the proper maintenance of employee personnel files, the administration of collective bargaining agreements, corrective action, and other human resource issues.
Organizes and conducts regular meetings with teachers for continuing development of instructional techniques.
Involves staff in the evaluation of programs and the planning of new programs.
Encourages parental involvement in students’ education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school’s standards and school district policies.
Supervises and evaluates teaching staff and other building employees in accordance with the school district’s evaluation plan, and makes recommendations regarding goals, areas needing improvement and continued employment.
Organizes and manages the budgetary and financial affairs of the school consistent with school district policies.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note:    The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Work Schedule
Standard administrator work schedule as set forth in the Administrative Unit Contract.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.
Note:    Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
Knowledge of elementary school curriculum and concepts.
Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision.
Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education.
Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
Ability to develop and implement projects.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work
Certification/License:

Current MN K-12 Principal licensure or equivalent.
Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or ability to provide own transportation.
Education

Bachelor’s and Masters Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in School Administration.
Sixth year, doctorate, or other planned program in related field preferred.
Experience

A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience at the elementary level, preferably in more than one grade level.
Successful administrative experience at the elementary school level preferred.
Apply Online:    www.isd181.org