Superintendent

The Magazine School District Board of Education is seeking an exceptional educational leader to serve as its next Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1, 2027. Located in the heart of rural western Arkansas, Magazine is a close-knit Pre-K through 12th-grade school district where strong relationships, high expectations, community pride, and a commitment to student success guide our work.

Magazine offers a distinctive leadership opportunity. Our district is supported by a stable, professional, student-centered Board of Education that values integrity, transparency, collaboration, and effective governance. The Board understands the importance of allowing the superintendent to lead while maintaining a strong partnership focused on the district's long-term success.

We believe that being a small rural school should never limit what students can accomplish. Magazine has demonstrated a willingness to think differently, embrace innovation, and create meaningful opportunities for students. From academic achievement and college and career readiness to agricultural education, community partnerships, and innovative school nutrition initiatives, our district is committed to providing students with experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation.

We are looking for more than someone to manage a school district. We are seeking a visionary, approachable, and results-oriented leader who understands the unique strengths and challenges of rural public education. The ideal candidate will honor the traditions of our community while bringing the creativity, determination, and leadership necessary to move our district forward.

The successful candidate will be an instructional leader who understands the importance of high-quality teaching, professional learning communities, measurable student achievement, and a culture of continuous improvement. This individual must also demonstrate strong financial stewardship, effective personnel leadership, sound decision-making, and the ability to build positive relationships with students, employees, families, the Board, and the community.

Above all, Magazine seeks a superintendent who is solutions-oriented. We recognize that public education faces significant challenges, particularly in rural communities. We want a leader who does not allow those challenges to become excuses, but instead sees opportunities to develop innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions that benefit students.

The Superintendent serves as the district's chief executive officer and educational leader, reporting directly to the Board of Education. Responsibilities include providing overall leadership for curriculum and instruction, student achievement, personnel, school finance, facilities, transportation, child nutrition, student safety, community relations, strategic planning, and compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.

Magazine School District desires a leader who will become an active and visible part of our community, develop strong relationships, support and challenge our employees, and provide the stability and vision necessary for sustained success.

This is an opportunity to lead a district where relationships matter, innovation is welcomed, and the superintendent can make a genuine and lasting difference.

If you believe that every student deserves exceptional opportunities, that challenges should inspire solutions rather than excuses, and that great things can happen in small schools, we invite you to apply to become the next Superintendent of Magazine School District.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

The Magazine School District Board of Education is seeking a proven educational leader who meets the following qualifications:

Possesses a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

Holds a current, valid Arkansas Superintendent license issued by the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Has a minimum of three years of successful educational administrative experience, including experience in a district central office leadership position.

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of Arkansas public school law, school finance, curriculum and instruction, personnel management, district operations, and educational accountability.

Demonstrates successful experience in instructional leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational improvement.

Possesses strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications and Leadership Characteristics

The Board is particularly interested in candidates who:

Have successful central office administrative experience and a demonstrated understanding of the responsibilities associated with leading an entire school district.

Understand and appreciate rural public education and the importance of strong relationships between schools and the communities they serve.

Have a proven record of improving student achievement through effective instructional leadership, professional learning communities, and continuous improvement.

Demonstrate sound financial judgment, responsible stewardship of public resources, and the ability to identify innovative and sustainable opportunities for students.

Lead with honesty, integrity, strong moral character, professionalism, and transparency.

Are approachable, visible, collaborative, and effective in communicating with the Board of Education, employees, students, families, and community members.

Recognize challenges as opportunities and demonstrate the initiative, creativity, and determination to develop practical solutions.

Understand and respect the distinction between Board governance and district administration.

Are committed to building strong leadership teams, supporting employees, maintaining high expectations, and holding themselves and others accountable.

Desire to establish long-term relationships within the community and provide stable, forward-thinking leadership for the district.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit the following:

A letter of interest (cover letter) explaining their interest in the position and qualifications for serving as Superintendent of Magazine School District.

A current professional résumé detailing educational background and administrative experience.

A list of professional references, including names, positions, telephone numbers, and email addresses.

Applicants can send application information to:

Dr. Beth Shumate 485 E. Priddy St. Magazine AR, 72943 beth.shumate@magazinek12.com

Applicants must hold a valid Arkansas Superintendent license and meet all applicable employment requirements.