An Invitation to Apply for the Position of
Superintendent/
PreK-6 Principal
Pawnee City
Public Schools
Pawnee City, Nebraska
The Position
The Pawnee City Public Schools Board of Education, Pawnee City, Nebraska, is seeking a highly
qualified and fully certified Superintendent/PreK-6 Principal. The Board wishes to have the successful
candidate assume the responsibilities of the position July 1, 2015.
McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C. Recruitment and Development has been engaged as the consultant in a
search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the Board of Education in identifying and screening
the candidates.
The Qualifications
The candidate must have the background, skills and abilities essential for excellence in educational
leadership. The Board recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of the most important decisions
it will make. The Board and stakeholder representatives have identified the following desired
characteristics:
A personable, outgoing, and supportive individual with excellent communication skills that is visible
and involved at school and community events
An individual with experience in school finance with the ability to develop and manage the district
budget while being cognizant of Nebraska’s over-reliance on property taxes (Someone who will seek
grants to supplement the district’s educational programs)
A strong family person who understands small town values, is willing to make our community their
home, and will take pride in our school and community
An energetic individual who will present a professional image and represent the district in a positive
manner with the desire to motivate students, staff, board, and patrons.
An instructional leader that has a strong background in curriculum and instruction that can help create
and achieve highly successful goals for the district
An individual who understands the role of the building principal in regards to philosophy and
discipline and who embraces a teamwork approach with a “whatever needs to be done” mentality
The Community
Pawnee City, Nebraska is located in the southeast corner of Nebraska, 75 miles southeast of Lincoln
and 85 miles south of Omaha. There are 1,000 residents in Pawnee City, the county seat of Pawnee
County.
Pawnee City offers a low cost of living with a lot of affordable housing available. Major employers in
the area include CJ Foods, the school district, the hospital and the courthouse. The local hospital provides
medical care.
Pawnee City enjoys an active downtown with a grocery store, public library, museum, and shops. A winery
and Bed and Breakfast are located near the city. The area
provides
numerous recreational activities including a golf course,
city pool, ball fields, and youth ball leagues. The region
also offers great hunting and fishing for the outdoor
enthusiasts.
Residents of the county can attend churches
representing many different denominations.
The District
Pawnee City Public Schools educates 295 students Pre-K to 12th grade.
In 2014, the district surpassed 155 years of accredited public education.
The district has 55 staff members, two administrators; 31 certified teachers
and 22 classified staff.
High school students can
receive dual credit from Peru
State College for classes in
English, Accounting I, and
Calculus. Students can participate in many extracurricular
activities. Sports include football, volleyball, cross country, trap
shooting, girls & boys basketball, wresting, track, and golf.
Additional activities offered are band, vocal music, one act
plays, show choir, speech, jazz band, art, and FFA.
State Aid for 2015-16 has been certified at
$829,598. The 2014-15 general fund operating budget
is $4,333,288. The 2014-15 total land valuation within school district boundaries comes to $269,182,149.
Current levy totals include $.975 in the general fund,
$.015 in the building fund, and $.045 in QCPUF for a
total levy of $1.03.
District website: www.pawneecityschool.com
Board of Education
The Board of Education consists of nine members who are elected to serve a four-year term.
The tenure of the Board members ranges from 1 to 18 years.
Name
Occupation
Terry Borcher, President
Brian Rottinghaus, Vice President
Lisa Hunzeker, Secretary
Anna Ferguson, Treasurer
Randy Niss
Amy Gyhra
Retired Teacher
Teacher
Self-employed farmer
Natural Resource District
Farmer
Self-employed
Years Served
8 years
2 years
12 years
1 year
18 years
1 year
MISSION STATEMENT
“Provide maximum educational opportunities for each child in the District.”
APPLICATION & SELECTION
PROCEDURE
available at:
www.macnjake.com
7905 L St., Suite 310, Omaha, NE 68127
Phone: (402) 991-7031 Fax: (402) 991-7168
E-mail: [email protected] www.macnjake.com
An application for superintendent should include:
 A letter setting forth personal qualifications, experiences
and reasons for interest in the position.
 A current résumé.
 A completed application form.
 Reference letters, certificates and licenses, and academic
transcripts from colleges/universities indicating degree(s).
Candidates are asked not to directly contact board members. Any effort to do so may
eliminate them from consideration. Names of applicants will be held in strict confidence
whenever possible. However, McPherson & Jacobson complies with individual states’
Freedom of Information laws. In the final process, the board may visit the district where
the candidate is employed, but will not proceed without the knowledge and consent of the
candidate.
Selection Time Line
1. Application deadline: March 31, 2015.
2. Finalists selected by Board of Education by: April 10, 2015.
3. Interviews with Board of Education: April 14, 2015.
4. Starting Date: July 1, 2014.
Pawnee City Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.