Barneveld Superintendent

Barneveld School District; Barneveld (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Barneveld School District seeks a visionary Superintendent to lead the district beginning July 1, 2027. The candidate will need a student-centered, strategic, and relationship-driven leadership style to build on strong school culture and guide growth.

The ideal leader will hold or be eligible for Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction licensure as District Administrator, with a proven track record in school finance, community engagement, and long-range planning that supports student outcomes.

Qualifications

• Must hold, or be eligible to obtain, Wisconsin DPI licensure as District Administrator.
• Experience leading a school district and managing complex educational systems.
• Strong financial management, budget forecasting, and long-range planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to Barneveld School District and community.
• Oversee district budgeting, revenue planning, and referenda processes.
• Build and sustain a positive school culture and high expectations for student success.
• Engage and communicate with families, staff, and community partners to advance district priorities.

Skills

Student-centered leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Communication

Conflict resolution

Supervisory skills

Team collaboration

Community engagement

Fundraising advocacy

Education

DPI District Administrator licensure eligibility

Job description

Barneveld School District Superintendent Search – 2027-28 School Year

Strong Culture. Growing Community. Opportunities for Every Student.

The Barneveld School District Board of Education, in partnership with CESA 3, is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the district’s next Superintendent beginning July 1, 2027.

Barneveld is looking for a student-centered, strategic, and relationship driven leader who can build upon a strong school culture while helping the district prepare for continued growth and future opportunities.

Applicants should hold, or demonstrate eligibility to obtain, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction licensure as a District Administrator prior to beginning employment.

District and Community Overview

The Barneveld School District serves approximately 400 students in a close-knit community located just minutes from Madison. The district combines the relationships and identity of a small community with access to the educational, economic, and cultural opportunities of the greater Madison region.

Barneveld is a community with significant potential for continued growth. It is home to Vortex Optics, an internationally recognized employer that continues to grow and contributes to the economic vitality of the area.

The district operates with an approximate annual budget of $8.7 million. In 2024, the Barneveld community approved a $1 million recurring operational referendum, demonstrating strong community support for maintaining educational opportunities and investing in the future of its schools.

The relationship between the district and the greater Barneveld community is an important part of its identity. Through the #BeBarneveld philosophy, the school and community support one another and take pride in their students, programs, and shared success.

Barneveld believes the purpose of education is to provide students with the tools necessary to have meaningful choices after high school.

That commitment is reflected in students who successfully pursue college and other postsecondary opportunities while also having access to outstanding career and technical education experiences. Barneveld students have earned national recognition in Career and Technical Education, including multiple SkillsUSA National Championships.

School culture, relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to students are central to the Barneveld experience.

Mission

It is the intent of the Barneveld School District to empower each student with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills for becoming a lifelong learner by providing an environment that values curiosity, challenge, cooperation, respect, and creative and critical thinking.

Golden Eagle Core Values and District Priorities

The district’s work is organized around five major areas:

Teaching & Learning

Enhance curriculum and instruction through diverse teaching methods, professional development, collaborative learning environments, and the use of assessment to monitor student progress.

School Culture & Support

Prioritize student well-being and create a supportive and inclusive environment that addresses the needs of students while encouraging family involvement.

Career & Future Ready

Provide students with current technology, learning experiences, career preparation, and opportunities that prepare them for the workforce, college, technical education, and other pathways after graduation.

Community & Communications

Strengthen communication with families and the greater community, promote district accomplishments, and keep stakeholders informed and involved.

Facilities & Operations

Maintain safe, efficient, sustainable, and effective facilities and operations that support student learning and long-term district needs.

Desired Leadership Profile

The Barneveld School District Board of Education is seeking a superintendent who understands that sustained success requires both effective organizational leadership and an intentional commitment to school culture.

The Board identified strategic planning, school finance, communicating a vision, student centered leadership, conflict resolution, and supervisory skills among its highest leadership priorities. Transparency, confidence, listening and empathy, consideration of multiple perspectives, and promoting team success were also highly valued.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong student-centered philosophy and a commitment to providing students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and opportunities necessary to have meaningful choices after high school.
• The ability to protect, strengthen, and intentionally develop a positive school culture.
• Strong strategic planning skills and the ability to prepare the district for future opportunities, enrollment changes, and potential community growth.
• A strong understanding of Wisconsin school finance, budgeting, revenue limits, operational referenda, forecasting, and long-range financial planning
• The ability to responsibly steward an approximately $8.7 million district budget and the community investment represented by the district’s $1 million recurring operational referendum.
• The ability to establish, communicate, and build support for a clear vision for the future of the district.
• A strong commitment to high quality teaching and learning, professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• An appreciation for college, career, technical education, and other pathways that expand opportunities for students.
• Strong supervisory skills and the ability to develop, support, motivate, and empower appropriately hold staff accountable.
• The ability to address conflicts directly, professionally, and constructively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to make difficult decisions when necessary.
• A transparent leadership style that builds trust with the Board, staff, students, families, and community
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to consider multiple perspectives.
• The ability to receive feedback and disagreement without taking issues personally.
• The confidence to provide leadership while also promoting collaboration, shared ownership, and team success.
• The ability to develop strong partnerships with families, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• An understanding of facilities and operational planning and their role in supporting current programs and future district needs.
• An appreciation for the traditions, relationships, community support, and pride represented by #BeBarneveld