Superintendent- Vashon, WA

Fairfax County Public Schools; Vashon (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Vashon Island School District is seeking a highly qualified Superintendent to guide the district's work with the school board, staff, families and the community, ensuring student success through instructional improvements and effective district operations.

The role requires WA State Superintendent Certification (or willingness to obtain), district-level leadership experience in P-12 education, and a demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders and oversee financial matters responsibly.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree required; WA State Superintendent Certification or willingness to obtain.
• District-level leadership experience in P-12 education preferred.
• Strong communication, listening, and writing skills.
• Experience building relationships with staff, families, and community.

Responsibilities

• Lead with the school board, staff, families and community to ensure student success.
• Oversee instructional improvements, district operations, and financial oversight.
• Develop positive relationships and engage in community events and activities.
• Model professional and ethical behavior with integrity.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Education

Master’s Degree

Doctoral Degree (PhD/EdD)

Job description

Superintendent

Vashon Island School District seeks a highly qualified, collaborative leader to work closely with the school board, staff, families, and community to ensure success for every student. District level experience with instructional improvements, district operations, and effective financial oversight are desired as well as familiarity with Superintendent expectations within Washington State’s public school system. A demonstrated ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with all stakeholders and actively engage in community events, groups, and activities is also desired.

Minimum Qualities/Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Current WA State Superintendent Certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Prior successful experience as an educator
• A demonstrated history of responsive and transparent customer service as a leader
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Aware of recent state legislation and funding system for public schools and corresponding local impacts
• Exceptional leadership and management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including transparent and respectful interactions with students, staff, families, and community members
• Demonstrated exemplary communication skills in listening, speaking, and writing
• Models high standards of professional and ethical behavior at all times and operates consistently with integrity

Preferred Qualities/Qualifications

• Successful experience as a superintendent
• District level administrative experience in P-12 public education
• Doctoral Degree (PhD or EdD)
• Fluency in language other than English
• Experience partnering with community members, consultants, higher education, and local organizations in support of public education
• Experience working closely with a Board of Directors
• Experience in maximizing available funding, securing competitive grants, and leading successful levy and bond initiatives
• Experience bargaining with union groups

About the District

Vashon Island School District is a vibrant school community educating approximately 1,400 students to thrive academically and emotionally. Our curriculum includes programs and courses that reflect our island’s natural beauty, artistic environment, and rich history. The staff is creative and dedicated, and we take pride in delivering the best education our resources can provide. Our small size allows teachers to know each student personally and provide individualized learning opportunities; one reason why our district attracts students who commute to our island each day from Seattle, Tacoma, and the Kitsap Peninsula. The community consistently passes levies and supports its schools through volunteering in the classrooms, providing scholarship funding for students and sponsoring enrichment programs. VISD offers an opportunity to guide a close-knit district, supported by a community deeply committed to the success of its public schools.

About Vashon Island

Vashon Island is a small, tight-knit rural community nestled in the waters of Puget Sound, just a short ferry ride away from neighboring Seattle, Tacoma, and the Kitsap Peninsula. Vashon is home to approximately 11,000 islanders as year-round residents. The island is known for its strong sense of community, thriving arts culture, outdoor recreation and green spaces, and natural beauty.

Strengths and Opportunities

The School Board selected the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to gather input from students, staff, families and community members regarding strengths and challenges facing the district as well as the most important leadership qualities and characteristics participants believe the School Board should consider in selecting the next superintendent. A Leadership Profile Report was prepared summarizing these findings. It is available on the District’s website under Superintendent Search.

Application Requirements

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Completed Application Form at HYA website
• A minimum of three written references

Application Process & Timeline

• Application deadline: December 4, 2026
• Announcement of appointment: Late February
• Superintendent begins: July 1, 2027

Compensation

The Vashon Island School District Board of Directors will negotiate a compensation and benefit package that is regionally competitive based on education and experience.