Head of School Leadership Opportunity July 2016
Rivermont Collegiate
Bettendorf, Iowa Pre-School – 12th grade www.rivermontcollegiate.org
Head of School Opportunity
Rivermont Collegiate Bettendorf, Iowa
Founded in 1884, Rivermont Collegiate is an independent PS-12 day school in Bettendorf, Iowa. With an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, Rivermont offers a firstrate college preparatory experience to more than 200 students across four divisions. Rivermont’s core values – Intellect, Character and Creativity – guide the educational program and daily interactions among students and adults. With a highly developed focus on academic exploration and character development, Rivermont prepares its students to embrace a life-long passion for learning and engagement a wise and compassionate citizens of the world.
Within a school community characterized by close relationships among students, parents, faculty, and alumni, Rivermont provides a comprehensive college preparatory educational program enriched by multiple opportunities in the arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities.
Continuous improvement is the norm at Rivermont, which has implemented numerous curricular, administrative, and technological enhancements in recent years. The school has recently completed a new 2014-18 Strategic Plan that will continue the emphasis on forward progress and guide the work of the next Head of School. The plan is available for review on the school website. Interim Head of School Curtis Fee will lead Rivermont during the 2015-16 school year.
With an average tenure of 7 years, Rivermont’s passionate and engaged faculty provide a rich balance of knowledge and skills in critical thinking, while guiding students to attain a healthy sense of selfesteem.
For a position to begin in July 2016, Rivermont Collegiate is seeking a seasoned and personable educational leader with high standards, vision, and exceptional skills in institutional advancement as well as the implementation of thoughtful innovation.
Rivermont is located in Bettendorf, Iowa, a family-oriented city overlooking the Mississippi River. Alongside its sister cities of Davenport, Moline and Rock Island who collectively form the Quad Cities, this vibrant community is also home to John Deere’s Global Headquarters.
On the Web: www.rivermontcollegiate.org
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MISSION AND BELIEFS Rivermont Collegiate is dedicated to academic excellence and maximizing the potential of each student through a nurturing, stimulating, and structured environment that advances the individual's intellect, character, and creativity while guiding students on a path of life-long learning, prepared to engage fully in their local, national, and global communities.
High expectations and standards set the tone for excellence and call students to do their best.
Students thrive in an environment where the student to teacher ratio assures personal attention.
Partnership with parents develops the potential in each child.
Each student has special talents and aptitudes that need to be nurtured and developed.
Participation in school activities and programs should be open to all students to explore and develop their talents and interests.
Students’ progress through developmental stages that afford the school opportunities to develop skills, deepen knowledge, and nurture creativity.
Students develop authentic self-esteem and confidence through diligence, accountability, and personal responsibility for learning, behavior, and attitudes.
Education is never complete. It is a life-long process that encompasses the mind, heart, and spirit in tangible experiences in scholarship, service, and performance both artistic and athletic.
Students grow and learn from experiences with significant adults who model compassion, scholarship, conviction, and integrity.
Diversity of thought and culture within the school community encourages real exchanges of perspectives, and mutual respect and understanding.
The future of a democratic society depends upon the intellect, participation, and character of its children.
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RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE: DEFINING STRENGTHS & ATTRIBUTES Asked to describe the signature strengths of Rivermont, students, parents, and faculty all point to an environment that is safe, supportive, encouraging, and challenging to students as they move through their educational careers. The school’s professed commitment to both academic excellence and character development is genuine – backed up by a defined set of programs and experiences that give students confidence and a sense of responsibility for themselves and others. Head of School Todd Zachary led Rivermont through a significant period of change introducing numerous program initiatives and guiding a strategic planning process that leaves the school well positioned for success in the next chapter of its growth and development. Mr. Curtis Fee, the current Dean of Students will serve as Interim Head for 2015-16. THE STUDENT BODY A close-knit community of students and adults, Rivermont enrolls a diverse student body from 19 zip codes spanning 24 communities in both Iowa and Illinois. Families particularly value Rivermont’s college preparatory focus and its emphasis on a educating the whole child. Like most independent schools, Rivermont reflected the effects of the 2008 financial crisis in its enrollment numbers for several years. The school has bounced back, however, with the Early and Lower School near capacity and the Middle and Upper School enrollment up slightly this year. Student retention last year was over 90 percent. Rivermont students are exceptional diverse and dedicated to their education. 100 percent of Rivermont graduated will go on to college. Last year each of our graduating seniors received an average 7 college acceptances and over $200,000 in scholarship offers. 90 percent of Rivermont alum over the past 5 years graduated college in 4 years, with over 60 percent continuing to pursue graduate degrees. On the 2014-15 Iowa Assessment Examinations, Rivermont students scored 100 percent proficiency in Mathematics, with 70 percent scoring at the Advanced 3
Proficiency Level, Science and Reading scores reached 98 percent proficiency with 71 percent in Science and 56 percent in Reading achieving Advanced Proficiency. Recent graduating classes have been admitted to universities around the nation, including: American University D.C., Augustana College IL, Baylor University TX, Baylor Squared Medicine, Bowdoin College ME, Boston University MA, Brown University RI, California Institute of Technology CA, Carleton College MN, Case Western Reserve University OH, Columbia University NY, Cornell University NY, Dartmouth College NH, Drexel University PA, Duke University NC, Emory University GA, Georgia Institute of Technology GA, Gustavus Adolphus College MN, Johns Hopkins University MD, Hollins University VA, Iowa State University IA, Knox College IL, Lehigh University PA, Loyola University Chicago IL, Marquette University WI, New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ, New York University NY, Northwestern University IL, Oberlin College OH, Pennsylvania State University PA, Philadelphia University PA, Rensselaer Institute of Technology NY, Rice University TX, Rochester Institute of Technology NY, Rutgers, the State University New Jersey NJ, Stanford University CA, Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ, SUNY Stony Brook NY, Sweetbriar College VA, The George Washington University D.C., Union College NY, University of Alabama (EMSAP), University of Chicago IL, University of Cincinnati OH, University of Connecticut CT, University of Iowa IA, University of Kansas KS, University of Maryland MD, University of Miami FL, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MN, University of Missouri-Kansas City MO, University of North Carolina, Pembroke NC, University of Pennsylvania PA, University of Pittsburgh PA, University of Rochester NY, University of Virginia VA, University of Wisconsin-Madison WI, Ursinus College PA, Villanova University PA, Washington and Jefferson College PA, Washington University in St. Louis MO, Yale University CT
CAMPUS AND LOCATION The centerpiece to the Rivermont Collegiate campus is the Bettendorf mansion. The 21,000 square feet former residence of the Bettendorf family, from whom the city of Bettendorf received its name, is on the National Register of Historic Places and houses many of the Middle and Upper School classrooms and administrative offices. In addition to the mansion, the 8.57 acre campus includes additional buildings with the most addition, Becherer Hall completed in 2001. In addition to the mansion, The School built a gymnasium in 1975 and Becherer Hall in 2001. In 1981, the School purchased the former guest residence and in 2002, the School was renamed Rivermont Collegiate. Today only the mansion, carriage house, and guest house remain on 8.57 acres of the original estate. In 1984, the Bettendorf Mansion was recognized for its historical significance to the people of Iowa and was entered in the National Register of Historic Places. Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, Bettendorf is a family friendly and welcoming member of the Quad Cities that includes the cities of Davenport in Iowa and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. The Quad Cities sits in the center of the Midwest within 300 miles of six major metropolitan areas: Chicago, Des Moines, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Omaha 4
and St. Louis. A business leader within the region, the Quad Cities is home to a number of industries and businesses to include the Global Headquarters of John Deere. With a combined population in excess of 375,000, the extended community brings the excitement of a big city with all the hospitality of a small town. The Quad Cities offers many excellent choices in education from preschool through graduate degrees with numerous four-year accredited colleges and universities within the community. Named an All-American City by the National Civic League and raked among the top 10 towns in Iowa for raising a family, Bettendorf has a lot to offer. To include over 700 acres of park land throughout 24 different park sites; two boat launches and docks, 15.1 miles of fitness and recreation trails there is plenty to see and do in Bettendorf. THE FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES The dedicated faculty represents an energetic mix of veterans (including Rivermont alumni) and talented new teachers that has added diversity and a breadth of experience. Students and parents praise the faculty for their high expectations, their passion for teaching, and their strong commitment to each student’s success. The school recently developed a faculty observation and assessment system to promote excellence and professional growth. Modeled upon Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, the new program provides definition, consistency, and transparency to the assessment process. The ultimate goal of the assessment program is to enrich the professional and personal growth of our faculty and staff through the creation of a Professional development plan tailored to each individual member. Professional development is encouraged and supported at Rivermont through school-wide initiatives, departmental goals, and external opportunities. The senior administrative team reporting to the Head of School consists of two Division Directors (Early/Lower School and Middle/Upper School), the Director of Admissions and Marketing, the Director of Development, the Facilities and Grounds Director, and the Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Trustees, composed of alumni and current and past parents, and community leaders plays an active and vital role in the school – evident most recently in its comprehensive strategic planning effort.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Rivermont Collegiate offers a rich and multifaceted curriculum that is seamlessly articulated from Early School through graduation. While intently focused on academic excellence, the program also endeavors to expand students’ horizons through self-exploration and outreach to others. In every division, opportunities abound for students to pursue artistic, athletic, service, and leadership challenges. EARLY SCHOOL (Preschool – Junior Kindergarten) Beginning with a half-day program for Rivermont’s Preschool and Junior Kindergarten, the Early School offers a nurturing, interactively-rich environment. Personalized attention is given to each child. The strong relationship between teacher and student encourages a child to try new tasks and challenges with the full support and confidence of the teacher. Teachers are specialists in early childhood education and each has several years’ experience with young children. The Afternoon Adventures program continues as an available after lunch option for many PreSchool and Junior Kindergarten students. The afternoon program serves as an enrichment experience complementing the morning curriculum. LOWER SCHOOL (Kindergarten to 5th Grade) Rivermont's Lower School provides an academically rigorous yet nurturing environment. Visitors can feel the energy in our halls and classrooms, filled with projects, writing, and artwork that reflect an enthusiasm for learning. Lower School classrooms are alive with activities as students involved in everything from programming robots to constructing Native American dwellings to singing in French and Spanish. Teachers have the flexibility to focus on each student's learning style and students feel comfortable taking risks in academics, arts, and athletics. The Lower School has undergone significant advances with the introduction of Singapore Mathematics, advanced literacy and writing initiatives, and the introduction of an integrated technology curriculum. Beginning in Kindergarten, Lower School students meet with discipline-specific teachers in science, foreign language, visual art, library, music, and health and fitness. These specialized teachers are not only experts in their respective disciplines, but also provide students with exposure to a variety of teaching styles. 6
MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6 – 8) Rivermont’s Middle School recognizes the developmental uniqueness of this age group. These are years of transformational growth – socially, academically, and emotionally. Rivermont’s family-like environment and strong advisory program support and empower students to become increasingly responsible and independent as they move towards Upper School. Middle School curriculum emphasizes how to study, explore, research, and write well in small, engaged classes that address a variety of learning styles. A peek into Middle School classrooms will reveal students involved in everything from developing their own “Imagi-nation” in Humanities to conducting independent science research for competition. In addition to a challenging core curriculum, Middle School students also explore a variety of technology classes, Latin (in addition to French or Spanish), and “out-of-thebox” elective courses such as Robotics, Video Journalism, and Construction Engineering. Middle School students develop independence as they travel between classes and manage coursework, yet are supported by their advisor and teachers to set goals, develop study habits, become involved in extracurricular activities, and manage their time effectively. By participating in athletics, visual and performing arts, extracurricular clubs and activities, school trips, and special events and competitions (both on and off campus), Middle School students build experiences, discover interests and talents, and develop leadership skills. UPPER SCHOOL (Grades 9 – 12) Rivermont’s Upper School provides a rigorous, integrated college prep curriculum in a supportive environment. Our climate of high expectations creates positive peer pressure for excellence in academics, arts, athletics, and character. The curriculum focuses on preparing students with the critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills necessary for success in college and the global job market. A broad base of knowledge in English, history, science, math, foreign language, and the arts is combined with a wide variety of honors, independent study, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit through both AP courses and Rivermont’s Education Partner Program with Augustana College, St. Ambrose University, and Western Illinois University.
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Rivermont’s personalized college counseling program is an invaluable resource, educating every student and family on the intricacies of the college planning and selection process and playing an active role in every phase. The diversity of the Rivermont Experience both in and out of the classroom develops each student into a well-rounded adult. Students are encouraged to stretch themselves, explore new ideas, and take risks in academics, athletics, and arts. Rivermont is a community where all members think – and act – outside the box. 100% of Rivermont graduates are accepted to 4-year colleges and universities. Rivermont graduates are accomplished and independent learners, possessing the knowledge, creativity, confidence, character, and global perspective to meaningfully contribute to their college communities and the world beyond. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL Rivermont’s next Head will join a highly regarded independent school with a well-articulated mission, an unusually well-rounded educational program, hardworking students, a talented faculty, and engaged parents. For an experienced educational leader who can build upon this very solid foundation with skill and sensitivity, the headship of Rivermont Collegiate represents an exceptional career opportunity. The publication of its 2014-18 Strategic Plan reflects Rivermont’s longstanding commitment to continually grow and enhance the educational program. The plan’s programmatic priorities include delivering a balanced learning experience through relevant teaching and curriculum innovation, cultivating a distinctive culture of excellence demonstrating the school’s value, and directing resources to support innovative learning and institutional sustainability. ENROLLMENT AND FINANCE Like many independent schools in this challenging economic climate, Rivermont is experiencing an increasingly competitive admissions environment, with many families turning to lower-tuition alternatives or free public schools. While Rivermont has been a steadfast member of the education community since 1884 and enjoys a solid reputation as the area’s preeminent college preparatory school, the next Head will need to continue to place a high priority on making the case for the value of independent school education within the school family and in the broader community, particularly with parents of younger children. With affordability concerns increasing among prospective families, both tuition control and adequate financial aid resources will be high priorities in the years ahead. The new Head of School will need to demonstrate an ability to guide the school’s fundraising efforts to help meet these demands.
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FACULTY AND STAFF Deeply invested in their students and proud of their professionalism, Rivermont’s faculty will welcome a new Head of School who is respectful of their talents and open to their ideas. Like many independent schools, the financial strains of recent years have posed a challenge to faculty compensation and benefits. Recent increases in faculty and administrative staffing in a time of tight budgets have also been a challenge. The Head of School will be expected to engage with the faculty as partners in the execution of the mission. He or she should be attuned to the importance of representing faculty concerns to the Board and ensuring that the Board’s thinking is communicated regularly to the faculty. Because the faculty lies at the heart of the Rivermont experience, continued investment in the recruitment, retention, and professional development of talented teachers will be a vital task for the next Head of School.
PROFSSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES Rivermont Collegiate is seeking an inspiring, engaging, and visionary leader who is committed to excellence and thoughtful innovation in pursuit of the school’s enduring mission. Ideally, the successful candidate will possess most of the following: PROFESIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent academic credentials, coupled with evidence of a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning. A successful teacher with experience in educational administration, ideally in an independent school of high quality. Knowledge of best practices in curriculum, including innovative uses of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Excellent management and administrative skills. Financial acumen. Demonstrated ability to support, inspire, and strengthen a talented faculty, including recruitment, retention, evaluation, and professional development. The ability and willingness to participate actively in institutional advancement within and beyond the school community, including fundraising and admissions. Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
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LEADERSHIP TRAITS
A leader who places the best interests of students at the center of decision-making. A confident, visionary, and strategically minded leader. A highly professional leader who demonstrates high standards and expectations for all. A unifying leader with exceptional interpersonal skills; a relationship builder who is skilled in change management. An open and transparent leader who is respectful of all members of the school community. A wise and careful steward of the school’s resources – financial, physical, and human. An ethical leader who demonstrates great integrity, wisdom, and strength of character.
PERSONAL QUALITIES Friendly, kind, flexible, tactful, and even-tempered. An optimistic and positive spirit. Family-oriented, engaged, and eager to be fully involved in the life of the school and community.
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TO APPLY Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one e-mail and as separate documents, preferably as PDFs, the following materials:
Cover letter expressing interest in the Rivermont Collegiate position; Current resume; Statement of educational philosophy and practice; List of five references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s position). Please send all materials to john.faubert@carneysandoe.com
John Faubert Managing Associate, Director of Placement Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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