Head of Schools Gulliver Schools Coral Gables, Florida Building upon the rich legacy of Founder and longtime Director Marian C. Krutulis – an extraordinary woman whose vision and determination created one of the largest and finest PK-12 private schools in the nation – Gulliver Schools is seeking a new leader who will honor and build upon her inspiring vision. For a position to begin in July 2014, Gulliver is looking for an experienced leader who can oversee a large, complex institution while never losing sight of the overriding goal: developing the unique gifts and talents of each and every student. With an enrollment of more than 2,200 students, Gulliver Schools offers an impressive array of academic and extracurricular programs that prepare graduates to succeed in college, advance in their careers, and establish their place in the world with confidence. Comprising two main schools with four locations – all situated within a 3-mile radius in prominent residential areas of Miami-Dade County, Gulliver offers the benefits of a large school within small, nurturing settings. At both Gulliver Academy (grades PK3-8) and Gulliver Preparatory School (grades 9-12), students pursue a sequence of classes designed to challenge them and enhance their skills. Gulliver’s classes are student-focused, academically rigorous, and tailored to meet individual needs. Two small satellite campuses provide supplementary support for middle and high school students who are on or above grade level but need help achieving their potential. Gulliver awards the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma, boasting an extraordinary 99 percent pass rate over the past 14 years, and also offers the IB Middle Years Programme. More than 30 AP courses are offered, along with awardwinning signature programs in architecture, engineering, biomedical sciences, and the arts. With more than 45 countries represented, Gulliver’s student body reflects the diverse international character of the South Florida community. On the web: www.gulliverschools.org APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 VISION, MISSION, AND COMMUNITY VALUES To create an academic community devoted to educational excellence with a personal touch which fulfills each student’s potential. –Marian C. Krutulis, Founder of Gulliver Schools MISSION The mission of Gulliver Schools is to provide a superior, personalized college preparatory education fostering wellrounded, successful, lifelong learners. Gulliver is committed to developing the unique gifts and talents of each student in a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation, global understanding, and character. COMMUNITY VALUES Respect Service Problem Solving Courage Organization Diversity Patience Integrity Leadership Effort Initiative Cooperation Curiosity Flexibility Excellence Perseverance Responsibility Pride Friendship Sense of Humor Caring VITAL STATISTICS FOUNDED: 1926 by Arthur Gulliver; purchased by Marian Krutulis in 1953 LOCATION: 4 campuses on a combined 40 acres located within a 3-mile radius in Miami-Dade County ENROLLMENT: ENDOWMENT: $5.7 million 2012-13 BUDGET: $57 million TUITION: $12,600- $28,250 FINANCIAL AID: $3.7 million, to 19% of student body ALL FUNDRAISING, 2011-12: $1.6 million ANNUAL GIVING, 2011-12: $600,000, 37% parent participation ACCREDITATIONS: Southern Association of Independent Schools, Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, Florida Council of Independent Schools, Florida Kindergarten Council, Commission on International & TransRegional Accreditation 2,202 boys and girls, grades PK3-12 Gulliver Academy (PK3-8): 1,107 Montgomery Drive (5-8): 98 Gulliver Prep (9-12): 772 Miller Drive (9-12): 225 FACULTY & STAFF: 468, including 281 full-time faculty with an average tenure of 15 years; 54% with advanced degrees AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 16; student-teacher ratio of 8:1 DIVERSITY: 45% of students are of diverse backgrounds; 45 countries represented MEMBER: National Association of Independent Schools, IB World School 2 DEFINING STRENGTHS AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF GULLIVER Gulliver Schools combines an exceptionally broad and deep educational program with a school culture that is warm, nurturing, and family-oriented. Students are encouraged to excel within an environment that celebrates learning, develops confidence, and supports every child as they explore their gifts and talents. THE KRUTULIS LEGACY A visionary educator with a lifelong compassion for children, Mrs. Marian Cline Krutulis shaped thousands of young lives as the Founder and Director of Gulliver Schools for more than six decades. Known affectionately as “Mrs. K” to generations of Gulliver students, faculty and staff, she was a hands-on leader who purchased a tiny school in 1953 and steadily transformed it into an educational powerhouse – all the while placing the evolving needs of students at the center of her decision-making. Mrs. Krutulis passed away on January 26, 2013, at the age of 89. She had remained active in meeting with parents and school functions. The heartfelt tribute to her on the school’s website – including a photo montage that offers hints of her joyful and indomitable spirit – should help prospective candidates understand the power of her legacy and the importance of its preservation. A TIME OF TRANSITION In 2000, after 47 years of remarkable growth as one of the most successful for-profit private schools in Florida, Gulliver Schools became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution, overseen by a Board of Trustees. The seven-member Board, including four Gulliver alumni, is composed of accomplished members of the corporate, financial, medical, legal, and educational communities of South Florida. In 2008, when Mrs. Krutulis transitioned into an emerita status, her son John Krutulis became Gulliver’s Head of School. To ensure the perpetuity of the vision, mission, philosophy, and academic standards of the schools, the Board contracted with School Management Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation owned and operated by John Krutulis, which is responsible for the administration and day-to-day operations of the school. The position of Senior Director and Provost was added to oversee the educational program, and the schools’ management structure was reorganized into six functional areas – academics, human resources, risk management and operations, facilities and construction, and advancement – with a senior director overseeing each area. Collectively, this group, under John Krutulis’ direction, now forms the schools’ senior management team. While the search proceeds for the new Head of Schools – a position reporting to the Board of Trustees – John Krutulis will hold the dual positions of Director and Head of Schools. Once the new Head is appointed, s/he will assume full operational, academic, and administrative oversight responsibilities. Serving as Director during the initial transition to new leadership, John Krutulis will focus his energies on long-term strategic planning, capital fundraising, facilities enhancement, and endowment growth. The contract with his management firm will be phased out over the next two years, and the senior administrative team will report directly to the Head of Schools. THE STUDENTS In keeping with its mission and philosophy, Gulliver enrolls a student body that is diverse across many dimensions. Gulliver believes in selecting students from a wide range of qualified applicants, considering not only each candidate’s academic skills, but also his or her potential and motivation to learn. Reflecting Miami’s rich cultural mix, students represent 45 countries; 45 percent of the students are of diverse backgrounds. More than $3.7 million in financial aid helps to promote economic diversity, with 19 percent of the students receiving support. Demand for the Gulliver experience is high, particularly at the earliest entry points and at the ninth grade, where the schools typically receive 350 applications for just 55 spots. An able and hardworking group, Gulliver’s students typically pursue a challenging course of study, with three-quarters of Preparatory students enrolling in Honors, AP, or IB classes. Forty-three seniors earned the IB Diploma in 2012. That year, 248 students sat for 476 AP exams, with an overall pass rate of 90 percent. Seventy-five students earned AP Scholar distinction, including six AP National Scholars. The Class of 2012 included three National Merit Scholars, four Finalists, six Semifinalists, seven Commended Students, and 11 National Hispanic Scholars. The middle 50 percent range of SAT scores for the classes of 2010-2012 were 510-640 Critical Reading, 520-660 Math, and 530-660 Writing. The ACT composite range was 23-29. Virtually all Gulliver graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities. Its top students regularly earn admission to the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities, including Duke University, Emory University, George Washington University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Northwestern University, Rice University, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. Other institutions to which Gulliver graduates are frequently admitted include American University, Boston College, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Indiana University, New York University, Northeastern University, Rollins College, Tulane University, and University of Central Florida, among many others. In addition – reflecting Gulliver’s strong programs in the arts – students each year are admitted to many of the nation’s best art institutes, design programs, and music conservatories. THE FACULTY Gulliver’s dedicated faculty lies at the heart of the schools’ success. With an average tenure of 15 years, many have served Gulliver for decades. They are wholeheartedly committed to the mission of nurturing the unique gifts and talents of each student, and they are accorded a great deal of flexibility in designing instruction to meet that goal. Teachers are in their classrooms each day until 4 p.m., ensuring that students can find extra help as needed. Sixty percent of Gulliver administrators and more than 50 percent of its teachers hold advanced degrees. To support the continuing growth of the faculty, professional development opportunities have been expanded in recent years – a development that administrators believe has contributed to a decline in faculty attrition from 10 percent to 5 percent over the past six years. An early student release on Wednesdays provides a regular venue for professional development activities. A new teacher evaluation process was instituted two years ago. 4 CAMPUSES AND FACILITIES Gulliver’s four campuses are within a three-mile radius in prestigious residential areas of Miami-Dade County. Its facilities are attractive, clean, and well maintained by the 28-member facilities staff. Recent additions and improvements include a well-equipped library and media center, an aquatics center, and new fields, including a turf field. Gulliver’s 14-member technology staff supports extensive resources for students, faculty, and administrators. All campuses and offices are equipped with modern voice-over IP telecommunications systems and high-speed Internet, linked through sophisticated networking technology. A recent Technology Enhanced Classroom Initiative (TECI) brought the latest technology into Gulliver classrooms. Each TECI classroom includes a SMART Board, sound field system, control panel, document camera, DVD player, laptop, and student response system. A website portal links parents, students, and teachers, permitting easy communications. In conjunction with Gulliver’s transition to nonprofit status, the Board of Trustees commissioned a comprehensive, multi-stage master plan that will guide facilities additions and improvements over the next decade or more. The plan envisions more than $45 million in construction, including new multipurpose space for the Academy, a STEM facility to support Gulliver’s first-rate science and engineering programs, and greatly enhanced spaces for music and dance. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM A Gulliver Schools education starts with the building blocks of a traditional college preparatory curriculum. The core subjects form a strong base of learning at each grade level. Enrichment and elective courses expand that base and build an academic program that aligns with the Gulliver mission of educating the whole child. Selected Honors and Awards U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award 2012 Spirit of Innovation National Challenge winner for Engineering Department’s water filtration system invention (patent pending) National Championship Chess Team Fulbright, Rhodes, and Gates Millennium Scholars Nationally Recognized Robotics Team Scholastic Arts Competition Gold Key Awards Columbia Scholastic Press awards for newspaper and yearbook AP French Literature World Leader (College Board) Class sizes are small to enable teachers to meet students’ individual needs, and the course offerings are expansive enough to both nurture and challenge all students. The academic programs at Gulliver Schools take students from the first years of essential learning to a wide variety of innovative signature programs; opportunities for honors, IB, and AP work; and extracurricular experiences that help prepare them for success in college. More than 50 campus organizations and more than 70 sports teams enable students to explore their interests, expand their horizons, participate in community service, and socialize with classmates. Through coordinated volunteer efforts such as fundraisers, food drives, and community service projects, Gulliver students support more than 50 local, national, and international charities. 5 THE ACADEMY (PK3-GRADE 8) With more than 1,100 students, the Academy is Gulliver’s largest school. The campus, located on a beautiful 20-acre site, houses the primary, lower, and middle divisions: The Primary School offers half- and full-day options for 3-year-olds (PreK3) and full day programs for 4-year-olds (Jr.K) and 5-year-olds (Sr.K). With student/teacher ratios ranging from 7:1 to 10:1, Gulliver’s youngest students enjoy close personal attention in a nurturing environment that blends structured and unstructured activities. In addition to instruction in core subjects, the Primary School offers special area teaching by specialists in physical education (including swimming and tennis), music, science, library, computers, and Spanish. The Lower School (grades 1-4) provides a strong foundation in language arts, math, and hands-on science, including the Engineering is Elementary curriculum. Spanish focuses on a natural approach to instruction for both heritage and non-heritage speakers. Fine arts activities include art, music, strings, and band, including a fourth grade string orchestra, band, and chorus. A wide variety of activities and traditions enliven the school year. The Middle School (grades 5-8) introduces a departmentalized structure and multiple placement levels to prepare students for high school. Core subjects include English literature, writing lab, math, social studies, and science. Electives range from the academic (including a Gateway to Technology pre-engineering program featuring both coed and girls-only options) to the visual and performing arts (art, drama, chorus, dance, and several instrumental options) to world languages (five levels of Spanish for both heritage and non-heritage speakers, five levels of French, and Introduction to Mandarin Chinese) to physical education. The optional International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme provides a challenging academic framework of eight core courses. A full-time counselor at each grade level monitors the academic and personal development of each student. Numerous clubs and athletic teams round out the Middle School experience. THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Gulliver’s high school program offers a rich, rigorous, and multifaceted curriculum that includes more than 200 courses, including 108 electives. Students choose from among a standard college preparatory track, Honors courses, AP offerings, and pre-IB and IB courses. Forty-five world language courses are offered, including Spanish for heritage and non-heritage speakers; French, Italian, and Latin through the AP level; and Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Portuguese. Gulliver also offers an internship program and dual enrollment opportunities at the University of Miami, Florida International University, and Miami Dade College. Graduation requirements include four years of English (including American, British, and World Literature); four years of mathematics and science (including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Labs); three years of social science (including World History, U.S. History, Government, and Economics); two years of world language in one language; one year of fine arts; and credits in physical education and health. Gulliver Prep’s impressive lineup of signature academic programs includes the following: An architecture program that has been recognized as the finest in Miami-Dade County for the past two decades. The individualized curriculum includes two- and three-dimensional modeling, AutoCAD software instruction, and opportunities to participate in authentic community-based sustainable proposals emphasizing restoration, environmental design, and LEED certification. 6 A comprehensive Engineering curriculum with an emphasis on the application of physics, math, and computer programming. Gulliver students have twice won first place in the National Engineering Design Challenge. A Biomedical Sciences program that provides a sound foundation for later studies in medicine, biomedical engineering, and health sciences. An advisory board of professionals from medical schools throughout Florida engages students in real-world opportunities. A full range of rigorous, conservatory-quality courses in the visual and performing arts are offered to students with exceptional talent, with advanced classes requiring recommendations or auditions. THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM In keeping with Mrs. Krutulis’ unwavering commitment to helping each child fulfill his or her potential, Gulliver was a pioneer in providing academic support for bright students with different learning styles – opening the first of two satellite campuses in 1997. Small class sizes, flexible teaching styles, and explicit instructional practices in learning strategies, organizational skills, study skills, and other support systems provide a customized educational environment where students can successfully fulfill the requirements of Gulliver’s challenging college preparatory curriculum. Participants in the Academic Achievement Program follow the standard curriculum, using the same textbooks and materials as their grade-level peers. Students take their academic core subjects in the morning at either the Montgomery Drive Campus (grades 5-8) or the Miller Drive Campus (grades 9-12). Students move to their main campus in the afternoon for lunch, electives, and extracurricular activities. In addition, fee-based academic resource programs are offered to students on both the Academy and Preparatory campuses. ATHLETICS Gulliver Schools provides athletic opportunities to meet the needs of all students. While taking pride in its winning tradition, the program also seeks to develop character, build self-esteem, and teach the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship. Gulliver Prep's sports program is one of the premier programs in Miami-Dade County and among the best in Florida. More than half of the Prep students are involved in the athletics program. Thirty-five teams, supported by two cheerleading squads, compete in the state playoff programs. Since 1990, the Gulliver Raiders have won 40 state championship titles. In addition, The Miami Herald has awarded Gulliver the "All Sports Award" for having the top program for small schools in Miami-Dade County for 15 of the past 17 years. Students also have received recognition as all-county and all-state athletes, as Miami-Dade County athletes of the year, as All-Americans, and as members of the United States Olympic Team. Many students continue to participate in athletics in college. The Middle School fields a full interscholastic athletic program for students in Grades 6-8, including opportunities to compete against other local schools in all three seasons. Students in grades PreK-8 may also participate in the popular after-school Youth Sports program, which offers instruction and healthy competition in a variety of sports throughout the year. Gulliver sponsors two year-round athletic clubs – open to students and non-students – in swimming and water polo. 7 OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOLS The Head of Schools position at Gulliver School offers an exceptional career opportunity for a seasoned educational leader with the appropriate combination of skills and personal qualities. The new Head of Schools will take the reins of an institution that is firmly rooted in its traditions and values, yet still early in its evolution from a family-owned enterprise to a fully independent school. The successful candidate must be a confident, mature leader. S/he will be inspired rather than daunted by the legacy of Mrs. K, and s/he will be a dedicated leader who is mission-centered rather than ego-driven. To succeed at Gulliver, the Head of Schools must be upbeat, flexible, trusting, comfortable in a very diverse environment, and respectful of all members of the community. Above all, s/he must be committed to Gulliver’s foundational commitment to accept a broad range of students and serve each of them well. Among the specific opportunities and challenges awaiting the new Head of Schools are the following: GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION The hiring of a Head of Schools from outside the Krutulis family marks a watershed moment in the life of the schools. The transition away from the use of a management company, bringing all senior administrators directly under the schools’ umbrella, will require patience and sensitivity. The Board of Trustees is a talented and committed group that has not had much exposure to standard governance practices in independent schools. The Head of Schools will need to both lead and be led by the Board, while also forging a strong senior management team with the talented administrators already in place. FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT As a nonprofit institution only since 2000, Gulliver Schools is still developing the fundraising infrastructure necessary to sustain a large and complex independent school. Great progress has already been made in this regard with the creation of an office of institutional advancement. More than $1.6 million was raised last year, including $600,000 in annual giving from a school community that does not yet have a longstanding tradition of philanthropy. The schools also raised approximately $5 million to help fund the new aquatic center and library media center. With more than 6,000 alumni – more than half of whom reside in South Florida – Gulliver Schools is well positioned for a bright fundraising future. The new Head of Schools will be expected to play a key role in further developing an independent school culture of giving with all constituencies. Building the endowment – now valued at $5.7 million – will be an important priority in the years ahead. THE MASTER PLAN Gulliver’s comprehensive master plan offers the new Head of Schools a clear roadmap for facilities priorities over the next decade. To retain its position as a premier educational institution in South Florida, Gulliver must improve its academic and arts facilities – ensuring that they are worthy of the exceptionally strong programs offered in these areas. Raising the funds for, and overseeing the construction of, these vital projects will be an important part of the Head’s work over the next several years. THE SCHOOLS’ IDENTITY Gulliver’s extraordinarily broad educational and extracurricular offerings represent both a core strength of the schools and an ongoing challenge. Each of the signature programs has its own vocal constituency, and these constituents differ in their views about where Gulliver should focus its attention and resources. Striking the appropriate balance among academics, the arts, athletics, and other offerings is likely to be a continuing challenge for the schools’ leaders. Equally important is ensuring that all students – from the most academically able to those requiring substantial support – are well served within the educational program. 8 THE POSITION: HEAD OF SCHOOLS FOR GULLIVER SCHOOLS (Prepared and approved by the Board of Trustees in March 2013) The Head of Schools will lead Gulliver Schools and be the senior advocate regarding the history, mission, significant features, and future of the schools. The Head of Schools is the leader of the schools and reports directly to the Board of Trustees of Gulliver Schools. The Head of Schools will be responsible for communicating and implementing the vision of the schools’ founder, Mrs. Marian Krutulis – or Mrs. K, as she is known at Gulliver. This includes, but may not be limited to, promoting and executing the mission of the schools and implementing the policies and strategic plans as determined by the Board of Trustees. The Head of Schools is the inspirational leader; as such, he or she must be broadly informed about educational matters and able to ensure that Gulliver Schools honors the vision and maintains the momentum created by the Krutulis family. DUTIES The Head of Schools will: 1. Be responsible for the oversight of the academic programs; admissions; management of the budget, facilities, and construction; operations and risk management; human resources; and advancement, communications, and alumni relations. 2. Develop, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, the strategic and master plans. 3. Ensure that the schools’ excellent academic and extracurricular programs continue to advance. 4. Be responsible for ensuring that the academic program is coherent, organized, articulated, and developmentally appropriate. 5. Work closely and effectively with the members of the Senior Management Team, including Director of Gulliver Schools John Krutulis; the Senior Director & Provost; the Senior Director of Finance; the Senior Director & Controller; the Senior Director of Operations & Risk Management; the Senior Director of Advancement; the Senior Director of Construction; and the Senior Director of Human Resources. 6. Work collaboratively with architects, engineers, and legal counsel and represent the schools at public meetings and with surrounding neighbors when Gulliver Schools is planning the construction of new facilities. DESIRED EXPERIENCE Ideally, the Head of Schools should have experience in: 1. The management and leadership of PreK-12 schools, including a successful track record as a teacher, administrator, and leader. 2. Recruiting, retaining, evaluating, and mentoring talented faculty and staff. 3. Overseeing academic, arts, and athletic programs. 4. Overseeing programs for students with learning differences. 5. Recruiting, evaluating, and selecting students for schools with high standards and even higher expectations. 6. Overseeing school accreditation or reaccreditation processes. 7. Overseeing school communications, budgeting and finance, construction, human resources, technology, fundraising, and public relations. 8. Working with a Board of Trustees. 9 DESIRED QUALITIES Ideally, the Head of Schools should: 1. Be an innovative, energetic, visionary leader who is able to generate effective buy-in and follow-through from the schools’ constituencies. 2. Embrace and nurture the traditions and mission that are part of Gulliver’s heritage, while at the same time being open to and presenting new ideas and approaches. 3. Be accessible, approachable, and visible at Gulliver and community functions. 4. Be able to serve as a “cheerleader” while not being reluctant to enforce the rules. 5. Be able to interact genuinely with PreK to grade 12 students and their families. 6. Serve as a faculty advocate to the Board of Trustees. 7. Be a person whose integrity, ethics, and credibility are of the highest order and whose management style supports a climate of accountability and continuous growth. DESIRED SKILLS Ideally the Head of Schools should: 1. Have and exhibit effective communication skills. 2. Have problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, be a strategic thinker, and have an ability to interact successfully with high-profile parents. 3. Have an understanding of the governance and laws that apply to schools. JOB SPECIFICATIONS Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience working in various capacities in schools with high academic, extracurricular, and behavioral standards. The successful candidate must have earned at least a master’s degree; a doctorate is preferred. Experience living or working in an international or multicultural environment is a major plus. Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish will receive special consideration. 10 SEARCH CALENDAR Application deadline: September 4, 2013 Selection of Semifinalists September 17, 2013 Semifinalist Interviews September 28-29, 2013 Finalist Interviews October 2013 Appointment: November 2013 Start date: July 2014 THE SEARCH PROCESS & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Acting on behalf of Gulliver Schools, Wickenden Associates is actively recruiting experienced educational leaders for this unique and demanding position. Prospective candidates are urged to contact lead consultants Jo Butler ([email protected]) and Jim Wickenden ([email protected]) to discuss the opportunity and the process in more detail. Applicants should submit no later than Wednesday, September 4, 2013, the following: A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position. A current résumé. A statement of educational philosophy and/or other supporting material (e.g. articles or speeches) that would be useful to the Search Committee. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.) These materials should be transmitted via email attachment to [email protected]. Note: Candidates who are new to Wickenden Associates are particularly encouraged to initiate the application process as soon as possible and well before the deadline. After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will conduct interviews with selected candidates over the weekend of September 28-29, 2013. Finalists will be invited to Gulliver for a more comprehensive series of interviews shortly thereafter. Ideally, a final selection will be made by November 2013. Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process. 1000 Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08540-7716 Website: www.wickenden.com Fax: 609-683-1351 Email: [email protected] 11 Tel: 609-683-1355
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