San Luis Obispo, California
Walnut, California
Walnut, California
Costa Mesa, California
Berkeley, California
Placerville , California
Posted: 17-Apr-26
Location: Tulare, California
Type: Full Time
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
About Sundale
Sundale Union Elementary School District is a highly regarded single-school district
located in Tulare, the heart of California’s Central Valley. Serving 850 students in grades
TK–8, Sundale is known for its strong academic program, close-knit community, and
whole child development program utilizing outstanding hands-on learning opportunities
program that connects students to real-world learning experiences that develop
character and belonging. Together, the Sundale School District and Sundale Foundation
partner to support our youngest learners and school-age students alike with high-quality
care and education.
Mission Statement
Sundale is committed to academic excellence, moral integrity, and the development of
self-worth for students, staff, and the community.
Position Overview
The Board of Trustees seeks a collaborative, student-focused, and visionary leader to
serve as Superintendent. The Superintendent will lead a dedicated staff, engage an
involved community, and build upon the District’s tradition of excellence while preparing
students for future success. The ideal candidate will have a strong appreciation for
agriculture, performing and fine arts, college and career awareness, and sports
programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strong, ethical, transparent and compassionate leadership aligned with
district values. - Be a visionary who is able to project into and plan for the future to see the vision
become reality and build systems that support long term district success. - Maintain and enhance high levels of student academic achievement.
Support and expand Sundale’s signature programs and hands-on learning
opportunities. - Support and provide professional development for administrative management,
certificated and classified employees. - Ensure sound fiscal management and long-term financial stability.
- Foster a positive and safe school culture emphasizing student well-being, staff
support and individuality in and out of the classroom and the value of parent
involvement. - Strongly value and promote growth and mentorship for teachers and classified
staff. - Cultivate and mentor future leaders.
- Build strong relationships with students, families, staff and administrators.
- Develop strong partnerships with families, organizations and the community.
- Oversee curriculum, instruction, intervention, including Special Education.
- Drive innovative use of technology for students and staff.
- Serve as a Board member of the Sundale Foundation and foster a supportive
partnership. - Effectively, innovatively, strategically, as well as unconventionally when needed,
navigate and provide guidance in a complex educational environment, including
local, state, federal laws and regulations. - Manage district resources responsibly and transparently.
- Align resources with district priorities and student needs.
- Oversee and strategically manage the district’s facilities program, including
planning for growth, land acquisition and utilization, asset monetization,
modernization needs and the development of new construction projects.
Personal and Professional Characteristics
- Commitment to promoting traditional family values with a strong sense of integrity
and empathy and the value of people over process. - Honors and advances Sundale’s culture by fostering a family-oriented
environment that prioritizes students, values every individual, and actively
welcomes parents, guardians, and the broader community as partners in
education. Embraces a collaborative ‘all-in’ mindset, where administrators, staff,
and volunteers work together, often in multiple roles, to support student success. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Be approachable.
- Listens actively and is responsive to Board members, leadership team,
students, staff and families. - Support an open door policy.
- Establishes a clear, student centered vision focused on expanding opportunities
and promoting student success. - Commitment to student achievement, character development, and community
engagement. - Builds trust through consistent decision-making and accountability.
- Encourages collaboration, shared decision-making, and empowerment of
students, staff and parents/guardians, when appropriate. - Uses data and evidence, when available.
- Maintains strong relationships with the Board, administration, staff, students,
parents/guardians, Sundale Foundation and community. - Demonstrates a high level of consistent visibility on campus in and out of
classrooms, at school, district, and Sundale Foundation/community events. - Value the importance of experiential based learning experiences that allow for
exploration, such as Sundale’s agricultural, performing and fine arts, college and
career awareness and sports programs. - Adept at problem solving and conflict resolution.
- Skillfully navigate adversarial and confrontational situations in a calm and
confident manner. - Aligns students, staff, families and community members around shared goals.
- Foster trust and a constructive and supportive relationship with the Unions.
- Motivating and can captivate an audience of students, staff,
parents/guardians,community members, and colleagues. - Exhibits a results-driven approach with a commitment to overcoming challenges.
Why Sundale?
1. Close-knit, supportive family atmosphere with strong parent involvement.
2. Unique and highly valued hands-on student programs, such as agriculture,
performing and fine arts, college and career awareness, and sports.
3. Dedicated and passionate staff committed to developing well rounded children
and prompting their success and well being.
4. Opportunity to lead a district where innovation and tradition come together.
5. Value the importance of character development.
6. Supportive and active Board members.
7. Alumni stay connected throughout their lives.
8. Stable staff with relatively low turnover.
9. Strong Fiscal Position
10.Dedicated Foundation works in close partnership to enhance student
development, academic outcomes and future success
Desired Qualifications and Experiences
- Valid California Administrative Services Credential
- Successful experience in a teaching environment, as well as in an administrative
role at the school or district level. - Demonstrates an understanding and ability to oversee the District finances and
human resources. - Knowledge of special education programs and diverse student learning needs.
- Demonstrates courage in making difficult decisions while maintaining respect and
collaboration. - Demonstrate knowledge of curriculum, instruction, intervention, assessment and
instruction improvement. - Understanding District Operations including maintenance, transportation,
nutrition services, technology and student support programs. - Knowledge of California school finance, LCFF and LCAP processes and
Educational laws and policies.
Application Process
Submit the following:
i. District Application
ii. Current resume
iii. Three to five letters of recommendation
iv. Copy of administrative credential
Application Deadline: May 11, 2026
Initial Interviews: May 19, 2026
Follow-up Interviews: June 9, 2026
Anticipated Approval of Candidate June 16, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026 (negotiable)
Submit materials to: superintendent@sundaleschool.com
