Invitation to Apply

Director of Finance and Operations

White Bear Lake Area SchoolsIndependent School District 624

*Classroom Instruction and Pupil & Instructional Support costs represent 76% of the District’s expenses, which ranks the district among the highest in the Metro for general fund revenue invested directly into the classroom.

2012 REVENUE BY SOURCE 2012 EXPENSE BY PROGRAM

Transportation6%

Administration5%

District Support2%

State57%

Property Taxes31%

Other5%

Federal 7%

Pupil & Instructional Support

9%*

Classroom Instruction

67%*

Building Operations

11%

White Bear Lake Area Schools remains committed to fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget to ensure maximum resources reach our classrooms.

Integrity&Stewardship

12 Years WBLAS is the only Minnesota school district to receive Excellence in Financial Reporting awards from both the Association of School Business Officials and the Government Finance Officers Association for 12 consecutive years. These are the highest forms of recognition in this area.

AA Bond Rating The District was awarded a AA bond rating from Standard and Poor’s in 2008, 2011 and 2012. Only 12 districts in the state have a rating of AA or higher, which puts us in the top 3%.

Community SupportOur supportive community passed a local operating levy renewal with 73% approval in November, 2011.

District 624 serves the communities of Birchwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and White Bear Township.

Strategic PlanEngaged community members and staff helped the District formulate a strategic plan in 2010-11, with work continuing on six strategies:• Develop a comprehensive understanding

of our students’ needs and interests to ensure students are challenged and excelling academically.

• Create and implement a plan for global experiences and relationships to further understand world connections.

• Ensure our facilities support our district’s mission and objectives.

• Create a district-wide culture that inspires innovation, a passion for learning, and confidence to pursue dreams.

• Build a network of partnerships to provide personal and educational growth and service opportunities for students.

• Foster connections with and among students and staff members to ensure all feel valued, supported and understood; and we will establish an environment that cultivates understanding and respect for differences among people.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPENINGfor

Director of Finance and Operations

Position DescriptionWhite Bear Lake Area Schools, an innovative district with a legacy of excellence, is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations to lead and supervise financial operations, building operations, transportation and nutrition services. The Director works directly under the Superintendent, shall have the responsibility for department strategy development and execution and administering the business and financial affairs of the school system to provide the outstanding, sustainable programs and services with stewardship of financial resources. The Director’s primary responsibilities include financial accounting and controls, budgeting; analysis and reporting; insurance; negotiation and financial management of contracts; and general administration.

The District’s OrganizationWhite Bear Lake Area Schools is a progressive PreK-12 District of 8,500 students in the northeastern suburb of the city of St. Paul and is within twenty (20) minutes of the Twin Cities. The White Bear Lake Area school system consists of nine K-5 elementary buildings serving approximately 3,600 students. In addition to the elementary schools, the district has two early childhood centers, two middle schools (6-8), one high school with two campuses, and an area learning center.

The White Bear Lake Area Schools community demonstrated strong support in the Fall of 2011 when it approved an operating levy with a 73% approval rating. The School Board approved a 5 year strategic plan in the Spring 2011 which helps guide our programming and initiatives. In addition, the District has experienced area leading improved measurements of student success.

Financially, White Bear Lake Area Schools has demonstrated strong stewardship to our communities. The District was awarded a AA bond rating from Standard and Poor’s in 2008, 2011 and 2012. We are the only Minnesota district to be recognized for excellence in financial reporting by the Association of School Business Officials and Government Finance Officers Association for 12 consecutive years.

Leading minds to learning, hearts to compassion and lives to community service

ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPENINGfor

Director of Finance and Operations

Desired Education & QualificationsA qualified candidate must have Master’s degree (ideally MBA) with emphasis in business administration, accounting, or related field and extensive experience working as a financial manager in the public sector or educational setting or equivalent combination of education and experience; strongly prefer Certified Public Accountant certification.

Proven record of collaborative leadership with a strong commitment to the District’s mission and vision. Results driven business leader with demonstrated experience and commitment to, operational and financial excellence and the use of data and assessment to drive operational and financial decisions. Evidence of ability to think conceptually and articulate ideas and recommendations in written communications and reports, and oral presentations to diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability in a leadership role requiring evaluation, supervision, negotiation, and management of human capital and fiscal operations. Technological proficiency in financial management and HR software. A person of personal and professional integrity.

Salary and Terms of ContractSalary and Benefit package: Regionally competitive.

Selection Procedure and AppointmentPlease complete the application process on-line at our website: www.whitebear.k12.mn.us. The application will allow electronic uploads of your cover letter, comprehensive personal resume and four letters of recommendation which are required attachments. Please address your requests for information and supporting materials to: Christina Picha, Director of Human Resources, ISD 624, 4855 Bloom Avenue., White Bear Lake, MN 55110; chris.picha@isd624.org; 651-407-7550.

CLOSING DATE: Upon Hire

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Leading minds to learning, hearts to compassion and lives to community service

AYP Met the Federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) threshold in 2012 for the third year in a row. White Bear was one of only two school districts in the East Metro area to do so for all three years.

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 2011-12

Enrollment 8,022

% Free/Reduced Lunch 27.3%English Languge Learner 4.7%Special Education 12.5%

American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.8%

Asian/Pacific Islander 7.7%

Hispanic 4.0%

Black (non-Hispanic) 5.6%

White (non-Hispanic) 81.9%

District Mission The mission of the White Bear Lake Area School District, a leader in innovative education and community partnerships, is to ensure our students:» develop a love for learning,» excel academically,» are inspired to realize their dreams and» become engaged citizens with a global understandingby challenging each student within a dynamic, respectful and inclusive environment that nurtures the unique talents and abilities of every student.

$1.4 million

The total value of credits earned by WBLAHS students in CIS and AP courses during 2011-12 was $1.4 million at University of Minnesota tuition rates.

Core Values The White Bear Lake Area School District builds quality lives and strong communities through compassion, integrity, respect, responsibility and service.

STAFF PROFILE 2011-12 District 624 State

Teachers with Master’s Degrees 73% 54%

Teachers with fewer than 3 years experience 8% 7%

Teachers with more than 10 years experience 65% 62%

Teachers meeting federal “Highly Qualified” requirements 100% 98%

STUDENT ENROLLMENT 2011-12

Elementary (Grades K-5) 3,653

Middle School (Grades 6-8) 1,745

High School (Grades 9-12) 2,597

Transition Plus (Special Ed - Ages 18-21) 27

DISTRICT TOTAL 8,022

White Bear Lake Area SchoolsIndependent School District 624

4855 Bloom AvenueWhite Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110

www.isd624.org