Description

Chief Academic Officer of Student Success

West Ada School District
Meridian, Idaho

 Apply online at: www.macnjake.com

 Position Description for West Ada School District– Chief Academic Officer of Student Success 

The West Ada School District, Meridian, Idaho is seeking a highly qualified Chief Academic Officer of Student Success to provide executive leadership and oversight for counseling, security and behavior, special services (including special education), health services, athletics, and alternative schools. This position ensures that comprehensive student support systems are aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan and designed to promote positive student outcomes, engagement, and graduation readiness.  

 McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development are engaged as consultants in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the school district  in identifying and screening the candidates.

 Enrollment: 40,000 students

 Location: Meridian, Idaho

 Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Federal and state laws governing special education, student discipline, health services, and student rights
• Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and integrated student support frameworks
• Crisis management and school safety protocols
• Principles and practices of program development, planning, goal setting, oversight, project management, implementation, contract administration, policy development, and internal controls.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, and personnel management.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, and manage large-scale projects, budgets, and teams with a high level of accountability and effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain effective and exceptional working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Navigate sensitive and high-stakes student matters with discretion and sound judgment
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner and ensure commitment to cultural competency and serving the needs of a diverse student population.
• Think strategically and lead systemic change initiatives in complex educational environments.
• Analyze problems and data, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement educational technology tools.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
   

Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of experience and training would provide the required knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.   

• Master’s Degree in Education or related field, Doctorate in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or related field preferred.
• Valid Idaho Administrative Certificate or eligibility to receive a valid Idaho Administrative Certificate within one year.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in K–12 education, including five years of administrative leadership roles at the building and district level.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing student support services, special education, behavior systems, or related programs.
• Must have valid Idaho driver’s license and provide own transportation for job related activities; job-related travel during the day will be reimbursed at the approved state mileage reimbursement rate.
   

Search Timeline:  

• Closing date for applications: March 25, 2026
• Candidate Presentation: April 2, 2026
• In-Person Interviews for Finalists: Week of April 12, 2026
• Start date: TBD
   

Contact information: 

            McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
            11725 Arbor St., Suite 220
            Omaha, NE 68144
            888-375-4814
            Email: apps@macnjake.com

 School Website: https://www.westada.org/

Consultants:

Dr. Steve Joel             

Mrs. Shar Johns

West Ada School District  is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.