olumbia Independent School Head of School Search...learning community devoted to cultivating young minds and preparing -19 school year, the school celebrated its 20th anniversary

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HISTORY

Founded: 1998

School Type: Coed, Day School

Enrollment: 370 students Lower School (JK - 5th): 213 students Middle School (6th - 8th): 99 students Upper School (9th - 12th): 58 students

Faculty: 40 full-time faculty; 11 part-time

Faculty with advanced degrees: 75% - Including three individuals with PhDs

Diversity: 32% students of color

Tuition: Lower School (grades JK-5): $13,500 Upper and Middle School (grades 6-12): $15,300

Financial Aid: 19%

Operating Budget: $4.8M

Membership: ISACS, NAIS, ICAISA

CIS At A Glance

1801 N Stadium Blvd | Columbia, Missouri | cislions.org

Columbia Independent School Head of School Search

1801 N Stadium Blvd | Columbia, Missouri Applications Due: November 16, 2019 Start Date: July 1, 2020

Columbia Independent School (CIS) originated in 1996, when a group of thirty-two families, led by Mr. Justin Perry, came together to create a new educational opportunity in Columbia, Missouri. In the fall of 1998, CIS opened its doors in Hickman Hall on the Stephens College campus to 55 students in grades six through nine, with a faculty of 16 teachers. In 2002, CIS established its lower school program in the previous Sacred Heart Parish School building. Columbia Independent School moved to its current building on North Stadium Boulevard in 2009, unifying the junior kindergarten through 12th grade students under one roof. The close-knit community and seamless learning environment is ideal for cross-divisional activities, which promote intellectual and character growth. Now home to more than 370 students and their families, CIS is a vibrant learning community devoted to cultivating young minds and preparing students for college life and beyond. During the 2018-19 school year, the school celebrated its 20th anniversary.

MISSION

To guide students in the pursuit of excellence through academic, physical, and creative achievement while exemplifying a commitment to integrity, trust, and responsibility. To encourage students to realize the joy of living through personal achievement and service to others, in preparation for higher learning and community life.

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PHILOSOPHICAL PRINCIPLES

CIS is one school, junior kindergarten through 12th grade, sharing a common mission that is implemented in an age-appropriate manner. While identifying with a grade level, division, or discipline, the faculty share a commitment to the entire school.

CIS believes that learning is a life-long process and the best way to help students realize a passion for learning is for teaching and learning to be personalized. Our faculty is supported in this by a student load and teaching schedule that allows for a high level of individual attention.

CIS curriculum is designed by the faculty, based on the skills and content that a graduate is expected to possess. It is integrated within departments and across divisions. It is designed to promote depth of understanding rather than a superficial acquaintance and students demonstrate mastery in a variety of ways.

CIS values its students as

individuals. Faculty engage students in multiple contexts (e.g., as teachers, advisors, coaches, etc.). Each student is known and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to our community.

CIS is attentive to the emotional and physical health of our students. This includes creating an environment that is physically, intellectually, and morally safe.

CIS consciously works to create a culture of integrity, trust, and responsibility.

CIS and its families are engaged in a partnership to support the education of their students/children. Families actively support the school not only through volunteer activities, but by creating a climate at home that values education and supports the mission of the school.

CIS appreciates the benefits of being an inclusive community and enables all members of the community to use their unique talents in support of our educational endeavor.

CIS faculty model the life-long learning that it aspires to for our graduates. As an institution, CIS supports the faculty’s professional development both through fiscal resources and through time for collective planning and reflection.


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PROGRAM

Lower School The lower school provides opportunities for children to develop academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. Consistent and rigorous standards promote student responsibility for the development of a positive self-image and the realization of each child’s intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and creative potential. Through shared standards and open communication, parents are engaged as partners in this process. Students are actively engaged in the learning process through experiences that promote analytical and critical thinking, risk taking, investigation, individual creativity, cooperation, and collaboration. The inculcation of a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently are priorities. The faculty use a variety of

instructional strategies to overcome weaknesses and build on strengths. Curriculum reviews are updated yearly and reflect the impact of change on basic content and instructional practice. The lower school curriculum includes daily experiences in language arts, mathematics, and social studies. Students attend a media center class once a week, science, modern languages, art, and music/drama classes two to three times a week, and physical education classes two to three times a week.

The lower school teaches children compassion for others, as well as appreciation of differences among people; a high value is placed on character education and multicultural understanding. Daily, whole school discussions revolve around character traits. Lower School teachers are trained in the implementation of Responsive Classroom. Through careful attention to the whole child, the faculty and staff strive to produce academically well-prepared graduates who are thoughtful, motivated, productive, and self-confident young people.


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Middle School The middle school offers an educational program that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and artistic development of each student. The curriculum is designed by the faculty and based on the skills and content that a graduate is expected to possess, as well as specific content areas. It is also integrated and aligned within departments and across school divisions, with an emphasis on promoting depth of understanding rather than a superficial breadth of topics. Beginning in sixth grade, CIS students take an Introduction to Latin course that focuses on the basics of Latin grammar, as well as Roman culture and mythology. Sixth grade students also take a course titled “Learn to Learn” that is designed to promote the growth of executive functioning skills, as well as the use of high-value study strategies.

There is a range of extra-curricular activities from which students may choose including: art, band, choir, Cube Fundamentals (see “The Center for Innovation, Investigation, and Inspiration” below). Upper School The upper school program builds on the middle school program, while adding both depth and breadth to the range of academic and extra-curricular offerings. As a college preparatory school, CIS is committed to offering courses that challenge

each student, provide instruction and practice while promoting mastery in foundational knowledge and skills across the curriculum. While CIS upper school students excel in academics and standardized testing with an average ACT score near a 30 and National Merit finalists in most school years, CIS students benefit most from the range of opportunities available to them. While AP courses are a part of the curriculum beginning in 10th grade, non-AP options also exist for students to challenge themselves in topics in science, history, math, English, and languages. The upper school program is highlighted by several signature programs.


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Intersession Columbia Independent School offers educational experiences that challenge students intellectually while also providing opportunities to develop the problem-solving and collaboration skills necessary for success. The CIS Intersession program helps students in grades 9-12 broaden their horizons and think beyond the classroom walls.

Held the week prior to Spring Break, the week-long Intersession courses blend problem-based and experiential learning. Students take a break from their usual classes and select the course that interests them most. The program partners with local organizations and experts throughout the week to enrich the experience. Past Intersession courses have included CIS CSI (Crime Scene Investigation), Food Around the World,

News/Documentary Making 101, Fashion Design, Game Theory/Escape Room, Astronomy 101, Sustainability, Wilderness Survival, Fractally Speaking, and Interior Design. Fellows Program CIS offers 10 annual fellowships to students in the Upper School. The merit-based fellowships feature a $2,000 scholarship, a $500 stipend, and the opportunity to create and execute a project related to one of five unique features of the CIS curriculum. Current and new students entering 9th through 12th grade may apply in the spring for fellowships beginning in the fall. As part of the application, the students must propose a research or service project for one of five areas. If selected, the student will work with a designated teacher/mentor to develop a project description, a budget, and a timeline for completion. Each April, upper school fellows present the results of their project during Fellow’s Day.


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Center for Inspiration, Innovation, and Investigation (The Cube) Commonly referred to as “The Cube”, the CIS maker space is used by students at all grade levels. From early introduction to coding classes to Lego robotics to self-guided projects, students may take both elective courses in The Cube, as

well as units that are integrated into the larger CIS curriculum. Annually, students display their work in The Cube at the CIS STEAM Night. Global Perspectives The Global Perspective program at CIS spans the JK – 12th grades. At the upper school level, 9th grade students take a Global Current events elective course. CIS has maintained a long-term relationship with Be the Change Volunteers, a local non-profit that focuses on building schools in partnership with other NGOs around the world. Students in 9th – 12th grade

participate in annual service trip with Be the Change, most recently establishing a multi-year project in El Chino, Peru. CIS faculty and staff help to lead these service trips. Learning Support Learning support at CIS is a collaboration with the division directors, classroom teachers, and the learning coach. The learning support program provides additional instruction for students, and coaching for teachers as they support the students within their classrooms. Additionally, students may take advantage of the Student Success Center after school to receive additional homework and organizational help.


House System

CIS students and faculty participate in the CIS House System. The students are placed into one of 15 Houses composed of students from grades JK-12th. Throughout the year the students and faculty meet for House meetings and compete together in House challenges during All School Assemblies. Houses create stronger bonds among house members and increase school spirit. The culminating event is House Day, which is held on the last day of the school year. It's a day of fun, competition, and camaraderie that is followed by an ice cream social!

STUDENT LIFE

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Arts At CIS arts education is an integral part of the instructional program that begins in junior kindergarten and continues through 12th grade. CIS is dedicated to providing a challenging curriculum, which inspires academic and artistic excellence from students. The fine arts faculty members are highly trained, experienced professionals who support and promote the CIS mission to guide students in the pursuit of excellence through creative achievement in music, visual arts, and drama. Athletics Athletics are a key component of the CIS community, with many middle and upper school students participating in at least one sport during the regular academic year. Teamwork, effort, and personal achievement define their athletics program, as CIS seeks to build not just athletes, but exemplary all-around

students. CIS has a no-cut policy, encouraging individual growth and excellence, while also learning to play within the context of a team. CIS offers five sports overseen by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA). CIS currently has three co-op arrangements for swimming, track, and golf with local high schools that allow students to participate in MSHAA-recognized activities not currently offered at Columbia Independent School.


CIS kicked off the 2019-20 school year with a record enrollment of 370 students from Junior Kindergarten through 12th Grade. With 213 students in lower school, 99 in middle school, and 58 in the upper school, our total enrollment represents a 5% increase over the prior year. Students come from various socio-economic, religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds and hail from Central Missouri and around the world. Students of color comprise 32% of the CIS population.

ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT

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DEVELOPMENT

Interest in CIS is strong, boasting 119 applications for the 19-20 school year, with 97 students accepted and 73 enrolled. While the attrition rate between 18-19 and 19-20 was close to 14%, with around one third of departing students moving away from the area, lower school has sustained waiting lists in JK and K for the past several years and lower school enrollment is nearing capacity. Lower and middle school attrition is in part due to the transiency of the college community. While attrition from 8th to 9th grade has been an area of focus, last year more students continued on to the Upper School than those that opted for the public high schools. Upper school enrollment has grown from 35 to 58 in recent years. Continuing to grow the upper school will be a priority for the incoming head of school.


CIS has a supportive and engaged school community, investing both time and financial resources into the success of its faculty and students. Annual giving for the school has increased in the last five years, with a goal of $165,000 for the 2019-2020 academic year. There is loyal and enthusiastic group of parents and community members who generously support the major fundraising events. For example, the 2018-19 fundraising activities generated $360,000 in revenue and $135,000 in donations for various capital and operational expenses.

In 2017, CIS completed a $2.3 million campaign to fund the Athletics and Arts Center addition. Currently, the school is engaged in the Roaring into the Future campaign, a $500,000 campaign to fund capital improvements to the building, create additional classroom spaces, and renovate the library and media center with a projected completion of Summer 2020.

GOVERNANCE

The board takes an intentional approach to good governance through formal orientation of new trustees, bi-annual self-evaluation, annual head of school evaluation and adherence to the NAIS Principles of Good Practice. Good governance, especially a clear understanding of the distinct roles and responsibilities of the head and the board, forms the foundation of a supportive and productive leadership structure at Columbia Independent School. Board membership ranges from nine to fifteen members, who may each serve three consecutive three-year terms. Standing committees of the board include: executive, finance, audit, governance, development and facilities.

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FINANCE

With five consecutive years of enrollment growth, an intentional approach to tuition assistance, a balanced budget, and prudent financial management from the board, Columbia Independent School is in the strongest financial position since its inception. The operating budget is approaching $5 million, and CIS efficiently uses its resources to ensure that curriculum and instruction continue to improve and excel, while enhancing faculty and staff salaries and benefits. The

most recent strategic plan prioritized attracting and retaining amazing faculty and staff, and the board has improved benefits related to salary, professional development, classroom supplies, and health benefits over the past several years. The school offers employees health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement contributions, and tuition remission for faculty children. A new head of school will be able to build upon this stable financial foundation, while establishing an endowment to sustain growth and prepare for the future.


COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

Columbia Independent School is located in Columbia, Missouri. This quintessential college town is home to the University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College. Columbia is unusual in that it enjoys remarkable economic stability due to careful planning, steady growth, and a very favorable mix of leading employers in education, insurance administration and healthcare. A relatively low cost of living and the availability of diverse, affordable housing options further enhance the economic appeal of Columbia. Columbia is a sports-minded town with excellent venues for both athletes and spectators. Joggers, walkers and bikers enjoy the many parks and trails in Columbia, including the MKT nature/fitness trail. The trail is directly accessible from downtown Columbia and connects with

the Katy Trail State Park, a 185 mile rails-to-trails conversion that stretches across the state along the scenic Missouri River. Additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, boating, fishing, hiking and hunting, are available within an hour’s drive from Columbia. Columbia boasts a vibrant downtown, home to a growing arts community, varied music venues, an independent film theater, and many unique dining and shopping opportunities. Columbia is also home to various music and film festivals and is in close proximity to St. Louis and Kansas City. Whether it’s economic prosperity, quality of life or cultural amenities – Columbia is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the nation.

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FUTURE LEADERSHIP OF THE SCHOOL

Columbia Independent School seeks a Head of School who will honor and preserve the CIS traditions while leading and advancing the school. The ideal candidate will be an inspiring leader who will take a strong school, the only independent school in Columbia, MO, and advance it.

The Board of Trustees of Columbia Independent School is conducting a national search to identify a new Head of School. Joan Beauregard and Doug Cummings of Educators’ Collaborative solicited input from stakeholders during an on-campus visit and gathered additional input from constituents by way of an online survey. These constituents included faculty, staff, administrators, parents, trustees and student leaders. Based on this input, impressions of the consultants, as well as input from the Head of School Search Committee, the following represents a summary of Columbia

Independent School’s strengths, challenges and opportunities and the qualities and skills of the next Head of School. Strengths of the School A vibrant learning environment that brings out the best in children. A school

where children are known, loved, challenged and supported on the journey to adulthood.

Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff and a supportive parent community that is committed to preparing students for the rigorous academic life in college and success in a global world.

An intentional culture with a thoughtfully crafted curriculum designed to stretch the mind of every child. A Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade program which provides challenges and support for all levels of development, learning styles and differences.

A school that believes in inclusiveness and wants to continue to explore the areas for increased understanding of the importance of DEI work.

Caring, dedicated, inspired teachers who enjoy working at Columbia Independent School and are committed to the school’s continued growth in enrollment and programs.


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A culture where teachers enjoy professional autonomy with accountability as they work collaboratively for the good of the students and who desire a leader who will support their work and growth as educators.

A strong Board of Trustees committed to CIS and its leader while working within the boundaries of best practices of independent school governance.

A beautiful facility and vibrant learning community where the students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential academically, creatively, socially, emotionally and physically.

A fiscally sound school with debt that is intentional and managed within the annual budget.

A successful, well loved, Head of School who determined that it was the right time for change in CIS’ leadership and will work with the head-elect for a smooth transition of leadership at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

Additionally and equally important, CIS is located in a quintessential college town home to three colleges. Columbia, a vibrant town, home to arts and music venues, an independent film festival, is experiencing economic prosperity and offers a healthy quality of life.

Challenges and Opportunities for the next Head of School Evaluate and develop, where needed, clear communications with (and within)

the different constituencies to continue to support a trusting, understanding, engaged and supportive school community.

Continue the work on building the enrollment in the Upper School. Provide leadership and support of the school’s commitment to diversity and

inclusion in the faculty, staff, student body and parent community. Provide leadership

and support to review, enhance and expand curriculum and program offerings.

Continue developing and instituting an effective professional evaluation system, which includes professional development support.


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Continue strong budgetary leadership and oversight. Ensure the financial sustainability of the school through careful analysis of tuition levels, financial aid, fundraising and additional sources of revenue.

Continue to lead development and fundraising efforts particularly evaluating the need and right time to start a Capital Campaign, which will make it possible for CIS to expand its program spaces and physical boundaries.

Continue to support the evaluation of campus and plant needs.

Boost awareness for Columbia Independent School and its strong reputation within the local and state educational communities.

Qualifications and Attributes of the Next Head of School A humble, approachable leader who demonstrates understanding and

enthusiasm in working with CIS students of all ages. An astute listener and observer who takes the time to understand the culture

and community of Columbia Independent School. An innovative, visionary leader who inspires others by example. An outgoing personality with a genuine desire to become immersed in the

local communities to CIS. An experienced school leader who enjoys engagement in the school

community at every level and is willing to wear many hats. A leader who is an articulate spokesperson for CIS in the school community

and beyond. A proven record of identifying, developing, and motivating a talented faculty

and staff for CIS. Possess strong interpersonal, presentation and written communication skills

necessary to facilitate work with all constituencies within the walls of CIS and the educational world beyond.

A leader with the desire and skillset to encourage and facilitate conversations in the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, realizing its important in a school committed to graduating students with a global perspective.

Possess financial acumen and working knowledge of school budgeting, finance, plant maintenance and fiscally sound management.

A leader who has a strong knowledge of fundraising and marketing and desires a critical leadership role in both of these areas.


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SUMMARY OF THE SEARCH PROCESS

Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials by December 2, 2019: EC Cover/Summary Sheet (Contact Doug Cummings or Joan Beauregard for

that document) A cover letter addressed to the Search Committee Resume Statement of educational philosophy A list of five or more references with contact information (including phone

numbers and email addresses) Up to three letters of reference may be submitted Application materials are to be sent electronically via email, as a single WORD document to:

Doug Cummings, Partner, Educators’ Collaborative, LLC [email protected]

or

Joan Beauregard, Partner, Educators’ Collaborative, LLC [email protected]

Candidates are encouraged to speak personally with Doug Cummings (207-564-9000) or Joan Beauregard (206-851-6616)

By early December, the Search Committee plans to identify a preliminary list of candidates whom they will interview. From this group they will narrow the selection to candidates who will be invited to the School for further interviews. The Trustees expect to reach a decision and appoint a Head-Elect by the end of January, 2020, with the term of office to commence on or about July 1, 2020. Salary and benefits are competitive. Columbia Independent School is an equal opportunity employer.


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olumbia Independent School Head of School Search...learning community devoted to cultivating young minds and preparing -19 school year, the school celebrated its 20th anniversary