Polk County Public Schools is the 8th largest school district in Florida and the 31st largest school district in the United States. We educate more than 97,000 PreK-12 students. Our school district has 160 school sites and more than 13,000 employees. Our operating budget appropriation is $693 million. Our total district budget appropriation is $1.02 billion.
Polk County Public Schools is:

• a three-time recipient of the College Board’s Advanced Placement honors
• winner of the Kennedy Center’s Alliance for Arts Education Network and National School Boards Association Award recognizing school districts with outstanding arts education programs
• a two-time recipient of the American School Board Journal’s Magna Award for efforts to improve educational programs and provide access to digital learning tools

Polk County is located in the heart of central Florida between Tampa and Orlando, approximately equal distance from the east and west coast. Tourism is a strong economic force in Polk County.
Residents and visitors can take short drives to east and west coast beaches, tourist attractions and professional sports venues.
Polk enjoys a rich history in agribusiness and its natural beauty draws nature enthusiasts from near and far.

• Possesses a proven ability to enhance student achievement, especially in identifying and closing/narrowing gaps in student performance
• Maintains a strong commitment to a “student-centered, servant-leadership” philosophy in all decisions
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of culturally diverse students, workforce and community
• Involves all segments of the community to secure partnerships, support and confidence in public schools
• Maintains sound fiscal practices and management of district resources, including appropriate participation of others in planning and decision-making
• Inspires trust, has high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and displays high standards of integrity and personal performance

To provide a high quality education for all students

• Collaboration, Teamwork, and Accountability
• Ethics, Integrity, Commitment, and Dedication
• Service
• Dignity and Respect
• Safe and Orderly
• Learning, Improvement, High Quality, and Excellence

• Master’s degree or equivalent required with Doctorate preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of administrative and supervisory experience with at least five years senior-level experience in a school district of at least 25,000 students or in a comparatively-sized government/business organization
• Background check as mandated by Florida Statute 1012.3

Polk County Public Schools is:

• the 8th largest school district in Florida
• served by more than 26,000 community volunteers
• focused on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics initiatives
• the creator of both career and freshman academies
• home to a “Master Board” named by the Florida School Boards Association
• home to 9,607 Polk County Public School students who performed more than 112,000 hours of community service during 2011-2012
• home to 11 Polk teachers who were Florida teacher of the year finalists, with two winning the state title and one becoming a U.S. finalist
• a three-time winner of the National Blue Ribbon School Award named by the United States Department of Education
• providing a variety of educational opportunities including International Baccalaureate programs, arts programs and other choice program options
• home to numerous distinguished former students including governors, state supreme court justices, city mayors, an Olympic gold medalist, scientists, doctors and many other accomplished individuals spanning a variety of disciplines