Chief Schools Officer - Norfolk - Norfolk Public Schools

Description

Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours/Day; 252 Days/Year; 12 Months/Year; Grade EXEC

DEFINITION

The Chief Schools Officer (CSO) provides executive leadership for the continuous improvement, performance, and well-being of all schools in Norfolk Public Schools. The CSO has direct oversight of school improvement; principal and building-level leadership; principal professional development; student wellness and support services; school attendance and graduation rates; multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS); specialty programs; school accountability; and school accreditation. The CSO ensures that schools are coherently supported, strategically aligned, and held accountable for student outcomes while fostering strong collaboration across the Executive Leadership Team. This position reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools and serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Executive Leadership Team.

SUPERVISION

Executive level duties are performed under the general direction of the Superintendent of Schools. Work is reviewed primarily for compatibility with the school division's goals and objectives and the requirements of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Supervision is exercised through subordinate executive and senior directors, senior coordinators, building administrators, and a staff of professional administrators who serve in a variety of educational specialties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single-position executive class with division-wide responsibility for school leadership, school improvement, student support systems, accountability, accreditation, and the integration of academic and wellness supports to improve student outcomes. The role is distinguished by its emphasis on coherence, cross-departmental collaboration, and direct support of principals as the primary drivers of school improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS

• Lead and implement a comprehensive, data-driven school improvement framework that drives sustained gains in student achievement, student growth, and well-being, including reductions in chronic absenteeism and dropout rates and improvements in graduation outcomes.
• Ensure alignment among the division's Strategic Plan, School Board goals, accreditation requirements, and individual Continuous School Improvement Plans.
• Oversee school accountability systems, including performance monitoring, progress reporting, and continuous improvement cycles.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal accountability and accreditation requirements.
• Ensure the effective management, coaching, and mentorship of school leaders in ways that drive significant student achievement gains.
• Provide direct leadership, supervision, coaching, and evaluation of principals and other building-level leaders.
• Design and oversee a comprehensive system of principal professional development aligned to division priorities, leadership standards, and school improvement needs.
• Build leadership capacity by identifying, developing, mentoring, and retaining highly effective school leaders.
• Support principals in establishing strong instructional programs, positive school culture, effective use of data, and equitable practices.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Department of School Leadership Development (DOSLD), ensuring strategies are student-focused and aligned with each school's mission, core values, academic standards, and goals.
• Develop and lead the DOSLD administrators in their roles as instructional leaders.
• Assist DOSLD staff in developing annual strategic goals as well as plans to meet those goals.
• Oversee DOSLD departmental budget(s); review all personnel requests from principals.
• Oversee student wellness services, including school psychologists, social workers, school nurses, and related student support personnel.
• Ensure the effective design and implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) that integrate academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health supports.
• Monitor the effectiveness of student support services and ensure alignment with school improvement goals and student needs.
• Provide executive oversight of specialty programs to ensure quality, equity, compliance, and alignment with division goals.
• Use data to identify and address opportunity gaps, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality programs and supports.
• Collaborate closely with all chiefs and central office leaders to ensure schools receive coordinated, high-quality support.
• Serve as a key liaison between central office departments and school leaders, ensuring clear communication, responsiveness, and shared accountability.
• Lead assigned departments in setting annual goals, monitoring progress, and adjusting strategies based on evidence.
• Oversee assigned departmental budgets and resource allocation to ensure alignment with school priorities and effectiveness.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, selection, development, and retention of principals and other school-based leaders.
• Stay informed of current educational research, best practices, and legislative developments affecting K–12 education.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with families, community partners, and external agencies to support school improvement and student well-being.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of school administration; comprehensive knowledge of school division objectives, procedures, and organization; comprehensive knowledge of school personnel and administrative practices, procedures and methods; excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with School Board members, school administrators, teachers, staff, and all support staff; ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field and a Master's Degree in School Administration; Doctoral Degree preferred. Five years of experience with a record of effective school leadership preferred. Experience as a building principal required.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

Postgraduate Professional License with an endorsement in administration and supervision PreK-12.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Work requires normal physical attributes associated with working in an office.

HAZARDS

Work involves exposure to normal, everyday risks.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in school and office settings and requires attendance at regularly scheduled after-hours meetings. Work is subject to continuing stress and constant deadlines and may require evening and weekend hours.