Superintendent, Education ​/ Teaching

District or Organization:
Standard School District

Due Date: March 19, 2026

Position Description for Standard School District, Bakersfield, California

The Board of Education of the Standard School District, Bakersfield, California
, is seeking a highly qualified, educational leader to serve as Superintendent
. The Board wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position by July 1, 2026.

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development, has been engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the Board of Education in identifying and screening the candidates.

Location: Bakersfield, California

Apply online at:

The Board recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of the most important decisions it will make. The Board developed the following desired characteristics.

An instructional leader
: who has a proven track record of advancing student achievement. The leader must have the ability to develop the Standard School District and promote a vision for the district that focuses on student excellence and achievement. The Standard School District is looking for an educator who must be knowledgeable and current in curriculum and has demonstrated the ability to collaborate with all relevant education partners.

The next superintendent must know the best practices in teaching and learning, be able to implement effective curriculum and instruction, assist in the selection of purposeful professional development, and employ systems of assessment that effectively result in increased achievement for all students.

A strategic business manager
: who demonstrates vision, operational expertise and the ability to implement long‑range educational and fiscal plans that benefit students. A person who is an influential problem solver in the arenas of fiscal management, school bonds, special education, collective bargaining, facilities, and other operational functions of the district.

Visionary Leader
: A leader who listens and communicates ideas clearly and effectively, seeks and transforms ideas into reality, celebrates innovation, focuses on success, accepts risk and builds a culture of growth and problem solving through continuous improvement. An individual that is able to identify and recruit talent, mentor and empower others by successfully inspiring and motivating them to achieve at high levels.

Will always focus on our students and will craft a direction that inspires and empowers our classroom productivity and performance for all students.

Engaged and Connected to the Community
: A person who is a good listener, open and accessible to all. A leader that is comfortable engaging diverse communities and those with differing opinions. A person with a commitment to working with students, employees, parents and community members from diverse ethnic, racial, gender, and socio‑economic backgrounds. A leader who is able to communicate effectively, motivate, and is a highly visible and vested part of our schools and community.

Salary: $215,000 – $260,000 (Commensurate with experience)

• Closing date for applications:
  March 19, 2026
• Board selects finalists to interview:
  April 7, 2026
• Candidate Interviews:
  April 18 & 19, 2026
• Selection of new Superintendent:
  April 21, 2026
• Start date:
  
  July 1, 2026 at the latest
• Goal setting with the new Superintendent:
  Prior to August 31, 2026

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144

Mr. Ben Johnson II
Dr. Shelley Jones-Holt

The Standard 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.