Description
Barneveld School District Superintendent Search – 2027-28 School Year
Strong Culture. Growing Community. Opportunities for Every Student.
The Barneveld School District Board of Education, in partnership with CESA 3, is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the district’s next Superintendent beginning July 1, 2027.
Barneveld is looking for a student-centered, strategic, and relationship driven leader who can build upon a strong school culture while helping the district prepare for continued growth and future opportunities.
Applicants should hold, or demonstrate eligibility to obtain, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction licensure as a District Administrator prior to beginning employment.
District and Community Overview
The Barneveld School District serves approximately 400 students in a close-knit community located just minutes from Madison. The district combines the relationships and identity of a small community with access to the educational, economic, and cultural opportunities of the greater Madison region.
Barneveld is a community with significant potential for continued growth. It is home to Vortex Optics, an internationally recognized employer that continues to grow and contributes to the economic vitality of the area.
The district operates with an approximate annual budget of $8.7 million. In 2024, the Barneveld community approved a $1 million recurring operational referendum, demonstrating strong community support for maintaining educational opportunities and investing in the future of its schools.
The relationship between the district and the greater Barneveld community is an important part of its identity. Through the #BeBarneveld philosophy, the school and community support one another and take pride in their students, programs, and shared success.
Barneveld believes the purpose of education is to provide students with the tools necessary to have meaningful choices after high school.
That commitment is reflected in students who successfully pursue college and other postsecondary opportunities while also having access to outstanding career and technical education experiences. Barneveld students have earned national recognition in Career and Technical Education, including multiple SkillsUSA National Championships.
School culture, relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to students are central to the Barneveld experience.
Mission
It is the intent of the Barneveld School District to empower each student with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills for becoming a lifelong learner by providing an environment that values curiosity, challenge, cooperation, respect, and creative and critical thinking.
Golden Eagle Core Values and District Priorities
The district’s work is organized around five major areas:
Teaching & Learning
Enhance curriculum and instruction through diverse teaching methods, professional development, collaborative learning environments, and the use of assessment to monitor student progress.
School Culture & Support
Prioritize student well-being and create a supportive and inclusive environment that addresses the needs of students while encouraging family involvement.
Career & Future Ready
Provide students with current technology, learning experiences, career preparation, and opportunities that prepare them for the workforce, college, technical education, and other pathways after graduation.
Community & Communications
Strengthen communication with families and the greater community, promote district accomplishments, and keep stakeholders informed and involved.
Facilities & Operations
Maintain safe, efficient, sustainable, and effective facilities and operations that support student learning and long-term district needs.
Desired Leadership Profile
The Barneveld School District Board of Education is seeking a superintendent who understands that sustained success requires both effective organizational leadership and an intentional commitment to school culture.
The Board identified strategic planning, school finance, communicating a vision, student centered leadership, conflict resolution, and supervisory skills among its highest leadership priorities. Transparency, confidence, listening and empathy, consideration of multiple perspectives, and promoting team success were also highly valued.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
A strong student-centered philosophy and a commitment to providing students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and opportunities necessary to have meaningful choices after high school.
The ability to protect, strengthen, and intentionally develop a positive school culture.
Strong strategic planning skills and the ability to prepare the district for future opportunities, enrollment changes, and potential community growth.
A strong understanding of Wisconsin school finance, budgeting, revenue limits, operational referenda, forecasting, and long-range financial planning
The ability to responsibly steward an approximately $8.7 million district budget and the community investment represented by the district’s $1 million recurring operational referendum.
The ability to establish, communicate, and build support for a clear vision for the future of the district.
A strong commitment to high quality teaching and learning, professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement
An appreciation for college, career, technical education, and other pathways that expand opportunities for students.
Strong supervisory skills and the ability to develop, support, motivate, and empower appropriately hold staff accountable.
The ability to address conflicts directly, professionally, and constructively.
Strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to make difficult decisions when necessary.
A transparent leadership style that builds trust with the Board, staff, students, families, and community
Strong listening and interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to consider multiple perspectives.
The ability to receive feedback and disagreement without taking issues personally.
The confidence to provide leadership while also promoting collaboration, shared ownership, and team success.
The ability to develop strong partnerships with families, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
An understanding of facilities and operational planning and their role in supporting current programs and future district needs.
An appreciation for the traditions, relationships, community support, and pride represented by #BeBarneveld
Candidates are asked to submit the following materials:
Three letters of recommendation
Three additional professional references separate from the individuals providing letters of recommendation.
A resume
A cover letter addressing:
Leadership purpose and philosophy
Why Barneveld
Priorities for students and staff
Experience leading strategically and managing school district finances.
How the candidate builds trust and develops strong relationships with a Board of Education, staff, families, and community
How the candidate would support and strengthen the culture and opportunities represented by #BeBarneveld
Application Process
Please submit all application materials via email with email attachments by 4 pm on Friday, October 16, 2026
Email: jnutter@cesa3.org
Subject Line: Barneveld Superintendent Search
Please Call Dr. Jamie Nutter with any question about the posting at 608-822-3276.
Application and Selection Timeline
The following timeline is provided to assist candidates with planning. Specific dates may be adjusted as the search progresses.
Week of September 14, 2026
Position posted and application period begins.
Week of October 12, 2026
Application Closes Friday, October 16, 2026 by 4 pm.
Weeks of October 19 and October 26, 2026
Candidate screening, reference review, and due diligence.
Week of November 2, 2026
Candidate slate presented to the Board of Education and candidates selected for interviews.
Interview and Selection Timeline
November 9, 2026
First round Board interviews. The Board anticipates interviewing six to eight candidates.
Week of November 23, 2026
Finalist interviews. The process is anticipated to include multiple opportunities for finalists to interact with representatives of the district and community, along with additional Board interviews.
Week of November 30, 2026
Final Board consideration, contract discussions, and selection process.
December 2026
Contract approval and initial transition planning.
The Board’s goal is to complete the superintendent selection process by mid-December.
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2027, or as negotiated with the Board of Education.
Requirements
Applicants should hold, or demonstrate eligibility to obtain, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction licensure as a District Administrator prior to beginning employment.
