Job Description:

 Superintendent of SchoolsHolbrook Unified School District #3 (HUSD) | Holbrook, Arizona

Holbrook Unified School District #3 (HUSD) is seeking a highly experienced, visionary, and culturally competent Superintendent to lead our diverse district of approximately 1,700 students. Located in Navajo County along the historic Route 66, HUSD serves a unique and geographically expansive area (over 1,500 square miles), encompassing the City of Holbrook, several surrounding communities, and a significant portion of the Navajo Nation. The District motto, "Helping Unique Students Develop," is central to our mission and guides our commitment to personalized student success.

I. DISTRICT STRENGTHS AND UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIESA. Deep Cultural Diversity and Community Connection

HUSD’s greatest strength is its student body, which is approximately 60% Native American, 21% Hispanic, 12% Anglo, 6% Muti-Racial and 1% Black and Asian. This rich diversity fosters an environment that values cultural identity and requires responsive, inclusive leadership. The Superintendent will have the immediate opportunity to strengthen partnerships with tribal governments and local communities.

B. Robust Program Offerings

The District maintains a strong focus on preparing all students for post-secondary success through comprehensive academic and vocational programs:

• Career and Technical Education (CTE): Extensive offerings, including but not limited to Automotive Repair, Business Management, Engineering, Construction Technology, Welding, Early Childhood Development, Technology, Stage Craft,  and Sports Medicine, preparing students for immediate career entry and/or post-secondary education.

• College Readiness: Strong pathways through Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Dual Enrollment programs in partnership with Northland Pioneer College including concurrent enrollment taught by teachers at Holbrook High School.

• Student Support: A commitment to the whole child is evidenced by after-school tutoring, extensive extracurricular activities, and a dedicated focus on providing support for federally connected students (receiving significant Impact Aid funding).

• Facilities: Includes state-of-the-art facilities like the George Gardner Performing Arts Center, sports facilities, and well kept buildings for student success.

C. Financial Stability and Support

HUSD is a fiscally stable school district with an annual budget of $25 to $30 million annually.  State funding comprises 40% of the overall budget. Holbrook USD #3 is a major recipient of Federal Impact Aid funding, compensating for the large percentage of tax-exempt federal and tribal lands within its boundaries. This reliable federal funding stream along with other federal funding provides an additional 40% of the overall budget capacity at HUSD #3. Federal funding provides the flexibility to support innovative instructional programs, maintain smaller class sizes (average 22:1 student-to-teacher ratio), and offer competitive professional development opportunities.  Local effort comprises the additional 20% of the overall budget through local property taxes which the local communities have supported overrides the past 40 years.

II. FOCUS AREAS FOR RECRUITMENT

The Governing Board seeks a Superintendent who is prepared to lead a complex, high-needs, and geographically spread-out district. The ideal candidate will demonstrate success in the following critical areas:

1. Instructional Leadership & Achievement Gap Closure

• Goal: Drive significant, measurable improvement in academic outcomes across all subgroups, particularly focusing on increasing proficiency rates in reading and mathematics.

• Recruitment Focus: Seeking a leader with a proven track record of implementing effective, data-driven instructional models and managing differentiated programs (Title I, Gifted, Special Education) that accelerate student growth in diverse settings.

2. Cultural Competency and Tribal Relations

• Goal: Foster authentic, respectful, and effective partnerships with the Navajo Nation and other tribal entities to ensure educational programs honor and support Native American culture and identity.

• Recruitment Focus: Must possess exceptional skills in cross-cultural communication, a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of federally impacted schools (tribal relations, Impact Aid, etc.), and a commitment to integrating culturally responsive practices.

3. Fiscal Management and Resource Maximization

• Goal: Strategically manage the district’s finances, maximizing the benefit of Impact Aid and other federal and state funding sources to directly support the classroom environment.

• Recruitment Focus: Requires an executive with expertise in complex public finance, long-range facility planning (for a large geographic area), and securing resources necessary for rural infrastructure and technology.

4. Organizational Management  

• Goal: Strategically manage the district’s organizational management systems including facility management, transportation systems, technology, and food service programs.

• Recruitment Focus: Requires an executive with expertise to oversee organizational management of large transportation systems, complex technology systems, facility management, and food service operations.

5. Staff Development and Retention in a Rural Setting

• Goal: Strengthen the professional pipeline by actively recruiting, mentoring, and retaining high-quality certified teachers and administrators in a geographically isolated environment.

• Recruitment Focus: Looking for a leader who can leverage competitive salary structures, robust professional development (including annual professional development and a 2+ year mentoring program), and collaborative instructional leadership to create a supportive and desirable working culture.

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Goal: Serve as the chief advocate and communicator for HUSD, building trust and transparency with parents, local businesses, the City of Holbrook, and the numerous communities within the district's 1,500 square miles.

• Recruitment Focus: A highly visible and approachable leader who can effectively articulate the district's vision, manage public relations, and unify diverse stakeholder groups around common goals.

III.     Community Profile  

Cherished for its roadside Americana charm, Holbrook sits within the Painted Desert, a remarkable area of rocky badlands that stretches from the Grand Canyon to the Navajo Nation.  Holbrook. It’s a canvas painted with mid-century Route 66 kitsch, Wild West characters, and unforgettable landscapes. In 1881, the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad laid its tracks through the area. The following year a railroad station was built and the small settlement was called Holbrook in honor of H.R. Holbrook, the first chief engineer of the railroad. When Route 66 made its appearance, the narrow strip of asphalt became a symbol of hope to the city and the many travelers of the Mother Road.

Today Holbrook is home to 4,858 people They enjoy educational opportunities and multiple other attractions. Its location along I-40 makes this Navajo county seat an ideal hub for many area attractions. Holbrook offers a great opportunity to explore Navajo, Hopi and Apache country, Southwestern cultures,, and many natural wonders such as the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest National Park, and the nearby Canyon De Chelly. Holbrook is located 90 miles from Flagstaff and offers additional opportunities for shopping, tourism and access to Northern Arizona University.

More information about the community is available at  https://www.visitarizona.com/places/cities/holbrook, https://www.holbrookazchamber.org/ and https://www.tribunenewsnow.com/

IV.  District Operational Information

FY 2026

Primary Tax Rate: 4.4400    

Secondary Tax Rate:    2.8608

Maintenance and Operation Budget  $23,451,569

Unrestricted Capital Budget  $1,186,116

Federal Budget $6,000,000  

Average Salary of All Teachers in FY 24 $62,516*

*Excludes extra duty stipends, reported by AZ Auditor General

Further information on district operations and finances is available at  

https://sdspending.azauditor.gov/District/Holbrook%20Unified%20School%20District

Schools Enrollment

Park Elementary School 150

Hulet Elementary School 305

Indian Wells Elementary School 275  

Holbrook Junior High School 330   

Holbrook High School 630 

Preschool   70  

Our Personnel

FY 2026 

Certified Teachers and Administrators: 135

Classified Administrators and Staff: 154   

Student to Teacher ratio:  1:22 

Our Governing Board

Dr. Craig Stuart President  

Linda S. Yazzie Vice President

Debbie Shumway Member  

Claudia Jackson Member

Alfred Clark Member

V. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The Governing Board seeks a Superintendent who:

• Is enthusiastic about student-centered programs and activities, is committed to the growth of every child as a student and is a person who has been successful in the implementation and development of programs that meet the needs of every student. 

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills that facilitate accessibility to staff, parents, and community members.

• Is committed to the well-being and academic success of all students.

• Has experience in coordinating or directing staff development. 

• Is knowledgeable of current Arizona standards, assessment protocols, and educational statutes. 

• Displays high expectations and holds others to the same standards in accountability, honesty, integrity, accessibility, involvement in and commitment to the District and community. 

• Has experience and knowledge in school law, Arizona school finance, fiscal planning, federal programs, grant writing, and district operations such as facilities, transportation, and food service. 

• Values staff ideas, engaging staff and community in the development of District goals.

• Displays a passionate vision of education for the future.

• Has experience collaborating with local community organizations and businesses.

• Demonstrated success in leading culturally diverse student populations, preferably in a rural or remote environment.

• Demonstrated experience managing large budgets, including federal programs (Impact Aid, Title funds).

• Has a track record of position/work experience stability

• Has experience in and knowledge of school and district safety measures. 

The candidate must be an inspiring, experienced educational leader with experience in district administration, including successful tenure as a Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent in a district of comparable complexity.

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or related field (Doctorate preferred).

• Valid Arizona Superintendent Certification (or eligibility to obtain one).

• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance.

Search Process

Holbrook Unified School District has engaged the services of the Arizona School Administrators to direct a search for qualified candidates. Each finalist will visit the district at his/her expense to be interviewed by the Governing Board. Governing Board members may visit the communities of selected candidates as part of the final selection process.  

To receive consideration, an applicant’s file must be completed and filed with ASA by 5:00 P.M. Arizona time,  January 5, 2026.   Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Once the position has closed, no additions or adjustments to an application packet may be made. This search may include one or two interviews. It is expected that the names of applicants to be interviewed will be released to the public at the screening meeting. All inquiries related to this search are to be directed to Dr. Mark Joraanstad, ASA Consultant (mjoraanstad@gmail.com), or Dr, Paul Tighe, Executive Director, ASA.

Search Timeline

Vacancy Announced (12:00 P.M. AZ time): November 10, 2025 

Deadline for Applications (5:00 P.M. AZ time): January 5, 2026 

Applicant Screening by the Governing Board: January  2026 

Candidates Interview with the Board January 2026

Finalist Interviews, if needed TBD : February 2026 

Governing Board Enters into Contract Negotiation: February 2026 

Governing Board approves new contract February 10, 2026 (or TBA)

Incoming Superintendent Assumes Duties: July 1, 2026

Salary and Contract

The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $150,000 (recommended).The actual salary for the successful candidate, to be determined during contract negotiations, will be based on experience and professional preparation. 

The District offers a competitive benefits package that will be finalized during contract negotiations.