The Board of Education of Germantown Elementary School District #60 is seeking qualified applicants for the dual role of Superintendent/Principal of School. The Board wishes to select a superintendent/principal who will begin work on July 1, 2026.

The Board expects to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including sick leave, vacation days, personal days, participation in a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, TRS/THIS contributions, and professional membership dues. The initial contract is expected to be for a multi-year period, as authorized by Illinois statutes.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

Board Review of Candidates: November 2025

Committee Interviews Candidates: November/December 2025

New Superintendent Appointed: December 2025/January 2026

New Superintendent Begins: July 1, 2026

The Germantown Elementary School District #60 Board of Education will screen all applications.

To apply, please email the following documents to boe@ges60.org:

• Formal Letter of Application - Indicate your interest in the position and your desire to be considered as a candidate.

• Professional Résumé - Include your education achievements, leadership philosophy, vision, and reasons for applying.

• Letters of Reference - Submit at least three letters of reference dated within the past three years.

• College/University Transcripts - Provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Please ensure that your Social Security number and birthdate are redacted before submitting.

• Proof of Superintendent Licensure or Qualification - Submit a copy of your Illinois administrative license with all related endorsements or evidence of eligibility to serve as a superintendent in another state.

• Written response to statements included under the ‘Application Expectations’ section of vacancy brochure.

LOCATION - Germantown is a rural community located in Clinton County in southwestern Illinois. Nestled approximately 45 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri, Germantown offers the charm of small-town living while still being within easy driving distance of metropolitan amenities. The community is accessible via Illinois Route 161 and nearby Interstate 64, providing convenient access to regional hubs such as Belleville, O’Fallon, and Centralia. Surrounded by rich farmland and close-knit neighborhoods, Germantown is known for its strong community pride, safe environment, and deep-rooted support for education.

TYPE - PreK-8; Approximately 280 Students

OFFICE - 401 Walnut Street, Germantown, IL 62245

STAFF - 1 Part Time Assistant Principal, 1 SEL/RtI/Special Education Coordinator, 20 Certified Staff, 29 Support Personnel

OFFICE STAFF PERSONNEL - Superintendent/Principal, Bookkeeper, Administrative Assistant

CURRICULUM - Germantown Elementary utilizes a standards-driven approach to instruction, prioritizing clearly defined learning outcomes over textbook-based pacing. The district maintains a 1:1 technology environment with iPads in grades K–1 and Chromebooks provided to students in grades 2–8. To monitor student progress and guide instructional decisions, AIMSWeb is utilized for both benchmark assessments and ongoing progress monitoring. Classrooms are student-centered and collaborative, emphasizing hands-on learning and peer interaction as essential components of the educational experience.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS - Germantown Elementary offers special programs that support a positive school culture and student connection. Our HOUSE Program builds community by grouping students across grade levels into "houses" that promote teamwork, leadership, and school spirit. In addition, our Student Mentor Program pairs older students with younger peers to foster supportive relationships and encourage personal growth, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. Additionally, our Transitional Kindergarten Program enhances our early education offerings by providing young learners with an extra year of developmentally appropriate instruction, ensuring they are well-prepared, socially, emotionally, and academically, for a successful start to their educational journey.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES - Germantown Elementary offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities that support student growth and involvement outside the classroom. Our programs include Scholar Bowl, band, chorus, cross country, basketball, volleyball, bowling, and golf. These activities give students the chance to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build teamwork and school pride.

SPECIAL SERVICES - Germantown Elementary School District provides services through the Kaskaskia Special Education District (KSED) to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Students have access to Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), and Physical Therapy (PT). A full continuum of special education services is available, including IEPs and 504 Plans, to ensure students receive necessary accommodations. Germantown also prioritizes social-emotional wellness by partnering with Coping 4 Life to offer counseling and mental health support and incorporating a 25 minute Mindful Morning block into the start of each school day. The district maintains a strong focus on supporting the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

FACILITIES - Germantown Elementary is a one-building PreK–8 district located in the heart of Germantown. The district is preparing to expand its facility with the addition of a new gymnasium.

TRANSPORTATION - Germantown Elementary operates a fleet of four buses covering four morning routes, one mid-day PreK route, and three afternoon routes, one of which is contracted out. Transportation services are jointly coordinated by the maintenance director and the superintendent, while repairs and maintenance are handled by trusted local businesses.

FOOD SERVICE - Germantown Elementary School has an in-house food service program with a head cook, assistant cook, and kitchen assistant. Students are offered a hot lunch and access to a salad bar each day.

DISTRICT WEBSITE - www.ges60.org

MEDICAL - The Germantown area offers access to a variety of medical services, including local hospitals, specialty clinics, urgent care centers, and healthcare providers. Nearby hospitals include St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon. Additionally, Germantown’s close proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area provides residents with access to world-class healthcare facilities and provider networks, such as Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the broader BJC HealthCare system.

CULTURAL - Germantown’s location near O’Fallon and the greater St. Louis metropolitan area offers residents easy access to a wide range of cultural opportunities. The nearby communities of Belleville and O’Fallon, along with McKendree University, provide numerous options in the arts, music, history, and theater. Just a short drive away, St. Louis offers world-class cultural attractions including the St. Louis Art Museum, Fox Theatre, The Muny, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and many more.

RECREATION - Germantown and the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

• Fishing and Boating – Carlyle Lake, just 20 minutes away, is ideal for fishing, boating, and water activities.

• Golf Courses – Local courses include Bent Oak in Breese and Roland Barkau in Okawville.

• Parks – Area parks feature trails, courts, playgrounds, and green space for all ages.

• St. Louis – A short drive provides access to top attractions like the Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, Science Center, Forest Park, and Busch Stadium.

PLACES OF WORSHIP - Located directly across from the school, St. Boniface Catholic Church serves as a central place of worship in Germantown. Additional faith-based churches are available throughout the surrounding area, providing residents with diverse options to meet their spiritual needs.

RETAIL - Germantown is home to Germantown Market, a small community based grocery store. In addition, the metro east offers a wide variety of shopping experiences including malls, large national retailers, and local boutiques. A large variety of grocery stores provide a mix of budget-friendly options and higher-end selections for any needs.

COLLEGES/TECHNICAL SCHOOLS - The metro east and greater St Louis metropolitan area has many institutions of higher learning including colleges, junior colleges, and technical schools such as Kaskaskia College, McKendree University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, St. Louis University, Washington University, Southwestern Illinois College, and Ranken Technical College.

INDUSTRY - While Germantown is a small community, it has a number of local businesses that serve residents’ needs. Neighboring communities provide additional services and amenities, and the broader Metro East area offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and professional options within a short drive.

Candidates will be evaluated based on their professional experience, leadership qualities, and alignment with the mission and values of Germantown Elementary School District. The Board of Education is seeking an educational leader who not only demonstrates a record of successful experience in education, but who also embodies our district’s core values of Trust, Respect, Empowerment, and Student-Centered leadership.

Specifically, the next superintendent should be a visionary and collaborative educator who:

• Builds trust through meaningful, authentic, and ongoing family and community engagement, fostering open communication and mutual respect.

• Leads with respect by ensuring an inclusive, safe, and supportive school environment for all students and staff.

• Leads with a belief that empowered educators drive student success, fostering an environment where engagement, growth, and collective responsibility are the norm.

• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills and works in a genuinely collaborative manner with all stakeholders.

• Centers students in decision-making by developing and enacting a shared mission, vision, and core values that promote high-quality, equitable education.

Preferred candidates will also have successful prior experience as both a teacher and a leader, using a visionary approach to drive continuous improvement, inspire staff, and align daily practice with long-term goals that support student success.

Applicants are required to include responses to the following statements as part of their application:

1. What does “student-centered” mean to you, and how does it shape your decision-making?

2. Describe your experience in school finance and budgeting.

3. How do you ensure that staff, students, and families feel seen, heard, and valued?

4. Describe your experience in building and sustaining productive relationships with stakeholders (board, staff, students, parents and community members).

5. What does empowerment look like from the perspective of a superintendent?

6. Having read the ideal candidate section of the announcement of vacancy, why do you feel you are a match for our district?