Charter School Superintendent

THE CHARTER

Footprints for Learning Charter Academy (FLCA) is one of Alberta's newest public charter schools and the only charter school located in Airdrie, Alberta. It operates under the Authority of Footprints for Learning Society (FFLS).

Our MISSION at FLCA is to provide students with an authentic learning journey that fosters academic achievement, learner competencies, and a global mindset within its entrepreneurship framework. We empower students to become responsible and responsive citizens who understand how to contribute value to our learning and living through a scaffold of entrepreneurial initiatives, projects, leadership opportunities, and events.

Founded in 2011 as an Independent Accredited School under Alberta Education, FFLS began with just two primary classes and has since grown to more than 530 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. In the fall of 2024, we proudly transitioned to a Charter Public Authority with strategic growth plans to expand to over 1500 students in the coming years.

FLCA inspires and leads students to become innovative thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners who make a meaningful difference in their school community and beyond. The dynamic and integrated curriculum connects classroom learning to real-world experiences, while fostering curiosity, creativity, collaboration and resilience. We are dedicated to developing well-rounded, value-driven, and globally minded individuals who are equipped to leave their unique and meaningful footprints on the future.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Superintendent serves as the Chief Executive Officer of both FFLS, as an Alberta Public Authority, and FLCA. Reporting directly to the Board, working with the School Administration and under the advisement of Alberta Education, the Superintendent is accountable for the overall leadership, conduct, and operation of the Charter Public Authority.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the highest standards of academic excellence, financial responsibility, staff development, and student success. The Superintendent will embody FLCA's entrepreneurial and globally minded vision - championing innovative, student-centric approaches to learning while ensuring complete compliance with all Alberta Education guidelines and Charter School regulations.

The incoming Superintendent will lead in accordance with the Alberta Education Act and the Alberta Superintendent Quality Leadership Standards. This individual with work with the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS) and the Charter Association (TAAPCS).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Governance

• Provide visionary leadership that aligns with FLCA's mission, values, and long-term strategic goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors, Alberta Education, staff, and the broader community.
• Advise and support the Board on governance, policy development, and strategic decision-making.

Student Welfare and Educational Excellence

• Ensure student safety, wellness, and equitable access to learning opportunities.
• Oversee curriculum design, instructional practices, and assessment strategies to ensure innovative, high-quality learning experiences.
• Lead and support the development of entrepreneurial-focused and globally minded educational programs across K–12.
• Promote continuous improvement and a growth mindset among staff and students.
• Provides leadership in enhancing educational opportunities for all pupils through research and partnerships.
• Provides leadership in implementing education policies established by the Minister and the Board.

Operations and Administration

• Manage and oversee all aspects of school operations, including finance, facilities, transportation, and human resources.
• Ensure compliance with Alberta Education regulations, Charter School Act requirements, and Board policies.
• Oversee budget development, resource allocation, and financial reporting in collaboration with the Director of Finance (Treasurer) and Board.
• Establish effective systems for performance evaluation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.

Staff and Culture Development

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate school leaders and staff to build a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and innovative school culture that reflects FLCA's values within its Charter.
• Lead professional development initiatives that strengthen instructional leadership and staff capacity.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents, community organizations, post-secondary institutions, and local businesses.
• Represent FLCA at public events, conferences, and in discussions with government and education stakeholders.
• Communicate transparently and effectively with all members of the school community.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities and certifications:

• Master's degree in Education or a related field.
• Alberta Teaching and Leadership Certification with eligibility for Superintendent Leadership Certification.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in education (charter, public, or independent sector).
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, educational innovation, and school improvement.
• Strong understanding of Alberta's education system, legislation, and accountability frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead organizational growth, manage complex operations, and foster strong community relationships.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Passion for entrepreneurial and globally minded education.
• Commitment to student-centered, inquiry-based learning.
• Experience in new school development, start-up, or change leadership environments.
• Collaborative, visionary, and adaptable leadership style.
• Solid understanding of the entrepreneurship model, and of the ends it is meant to achieve.
• Respect for the potential of the learner and learning community within a Charter system.

SALARY AND STARTING DATE

Salary will be negotiated based upon experience, consistent with Alberta Regulations (for , the regulated salary ranges from $60,000 to $137,582 CAD).

The ideal starting date will be February 1, 2026. The closing date for applications is January 15, 2026. If you are interested and have the necessary qualifications, please send a Letter of Introduction and Application, addressed to the Board of Directors for FFLS, Alberta, along with your Curriculum Vitae to:

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Student Learning

1.1 Provides leadership in all matters relating to education in FLCA schools.

1.2 Ensures all pupils have the opportunity to meet or exceed the standards established by the Alberta Ministry of Education and those identified in the FLCA Charter.

1.3 Ensures that FLCA schools are organized and run in accordance with the philosophy, vision, and mission stipulated by the Charter, and in accordance with Board policies.

1.5 Provides leadership in enhancing educational opportunities for all pupils through research and partnerships.

1.6 Provides leadership in implementing education policies established by the Minister and the Board.

2. Student Welfare

2.1 Ensures that the school environment supports the moral, social, physical, intellectual, psychological, and spiritual growth of pupils, consistent with the Charter.

2.2 Ensures that all pupils are provided with a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.

2.3 Acts as, or designates, the attendance officer for FLCA.

3. Financial Management

3.1 Ensures the fiscal management of FLCA's resources is in accordance with the terms or conditions of any funding received by the Board under the Education Act or other relevant legislation.

3.2 Ensures FLCA operates in a fiscally responsible manner, including adherence to recognized accounting procedures.

3.3 Directs or oversees the preparation and the presentation of the budget.

3.4 Ensures the Board has current and relevant financial information.

3.5 Directs the preparation of the three-year capital plan for submission to the Board.

4. Personnel Management

4.1 Has authority and responsibility for all personnel-related matters, unless precluded by legislation or Board policies.

4.2 Monitors and works to improve the performance of staff and ensures appropriate growth, supervision and evaluation processes are in place.

4.3 Facilitates professional development and training sessions for staff to develop them as entrepreneurial and global educators.

4.4 Contributes to building leadership capacity within FLCA.

4.5 Ensures that each staff member is provided with a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe working environment

4.6 Ensures the coordination and integration of human resources within FLCA schools.

4.7 Recommends staff compensation, including benefits, for approval by the Board.

5. Policy and Administrative Procedures

5.1 Provides leadership in the implementation of Board policies.

5.2 Develops and keeps current an Administrative Procedures Manual that is consistent with Board policy and provincial policies, regulations and procedures.

6. Delegated Authorities

6.1 The Superintendent is delegated the authority to suspend or release staff following the Education Act, the Alberta Labour Laws, and all applicable legislation, contracts, and administrative procedures.

6.2 The Superintendent is delegated authority to represent FLCA in contractual agreements with

employees and third-party contractors of FLCA in working with the Legal Advisor for FFLS, the Board, and the Secretary/Treasurer.

7. Board Relations

7.1 Engages in and maintains positive, professional working relations with the Board.

7.2 Respects and honours the Board's role and responsibilities and facilitates the implementation of that role as defined in Board policy.

7.3 Attends meetings of the Board, except as excused, and makes recommendations on matters requiring Board action by providing accurate information and reports as are needed to ensure the making of informed decisions.

7.4 Provides accurate and timely information to the Board as requested, and on matters pertaining to the implementation of the Charter or Board policies.

7.5 Provides accurate and complete information and counsel to the Board as required to render decisions and perform its duties.

7.6 Attends, and/or designates, attendance at all committee meetings, as requested.

7.7 Demonstrates respect, integrity and support, which is conveyed to the staff and community.

7.8 Communicates Board decisions to school leadership and staff as appropriate.

8. Strategic Planning and Reporting

8.1 Leads a generative strategic planning process, including the development of the Three Year Education Plan, Annual Educational Results Report, Budget, Capital Plans, and Transportation Plans, for approval by the Board.

8.2 Assists and provides counsel to the Board in determining the present and future educational needs of FLCA through the development of short- and long-range plans.

8.3 Works with the Board to determine strategic planning priorities, processes, timelines, and evaluation metrics, subject to Board approval.

8.4 Implements plans as approved.

8.5 Reports regularly on results achieved.

9. Compliance

9.1 Ensures that FLCA and schools under its authority operate in compliance with all legal, Ministerial and Board mandates and timelines.

9.2 Reports to the Minister on matters identified in and required by the Education Act and provincial legislation.

10. Organizational Management

10.1 Carries out duties with integrity, and in a manner that merits and maintains the trust and confidence of those with whom the Superintendent works most directly.

10.2 Builds an organizational structure and culture that facilitates collaboration, positive working relationships, and active participation in advancing the FLCA Charter.

10.3 Encourages innovation and research, and shares best practices, research, and development occurring within FLCA.

11. Community Relations

11.1 Takes appropriate actions to ensure open, transparent, positive internal and external communications are developed and maintained.

11.2 Ensures parents are satisfied with the services provided and the responsiveness of FLCA.

11.3 Promotes effective communication between School Council, school leadership, and the Board, as appropriate.

11.4 Ensures that appropriate dispute resolution processes are in place, and that parents, faculty, and staff have effective means of communicating and elevating concerns and questions.

11.5 Acts as, or designates, the Head of the organization for the purposes of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act(s).

11.6 Serves as a spokesperson for FFLS (FLCA), and ensures that public communications messages are consistent with the Charter.

11.7 Promotes and facilities opportunities for collaboration and engagement with the broader community, including other school authorities, neighbourhood associations, arts and cultural associations, and others.

11.8 Develops and maintains positive and effective relationships and partnerships with provincial and regional government departments, agencies, community and post-secondary institutions.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Airdrie, AB