THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING ALBEMARLE COUNTY. · THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING ALBEMARLE COUNTY....
Transcript of THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING ALBEMARLE COUNTY. · THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING ALBEMARLE COUNTY....
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING ALBEMARLE COUNTY.
Albemarle County is one of the most desirable locations in Virginia and
in the nation, with an excellent school system, low taxes, low crime and
unemployment rates, a skilled and educated workforce, and a wealth of
cultural, historic and recreational amenities in a beautiful setting. Our
community is energized by entrepreneurship and invention fueled by the
University of Virginia, one of the country's most renowned research
institutions. Our focus on innovation ideas and opportunity make Albemarle
an idea place to live, work, and play.
The County enjoys a strong economy, a healthy business presence, a
school system among the top 10% in the state, a thriving local arts, music,
and culture scene, and parks and greenways that celebrate the County’s
pastoral setting. The County’s wide variety of educational opportunities
include a public school system that has earned the VIP Governor’s award
for educational excellence, two of the Virginia’s four charter schools, and
higher education facilities such as the University of Virginia and Piedmont
Virginia Community College.
Albemarle embraces its vibrant local arts and agritourism scene,
cultural festivals, hosting the Crozet Music Festival each year, as well as
showcasing its artisan breweries, wineries, and craft studies through the
Monticello Artisan Trail. Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge
Parkway tough the western frontier of the County and Albemarle itself
possesses over 4000 acres within its parks system.
This guide will highlight some of the important information that you will
need in considering your move to Albemarle County. Welcome Home
LOVE WHERE YOU WORK
Albemarle County Public Schools profiles as one of the most innovative public school systems in the United States.
Creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration across curricula support our vision that all young people will
embrace learning, excel and own their future. Graduating learners with lifelong learning competencies is the one goal of
our strategic plan. We do that by unleashing the potential of young people to create, design, and produce through the use
of a transformative learning model grounded in our Seven Pathways to lifelong learning. We are committed to fine and
performing arts, health and wellness, libraries, interdisciplinary core learning, world languages and rethinking what high
school should look like for our students.
Rated third best school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the 2018 Niche rankings, Albemarle County Public
Schools (ACPS) serves nearly 14,000 students in preschool through grade 12 in Albemarle County, Virginia, the sixth
largest county by area in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A diverse locality of 726 square miles in the heart of Central
Virginia, Albemarle County is a blend of primarily rural, but also suburban and urban settings.
THE SCHOOL DIVISION COUNSEL
The Albemarle County Public Schools School Division Counsel will be a member of the Superintendent’s
Cabinet and the School Division’s Leadership Team. Excellent work from our attorney will build safe, excellent,
and equitable learning opportunities for our County’s public school children. The School Division Counsel will
provide general legal services to the School Board, Superintendent, and staff, performing related work as
required. The attorney serves as legal counsel to the School Board and school division.
Qualifications
Education and experience: Graduation from law school or recognized standing and minimum of 8 years related experience. Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must be admitted to practice before the Virginia Supreme Court and Federal district courts or be able to obtain admission with 3 months after employment begins.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of federal constitutional provisions, statutory law, case law, and
regulations; comprehensive knowledge of state constitutional provisions, statutory law, case law, and regulations; and
comprehensive knowledge of local ordinances, policies, and regulations as applicable to the authority and function of
school boards and school divisions. Comprehensive knowledge of School Board policy and practice. Considerable legal
research and writing skills. Demonstrated ability to organize, interpret and apply legal principles and knowledge to
complex legal issues. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials
and the public at large. Demonstrated ability to use good professional judgment. Demonstrated ability to present
complex ideas in writing and orally to diverse audiences.
Performance Expectations
Essential functions include, but are not limited
to, the following:
● Conducts legal and policy research;
● Provides oral and written opinions on policy and legal matters;
● Works with legislative liaison to draft legislative
proposals and positions for the Board; ● Prepares for and attends regular School Board
meetings and any other meetings, during regular work hours or otherwise, as requested by the School Board and Superintendent and is called upon to render procedural and legal advice;
● Conducts complex litigation and negotiation
involving the School Board, Superintendent or employees;
● Reviews and draws up legal documents required in
the operation of the school division and renders opinions relative to substance, form, and propriety of such documents;
● Advises the school division personnel on
compliance with federal and state statutes, court process, rules, regulations, policy, and practice
● Advises the School Board and Superintendent on
the purchase, sale, exchange or lease of property ● Makes arrangements for the retention and
management of private legal counsel in cases involving extensive or specialized litigation;
● Represents the School Board, Superintendent or employees before administrative agencies
● Advises the School Board and Superintendent on human resources matters;
● Provides formal and informal training to the School Board, administrators, teachers, and employees in the legal aspects of their duties;
● Works closely with the County Attorney’s Office in certain matters relating to the school division;
● Participates with staff in preparing School Board Attorney’s portion of the annual operating budget and is responsible for controlling expenditures upon adoption;
● Serves on the Superintendent’s Cabinet “and
participates in decision-making as appropriate;
Physical Conditions and Nature of Work Contacts
Considerable contact with the members of the
School Board, the Superintendent, all
Superintendent’s Cabinet members, County
Attorney, Human Resource Department staff,
directors, teachers, and other staff for the provision
of comprehensive legal services. Occasional
contact with the members of the County Board of
Supervisors, Planning Commission, and their staffs,
including the County Executive, Deputy County
Executive and Assistant County Executive for the
purpose of effectuating school capital projects and
joint legislative initiatives. Occasional contact with
opposing legal counsel, employees, students, and
others with adverse interests to the position of the
school system. Occasional contact with judges,
administrative hearing officers, and regulatory
agency personnel during the process of litigation or
negotiation.
Work is typically performed in an office setting. Occasional
walking, light lifting up to 25 pounds and other limited physical
activities may be required. Regular attendance at night
meetings and work beyond regular office hours involving travel
throughout the County is required.
Compensation and Benefits The full salary range for this position is $91,000-$148,555 with
excellent benefits including annual and sick leave, health
insurance options and VRS retirement. This is a full time, FLSA
Exempt position.
KEY ATTRIBUTES OF OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Possesses thorough knowledge of laws, legal precedents,
court cases, and administrative regulations pertaining to local
government in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a defined
knowledge of land use law and public finance law;
Possesses knowledge of School Division functions,
responsibilities, and liabilities in Virginia;
Provides sound legal advice to governmental officials on a wide
variety of circumstances and situations;
Is responsive and generally knows the answer to questions,
informing the Superintendent when he/she does not know the
answer and committing to provide the correct answer promptly;
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with
School Division officials and employees, other attorneys,
representatives of community and government agencies, and
the general public;
Serves the School Board and Superintendent’s Cabinet by
providing legal analysis and timely advice that appropriately
assesses risk and available options while supporting the
School Board and Superintendent in meeting its priorities as
they relate to School Division’s programs and services;
Serves the School Board and Superintendent’s Cabinet as a
trusted advisor who brings creativity and flexibility to bear on
challenging legal issues;
Understands the local and state political milieu, but
professionally and personally remains out of local and state
politics;
Clearly communicates to keep the School Board and
Superintendent fully informed and supports transparency as
appropriate;
Interacts well with a wide variety of people from different
backgrounds and all levels of the School Division and
community;
Has a demonstrated record of building a strong, cohesive team
and providing direction and motivation to move the office
forward in a progressive, responsive and accountable way;
Practices teamwork and supports creating leaders at all levels;
Is committed to the development of self and staff including an
active involvement in professional associations;
Works collaboratively with the County Executive to advance
the work of the Board of Supervisors.
HOW TO APPLY:
Requirements:
Submittal of cover letter, resume and Albemarle County
Public Schools application is required. All applications will
be processed through Albemarle County’s online
application system at ww.albemarle.org/jobs.
Deadline for Application:
June 25, 2018 5:00 P.M. EST
Questions?
Contact: Mitsuko Clemmons-Nazeer
Phone: 434-296-5827 Email: [email protected]
Education Albemarle County Public Schools at a Glance:
• Total students grades pre-K through 12: 13,910
• On-time High School completion rate: 94.7%
• Student to computer ratio:
1 : 1 (Grade 3 – 12) 3:2 (Grade K – 2)
• Average Class Size:
Elementary: 19.8 Middle: 21.3 High: 21.3
• All of Albemarle schools are accredited by Virginia DOE,
19 of 26 are fully accredited
• Average SAT scores surpass state and national averages by over 35 points on each sub-scale
• Our 2017 graduates received 1,049 acceptances from 184 colleges and universities, including 120 acceptances from 16 of the top 25
national universities
• 76.5% of students taking an AP test received passing scores, compared to state average of 61%
Horizon 2020 Strategic Plan Mission
The core purpose of Albemarle County Public Schools is to
establish a community of learners and learning, through
relationships, relevance and rigor, one student at a time.
Vision
All learners believe in their power to embrace learning, to excel,
and to own their future.
Core Values: Excellence • Young People • Community • Respect
Student-Centered Goal:
All Albemarle County Public Schools students will graduate
having actively mastered the lifelong-learning skills they need to
succeed as 21st century learners, workers and citizens.
Objectives:
We will engage every student.
We will implement balanced assessments.
We will improve opportunity and achievement.
We will create and expand partnerships.
We will optimize resources.
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE
A community in close proximity to quality housing, quality schools including public, secondary, and
private schools, hospitals, shopping and recreational facilities.
The Albemarle County School Board The Albemarle County School Board and the
Superintendent are bound in a partnership of mutual trust
and vision. The School Board and the Superintendent are
responsible for selecting the results that the school
system should be pursuing. Together, the School Board
and the Superintendent take primary responsibility for
ensuring the Albemarle County Public School Division is
an effective school system.
Members:
Kate Acuff, Chairman; Jack Jouett Magisterial
District
Jonno Alcaro, Vice-Chairman At-Large
Katrina Callsen, Rio Magisterial District
Jason Buyaki, Rivanna Magisterial District
Graham Paige, Samuel Miller Magisterial District
Stephen Koleszar, Scottsville Magisterial District
David Oberg, White Hall Magisterial District
Private Schools and Higher Education
Many private schools in Albemarle serve the County and students from surrounding areas.
These include:
• The Covenant School
• Field School of Charlottesville
• The Miller School of Albemarle
• Montessori Community School
• North Branch School
• Peabody School
• St. Anne’s-Belfield School
• Tandem Friends School
Piedmont Virginia Community College offers
accessible, affordable, high-quality educational
programs that promote student success and
community vitality. Each year, more than 500 students
transfer from PVCC to a four-year college or university
to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The University of Virginia, with internationally
recognized medical, law and business schools. The
University is a major resource for businesses located
in the region. Besides collaborative public / private
research, the school continues to seek ways to
advance the economy of the broader community.
Housing
The region has a plentiful supply of quality housing in urban, suburban and rural environments. From the Charlottesville
Area Association of Realtors 2015 Year-End Highlights: “Home sales in Greater Charlottesville have now increased for four
consecutive years as the 3,282 homes sold in 2015 marked the highest level since 2006. Pricing remained steady with a
median sales price of $270,000 for the year, unchanged from 2014 and 10.2% higher than the 2011 bottom of $245,000.
Inventory is 16.5% lower than this time last year, the lowest level since year-end 2005. Half the homes sold in 2015 were on
the market 46 days or less, a six-day improvement from the median DOM of 2014 and the lowest level since 2006.”
Healthcare
World class medical care is centrally located in Charlottesville. The University of Virginia Health Sciences Center is among
the most comprehensive medical facilities in Virginia. It is a Level I trauma center and is rated one of the top 100 hospitals
in the country. The center’s hospital includes 591 beds and maintains a special unit for trauma, burns, intensive care,
dialysis, newborn, and coronary care.
The Martha Jefferson Regional Hospital, with 201 beds, also provides a full range of medical services and emergency care.
Completed in 2012, the hospital offers the latest advances in health care delivery and is the recipient of multiple awards and
accreditations. The Thomas Jefferson Health District administers public health services.
LOVE TO PLAY...
Albemarle County is one of the most desirable locations in Virginia and in the nation, with a wealth of cultural, historic
and recreational amenities in a beautiful setting. We have a very strong local food and beverage culture, and a well-
established and widely recognized reputation for wine and beer tourism. We value open space and natural resources
and our extensive park system is one reflection of our efforts to be good stewards of the beautiful natural environment
of our County.
Recreation The area offers a variety of recreational opportunities both of the
indoor and outdoor variety. Central Virginia provides a unique
combination of heritage and nature with a nod to those desiring
a more refined lifestyle. The Shenandoah National Park, The
Blue Ridge Mountains, the James and Rivanna Rivers provide a
variety of recreational opportunities; tourists and local residents
alike visit many area resorts, inns, and more than 30 wineries
add to the backdrop of largely agricultural setting and mountain
views.
Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 469 miles begin just west of
Albemarle County, connecting outstanding opportunities for
camping, hiking, fishing and swimming, bloom and wildlife
watching, bicycling, shopping and more throughout Virginia and
North Carolina. Nearby highlights include Humpback Rocks,
with hiking for all ages and abilities, picnicking and camping
locations amid the rocks’ natural beauty, and interactive
programs during the summer months to demonstrate mountain
crafts and skills.
The Appalachian Trail Part of the 2,180 mile footpath that is the Appalachian Trail
goes right through our backyard, passing through
Shenandoah National Park. The trail incorporates
conservation efforts, youth workshops, and opportunities to
work on a volunteer trail crew, in addition to the infinite
locations for a scenic hike.
The Brew Ridge Trail Popular craft breweries are creating phenomenal products in
scenic locations. Of course, Albemarle County is one! Many
craft breweries and distilleries can be found on the Brew Ridge
Trail, which celebrates the craft beer industry in Nelson and
Albemarle Counties. Visit Blue Mountain Brewery, Devils
Backbone Brewing Company, Wild Wolf Brewing Company,
Blue Mountain Barrel House, Starr Hill, and South Street for a
delicious and fun craft beer experience.
Mint Springs Park Located on 520 acres, Mint Springs Park offers a
great summer experience. Visitors can choose from
activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, grilling,
fishing and boating. In addition to sand beaches,
Mint Springs also offers 2 picnic shelters with open
grills and electricity.
Monticello Golf Trail Green Golfing takes on a whole new meaning with the
addition of the World’s First Green Golf Trail, the Monticello
Golf Trail, you can enjoy the game and maintain your
commitment to environmental sustainability
Monticello Artisan Trail Launched in 2011, the Monticello Artisan Trail connects visitors
to local artisan’s studios and retail galleries, events, workshops,
restaurants, lodging and various landscapes. The trail was so
successful in 2012 that it received the Tourism Achievement
Award from the Charlottesville / Albemarle Convention & Visitors
Bureau. Travel the Monticello Trail and discover the beauty of
the mountains and valleys that local artisans call home. A
wonderful place to explore with family and friends, it will surely
create lasting memories.
Beaver Creek Park Beaver Creek Park holds over 200 acres, over 100 of
which being water. This provides great opportunities
for picnicking, fishing and boating. The lake is
stocked with sunfish, channel catfish, and
largemouth bass which provides a great fishing
experience
The Monticello Wine Trail Discover the Birthplace of American Wine. The Commonwealth
of Virginia is the 5th largest producer of wine in the United
States, with the Monticello Wine Trail as its crown-jewel, truly
fulfilling Jefferson’s vision of winemaking in Virginia. The
Monticello Wine Trail’s 30 vineyards offer visitors the chance to
tour boutique wineries that produce small quantities of high-
quality wines, and share with family, friends and visitors. Over
half of the Virginia’s 2,000 vineyard acres are located in the
Monticello area and its surrounding counties. The Monticello
Wine Trail also hosts an annual event, “Taste of Monticello Wine
Trail.”
Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park is known for its steep
and strenuous trails. Visitors use these trails for hiking, running
and even horseback riding. Various wildlife are often spotted on
Little Flat Mountain Loop and Blackwell’s Hollow Trail leading to
Catfish Rock, which offers breathtaking views of the County.
Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park, one of America’s premier national
parks encompassing nearly 80,000 acres of wilderness,
waterfalls, and the Blue Ridge Mountains passes through our
County, offering the opportunity for horseback riding, camping,
hiking, bicycling, and the chance to encounter wildlife from deer
to black bears.
Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail Opened in 2003, the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail follows
the former route of the longest running, commercially successful
shortline in American History, the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway.
The Trail runs from Nelson County to Amherst County and
offers a pleasant experience for those walking, running, biking
or horseback riding. Extending over six miles, the trail offers
scenic views as it runs along the Piney and Tye Rivers.
Bicycle Route 76 Bicycle Route 76, also known as the TransAmerica Route, was
one of the First US Bicycle routes designated in 1982 and spans
the state of Virginia from east to west. Route 76 passes straight
through historic Albemarle County and connects to the most
visited unit of America’s National Park Service, the Blue Ridge
Parkway. As the route exits Charlottesville, Garth Road leads
bikers into the rural and beautiful White Hall area before
entering Crozet and up Afton Mountain. Just south of Afton
Mountain where the Blue Ridge Parkway begins, Route 76 runs
along the Parkway for 25 miles offering bikers breathtaking
views of the surrounding areas.
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests allow
outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to participate in a number of
great outdoor activities. Comprising over 1.6 of the 1.8 million
acres of the Forests, Virginia offers an incredible amount of
things to do for lovers of the outdoors. Visitors come to hike,
mountain bike, camp, fish, cross country ski or simply enjoy
nature. There are 2,000 miles of hiking trails which include 330
miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Forests also
comprise nearly 80 percent of the public hunting lands in
Virginia, with 75 percent of Virginia hunters hunting in the
National Forests.
ALBEMARLE ACCOLADES
• U.S. News Travel’s Best Vacations List ranked
Charlottesville/Albemarle County as one of the top 10
best wine vacation destinations in the world, in great
company with international wine regions such as
Tuscany, Napa Valley and Buenos Aires. (August,
2012)
• The website Go Green Travel Green named
Charlottesville/ Albemarle County the top spot in the
country for agritourism. (September, 2012)
• Southern Living Magazine named
Charlottesville/Albemarle
Best College Town (October, 2012)
• Livability.com named Charlottesville/Albemarle
County number eight in its list of top ten unexpected
“beer cities.” (January, 2012)
• Southern Living online names
Charlottesville/Albemarle community as one of the top
ten ‘Tastiest Towns’ in the South (March, 2012)
Shopping & Entertainment The region is home to a diverse array of shopping opportunities: a traditional indoor mall at Fashion Square, the shops at Barracks Road,
several developments at Albemarle Square, Hollymead Towne Center, an upscale lifestyle center, “The Shops at Stonefield,” and, under
development, “Fifth Street Station.” The dozens of niche shops and restaurants on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall are certain ly the most
active of the several historic downtown destinations round the area.
Charlottesville has a thriving open-air, pedestrian-only mall.
Neighbors Culpeper, Orange, Gordonsville, Lovingston, Palmyra, and Stanardsville have historic downtowns that are marked by
restaurants with outside dining, coffee shops, motion picture and live performance theaters, art galleries and a variety of businesses.
Outside operas and musical plays are performed at Ashlawn, home of James Monroe, and steeplechase races are held at Foxfield and
Montpelier, home of James Madison. Nearby Staunton hosts the American Shakespeare Center and Blackfriar’s Playhouse, the world’s
only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre
Historical Attractions World-renowned landmarks in Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and The University of Virginia (UVA) are in Albemarle County, both
UNESCO World Heritage Sites and National Landmarks.
Additionally, Presidents Madison and Monroe made their homes here. Historical attractions include, Ash-Lawn Highland, Michie Tavern,
Montpelier and Monticello.