Jennifer L. Jacobson

• Spearheaded the district as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing 600 students and managing a staff of 75 employees.
• Conducted weekly administrative meetings to foster open communication, review new policies and procedures, discuss student achievement data, and track progress toward the Strategic Plan.
• Cultivated strong community ties by actively participating in events, such as regular visits to the Senior Citizen’s Center and membership in the Hazelton Lion’s Club.
• Provided quarterly School Board policy adoption recommendations, aligning with Idaho Code and State statutes, and established procedures for policy enforcement.
• Orchestrated the creation and execution of a Five-Year Strategic Plan, involving a comprehensive 6-month process, including town hall meetings and the identification of five key focus areas from compiled survey results.
• Oversaw a budget of $5.3 million, strategically allocating funds to support the District’s objectives.
• Guided fiscal planning and budget development, collaborating with key personnel and presenting recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
• Conducted regular inspections of buildings and grounds with the State Inspector and Maintenance Supervisor to enhance campus safety.
• Played a key role in long and short-term maintenance plans, overseeing construction projects and maintenance activities.
• Coordinated bid processes for purchases, including student transportation services, and ensured compliance with safety standards.
• Collaborated with student transportation company to implement routing software and a parent dashboard, enhancing safety, efficiency, and communication.
• Spearheaded the implementation of a new website design, improving communication and transparency, and ensuring accessibility of school policies to the public.
• Reviewed employee reports before submission to recommend changes or give approval.
• Managed difficult conversations and grievances with parents and stakeholders in accordance with district policies and procedures.
• Attended the National Superintendent Conference in San Antonio, TX, and participated in monthly Region IV Superintendent meetings.
• Represented the District at conferences, events, and networking activities as needed, including biweekly Zoom meetings with State Legislative Representatives.
• Worked closely with legal counsel to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, providing guidance to the school district.

Federal Programs Director

• Ensured strict adherence to State and Federal laws governing Federal Programs.
• Spearheaded the management of various Title Programs, including budget oversight through the Consolidated Federal and State Grant Application (CFSGA).
• Facilitated program requirements, participated in staff hiring, provided professional development, and guided procurement of supplies, curriculum, and resources.
• Established and evaluated policies aligned with Federal Programs to ensure optimal support and compliance.
• Oversaw the implementation and utilization of technology tools for Federal Programs curriculum, such as iReady, iStation, and Imagine Learning.
• Collaborated closely with administration to guide the effective evaluation of personnel and programs.
• Advocated for Federal Program students, integrating their needs into the district strategic plan goals and tasks.
• Collaborated with all staff to ensure effective communication with parents, overseeing the Migrant Family Liaison.
• Built strategic partnerships by cultivating relationships with other districts, employees, and stakeholders.
• Developed a plan with Hansen School District to utilize over $50,000 generated by Valley School District’s migrant students but funded to Hansen School District.
• Monitored efforts to identify and support Homeless students, coordinating services and supports with the school counselor and community partners in the Magic Valley.
• Worked closely with the State Department of Education, actively participating in state meetings related to Federal Programs.
• Collaborated with building administrators to structure the Continuous Improvement Plan annually, submitting it to the State Board of Education. Ensured compliance with IDAPA by posting the plan on the school website.
• Secured additional grants through Federal Programs and monitored fund drawdowns.
• Successfully obtained a $157,000 safe school grant, funding critical safety measures, mental health classes, and specialized professional development opportunities.
• Managed assets specific to Federal Programs, with funds dictating access to items for students and programs.
• Maintained meticulous record-keeping for Federal Programs, compiling documentation for review by the State Department of Education for audit purposes.

• Led a team of 12 certified and classified employees in a rural area, 20 miles from the District Office.
• Oversaw the training, mentoring, and evaluation of six certified staff members and five classified staff members.
• 2022 Idaho Gem Award Winner for Instructional Leadership by Idaho Association of School Administrators.
• Coordinated with Twin Falls County School Resource Officers for police intervention, active shooter training, and school safety plans.
• Played a key role in developing and implementing a COVID Safe Return to School Plan, providing direction and guidance to staff.
• Demonstrated adaptability in handling unexpected events, such as building evacuations, COVID closures, and transitions to online learning.
• Presented at Hollister City Council Meetings on various community initiatives.
• Collaborated with the Hollister City Council to write a grant for a walking path, facilitating community participation.
• Led the Cultivating Readers Project – Readiness Phase, strengthening intervention practices.
• Served as the Summer School Coordinator/Administrator for Filer School District.
• Implemented PBIS program in the building, fostering positive behavior through monthly assemblies and student involvement.
• Achieved complete staff retention in a remote, rural school for two years.
• Established strong working relationships with principals at Filer Elementary School and Filer Intermediate School.
• Led a successful ELA textbook review committee, selecting and purchasing WONDERS 2020, with the assistance of Marybeth Flachbart.
• Coordinated curriculum mapping for ELA to address learning gaps resulting from COVID-19.
• Notable ISAT score increases in 2019 across fourth and fifth-grade ELA and Math, surpassing school goals.
• Initiated an afterschool tutoring program to provide targeted intervention support.
• Secured multiple grants, including $60,000 for a music and dance program, $10,000 for iPads, and $5,000 for new cafeteria tables.
• Implemented the use of an electronic plan book for teachers at Hollister and Filer Elementary School.

• Successfully applied for and secured a $6,000 grant from the STEM Action Center to introduce coding into my classroom.
• Achieved notable results in student achievement, with an 18% increase in ELA ISAT scores for 2018, marking the highest gain in the district.
• Analyzed data to inform instructional practices and implemented strategies for continuous improvement.
• Developed comprehensive Common Core lessons in math, reading, language, science, and Idaho History.
• Integrated community resources to enhance lesson concepts and provide real-world connections for students.
• Implemented Engage New York Math and Reading Street programs at a fourth-grade level.
• Maintained expertise in current educational practices and curriculum standards.
• Collaboration and Professional Learning Community (PLC):
• Collaborated effectively within a professional learning community, contributing to a positive and cooperative team environment.
• Led the development of English Language Arts end-of-course assessments for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.
• Contributed to the creation and implementation of assessment strategies to measure student progress.
• Assisted in leadership roles as needed, demonstrating flexibility and effectiveness in supporting school leadership during the principal's absence.
• Participated in a one-credit book study on "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High".

• Conducted thorough student assessments through observation, record-keeping, student-teacher conferences, and student portfolios.
• Developed and implemented an effective positive behavior management plan fostering student responsibility, problem-solving, and accountability.
• Analyzed and interpreted assessment data to drive targeted instruction and address individual student needs.
• Contributed as a member of the school’s Building Leadership Team, actively participating in collaborative decision-making processes.
• Represented the school at district-level curriculum meetings, appointed by fellow Kindergarten teachers.
• Successfully recruited parents and community volunteers, fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Implemented strategies to encourage parental involvement in the educational journey of Kindergarten students.
• Trained in utilizing Milepost and AIMSWeb to effectively manage and analyze student data.
• Demonstrated proficiency in integrating technology tools for efficient data handling.
• Maintained consistently high student achievement, with over 80% of students scoring proficient on the K Spring IRI each year.
• Taught an extended day Kindergarten program tailored to meet the needs of low Title students.
• Successfully secured a $5,000 grant from Century Link for the implementation of iPads in the classroom, enhancing student learning experiences.

• Developed and implemented achievement targets aligned with Idaho State Standards in collaboration with grade-level teams.
• Spearheaded the development and implementation of the first full-day Kindergarten program in the district, enhancing student learning experiences.
• Designed and implemented tailored programs and instruction to meet the academic, social, and intellectual needs of each student.
• Integrated Project-Based Learning and other differentiated learning activities to create engaging and effective learning environments.
• Analyzed and interpreted assessment data to inform instructional decisions, ensuring targeted and effective teaching strategies.
• Coached J.V. Basketball, Jr. High Track, and Varsity Track, fostering a positive and collaborative school community.