Dean of Students

Organization Overview

Salem Academy Charter School (SACS) is a nationally ranked urban charter school north of Boston offering a rigorous college preparatory program to 480 students in grades 6-12. Since 2025, SACS has been committed to serving the diverse population of Salem. Through a unique integration of rigorous college preparatory classes with service to the community, Salem Academy graduates informed, articulate and proactive individuals of strong character.

Salem Academy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We seek to support a faculty and staff that reflects the rich diversity of our student body, creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students.

The Dean of Students is responsible for promoting and sustaining a school culture that supports students in reaching high academic and social expectations. The Dean must ensure that Salem Academy provides a safe, well structured, positive, and orderly environment for all students and staff. Throughout the school year, the Dean of Students works with all staff to ensure understanding and consistent implementation of all policies and procedures related to behavior and culture, this includes supporting implementation on discipline issues, observing classes, providing training, and giving feedback to address challenging behavior.

The Dean is responsible for processing behavioral incidents that cannot be addressed within the classroom. They are also accountable for developing the systems and procedures necessary to track data related to student behavior, and to use such data to drive program decisions. This role reports directly to and works closely with the Senior Director of Academics. The Dean of Students serves as the administrative point person on behavior incidents.

The Dean of Students manages the Assistant Deans of Students and the Building Substitute/Sub Coordinator.

• Work with the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) to orient staff to school’s policies and procedures regarding behavior and culture;
• Serve as the school CRA representative for behavior and attendance;
• Implement ALICE and fire drill procedures and drills for staff and students;
• Track, manage and complete the data collection for the School Safety and Discipline Report annually;
• Revise the student handbook as needed.

• Directly supervise the Assistant Dean of Students and Substitute Coordinator;
• Work with staff, students, and families to promote a highly respectful school culture;
• Implement, train, and coach all staff on restorative practices;
• Work with staff to ensure understanding and consistent implementation of all policies and procedures related to behavior and culture throughout the school year;
• Serve as the administrative point person on behavior incidents;
• Process all students that are removed from class, determine the appropriate disciplinary action, record the incident in our SIS;
• Communicate with families and staff regarding behaviors incidents;
• Mediate student disputes, in partnership with school adjustment counselors;
• Track, analyze, and manage data on behavior incidents and trends;
• Manage all reflections and suspensions;
• Support teachers on discipline issues, including observing classes, providing training and feedback;
• Create and lead “Trends Talks” in response to student data;
• Oversee Assistant Dean of Students in managing reflections and restorative consequences;
• Manage all suspensions and legal requirements and mandates related to suspensions;
• Lead safe and supportive professional development and implementation of actions;
• Assist in developing and orienting staff and students to a social and emotional curriculum;
• Partner with an outside organization in training, implementing and sustaining a student peer mediation program;

• Ensures parents and community stakeholders are proactively engaged and invested in the school's culture and vision.
• Supports the School-Family-Community (SFC, i.e. SACS Parent Organization) in fostering parent engagement and support for SACS.
• Works to systematically integrate feedback from families, community members and other active participants of the school community around decisions or ideas.
• Builds strong partnerships with community-based agencies and/or providers.

The Dean of Students is a 12-month position and may also take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Leadership Team.

• Unwavering belief in our mission and vision: that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Ability to promote a structured, orderly, safe, and respectful school environment that fosters student-centered learning.
• Demonstrated ability to connect with diverse students and families.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and collaborate with adults from a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds.
• Openness to change, willingness to…