Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services

Waltham Public Schools Waltham, MA

JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION:

Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services

JOB GOALS:
The Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services oversees the delivery of special education and student services for students in all grades pre-K to 12 and post-secondary where applicable. These include: special education and related services; school health and nursing services; counseling and social work services; clinical and mental/behavioral health services, and ADA/504 services. The Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services collaborates with the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction to promote best practices and to ensure all curriculum and instruction is accessible, universally designed, and inclusive for all students.

Qualifications:

Massachusetts Certification as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent or the ability to readily attain these certifications. Advanced degree in educational administration or appropriate discipline. Broad working knowledge of child development, learning theory, specialized and research-based interventions/methodologies, data analysis, strategic planning and personnel practices. Effective interpersonal and leadership skills; experience facilitating group decision-making and communication. Experience developing and implementing professional development programs. Experience in creating and supporting special programs.

A minimum of 5-7 years experience as a school administrator and a minimum of 5 years experience as a special education teacher and/or specialist preferred. Excellent leadership, administrative and financial management skills. Thorough knowledge of federal and state statutes and regulations relating to the delivery of student services. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Special Education Department Provide leadership and supervision in the management of a continuum of special education services for students ages 3-21 including preschool programs. (when you turn 22 your entitlement terminates) Provide leadership in program planning for all students in need of special education services Consult with Special Education Directors and Building Administrators in implementing instructional support services, accommodations, and interventions for diverse learners.

Exercise responsibility for the evaluation and maintenance of records of students referred for special education services. Oversee all Child Find activities related to special education including Part C to Part B referral and transition, eligible parentally placed private school students, and other eligible students. In supervision of the Out-of-District Coordinator and in collaboration with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, monitor the placement of students requiring out-of-district placements and ensure such placements are consistent with special education laws and are fiscally responsible decisions.

Keep current with developments in Education Law, Special Education Law and instruction strategies/techniques, and provide leadership in determining their impact on instructional programming. Collaborate with the Supervisor of Transportation to provide transportation services for all students who require transportation. Cooperate with all parent and other community groups, and work closely with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), which includes regular meetings and communication with SEPAC.

Maintain communication with special education parents/guardians. Nursing, Counseling, SEL and General Duties Supervise and evaluate the Director of Nursing and the Director of School Counseling PreK-12, and other Directors of Student Services as assigned. Collaborate with the Director of Nursing on appropriate staffing levels for nurses throughout the District. Work closely with the Director of School Counseling and District Administrators and faculty to assess and improve curriculum and resources for SEL and mental health.

Identify and implement professional development programs, in conjunction with the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and District Administrative Team. Manage the budget for the Special Education and Student Services Department. Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations and Manager of Grants on the funding sources for the programs within the Special Education and Student Services Department. Recommend appropriate staffing levels and identify staffing needs for the Special Education and Student Services Department.

Recommend staff appointments, promotions, and dismissals when necessary, with the assistance of other District and Building Administrators. Represent the District or assign a designee as needed in legal matters including but not limited to adjudicated youth cases, Due Process and other BSEA matters, OSEP/civil rights complaints, and other…