Assistant Superintendent for Special Education & Student Services

JOB GOALS: 

The Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services collaborates with the Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Instruction to promote belonging and academic success but supporting best practices and ensuring all curriculum and instruction is accessible, universally designed, and inclusive for all students. 

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 behavioral health services, ADA/504 services, Title IX and Bullying Intervention and Prevention. 

Qualifications: 

• Massachusetts Certification as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent or the ability to readily attain these certifications; as well as Special Education Administrator. 
• Advanced degree in educational administration or appropriate field.
• 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 specialized programs. 
• A minimum of 5-7 years experience as a special education 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:

• Provide leadership for the special education and related services coordinators in program planning for all students in need of special education services. This includes substantially separate programs including but not limited to: Language-Based, Therapeutic Learning, and Curtis Tufts Public Day High School.
• Lead the evaluation of special education curriculum, interventions, and service models; conducts comprehensive reviews to identify gaps between student needs and current practices; and drives targeted improvements that enhance service delivery, inclusive practices, instructional coherence, and student outcomes.
• Consult with Special Education Coordinators 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 referral and transition, eligible parentally placed private school students, and other eligible students. 
• In supervision of the Evaluation Team Leaders (ETLs) and in collaboration with the Superintendent and Director of Finance, 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. 
• In collaboration with the principal of Curtis Tufts, ensure the compliance with laws and regulations including services and timelines.
• 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 Transportation Manager to provide transportation services for all students who require transportation. 
• Identify and implement professional development programs, in conjunction with the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and District Administrative Team. 
• Partner 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 responsive communication with special education parents/guardians. 

School Counseling and Behavioral Health:

• Provide leadership and support for the Director of School Counseling and Behavioral Health to assess and improve curriculum and resources for SEL, and mental health, and college and career programming.

School Health and Nursing Services:

• Provide leadership and support for the Director of School Health and Nursing Services to ensure appropriate staffing levels and materials for nurses throughout the District. 

Fiscal, Compliance, and Personnel Duties:

• Manage the budget for the Special Education and Student Services Department. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance and the Grant Manager 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 matters related to special populations under the umbrella ofStudent Services. 
• Manage all DESE compliance activities related to Student Services, including Proportionate Share, Circuit Breaker, Indicators, Grants, and Tiered Focus Monitoring. 
• Interpret existing policies and regulations to staff and make recommendations concerning the formulation and update of policies and regulations. 

Title IX and 504 Coordinator:

• Act as the Title IX Coordinator for the District. This includes but is not limited to: reporting, investigation, resolution, and training practices; and the alignment between policy, practice, and legal requirements across the district
• Oversees the evaluation and implementation of Section 504 plans and accommodations; ensures practices are responsive to student needs and consistently applied across settings; and leads ongoing improvements to strengthen compliance, coherence, and equitable access to learning.
• Attend School Committee meetings and other necessary District meetings. 
• Perform all related additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: 

• Highly diverse and complex duties. 
• Must have high tolerance for change and the ability to work on several projects and assignments concurrently. 
• Strong interpersonal skills required in working with diverse groups. 
• Must have initiative and assume responsibility for working productively with minimal supervision.
• Qualified candidates must be able to remain stationary for extended periods within a fast-paced office environment. The role necessitates the ability to review digital and printed materials, with or without assistive devices, and to communicate clearly and effectively both in person and over the telephone. Success in this position requires a strong aptitude for comprehending and executing complex oral and written instructions, as well as to occasionally lift weight up to 25 pounds.



Compensation:

Work year is 260 days. Competitive salary commensurate with experience, with a pay range of $150,000 to $170,000. Full benefits package provided per district policy. FLSA Status: Exempt

Join us in our commitment to providing equitable and high-quality education for all students! Thank you for your dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment.