Principal/Out-of-District Coordinator – Keough Memorial Academy

ANTICIPATED OPENING FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
FUNDING CONTINGENT ON TOWN MEETING APPROVAL MAY 28, 2025

BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BELLINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

TITLE: Principal/Out-of-District Coordinator – Keough Memorial Academy

POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal / Out-of-District Coordinator to lead our Special Education Therapeutic School, providing exceptional educational and emotional support to students with diverse needs. This individual will oversee the daily operations of the school, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment tailored to students requiring specialized instruction and therapeutic interventions.

As the Principal, you will provide visionary leadership, foster a trauma-informed school culture, and collaborate with educators, therapists, and families to drive student success. As the Out-of-District Special Education Coordinator, you will manage referrals, placements, and communication between districts, families, and external educational programs, ensuring compliance with IEPs and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate is an innovative, compassionate leader with expertise in special education, therapeutic interventions, and school administration. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential to advocate for students, support staff, and build collaborative partnerships.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions and duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Therapeutic School Principal – Job Duties
Leadership & School Administration:
• Provide visionary leadership to foster a supportive, inclusive, and trauma-informed school culture.
• Oversee daily school operations, ensuring a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Develop and implement school policies, procedures, and programs that align with special education regulations and best

   practices.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support instructional and therapeutic staff to promote professional growth and student success.
• Collaborate with district administrators, families, and external agencies to ensure seamless student support services.

Student Support & Special Education Compliance:
• Oversee the development, implementation, and compliance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Ensure adherence to state and federal special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504.
• Support and advocate for students with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges.
• Partner with mental health professionals and therapists to integrate therapeutic interventions into the school day.
• Develop and monitor behavioral support plans and crisis intervention strategies.

Curriculum & Instruction:
• Guide the implementation of specialized instructional strategies that meet diverse student needs.
• Monitor and evaluate student progress, ensuring data-driven decision-making for individualized support.
• Lead professional development to enhance staff skills in trauma-informed teaching and therapeutic approaches.
• Support transition planning for students moving between in-district and out-of-district placements.

Community & Family Engagement:
• Foster strong relationships with families, advocating for student success and well-being.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, sending districts, and community-based service providers.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding student progress, school initiatives, and policies.
• Develop outreach programs to educate the community on therapeutic education and student needs.

Crisis Management & Behavioral Support:

• Implement crisis intervention strategies and de-escalation techniques in collaboration with staff.
• Ensure staff are trained in trauma-sensitive approaches and restorative practices.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment for students with behavioral and emotional challenges.

Out-of-District Special Education Coordinator – Job Duties
Student Placement & Case Management:
• Coordinate and oversee the placement of students in out-of-district special education programs based on their

   Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and unique needs.
• Act as a liaison between families, school districts, and out-of-district programs to ensure seamless communication and

   collaboration.
• Monitor student progress and ensure appropriate educational and therapeutic services are being provided.
• Conduct regular visits to out-of-district placements to assess student success and program effectiveness.

Compliance & Special Education Regulations:
• Ensure adherence to all federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for student placements, evaluations, and IEP reviews.
• Coordinate annual reviews, re-evaluations, and progress monitoring meetings in collaboration with sending districts and

   program staff.
• Ensure students receive services in the least restrictive environment while addressing their individual needs.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Work closely with school districts, families, and outside providers to develop appropriate placement decisions and transition

   plans.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to address concerns and provide updates on student progress.
• Facilitate IEP and team meetings with district representatives, school personnel, and external program providers.
• Advocate students’ needs and ensure proper resources and support are in place for success.
• Complete program monitoring requirements.

Budget & Program Oversight:
• Assist in managing tuition agreements, contracts, and financial responsibilities for out-of-district placements.
• Track and report on the cost-effectiveness of placements and services.
• Research and evaluate specialized programs to ensure high-quality, evidence-based educational and therapeutic

   interventions.
• Coordinate/assist with student transportation.

Transition Planning & Student Support:
• Develop and oversee transition plans for students returning to in-district programs or aging out of special education

   services.
• Work with vocational and post-secondary programs to support students with life skills, job readiness, and independent

   living.
• Provide guidance on reintegration strategies for students transitioning between educational settings.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive for every task or responsibility.

SKILLS/ABILITY:
Candidates should have evidence of instructional leadership potential that includes the following:
? Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate methods for communication, interaction, and intervention

   with students and families.
? Knowledge of culturally responsive teaching practices and the ability to develop a culturally proficient environment for

   students, staff, families, and guests.
? Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy.
? Understanding of differentiated instruction based on student learning styles.
? Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
? Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
? Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and conflicting time constraints.
? Ability to engage in self-evaluation and ongoing professional reflection about leadership, performance, and professional

   growth.
? Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
? Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a high degree of diplomacy in responding to and resolving issues in a

   highly professional manner.
? Must follow Bellingham School Committee Policies and District Procedures.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must hold DESE Licensure as a Principal/Assistant Principal 5-12, and or Special Education Administrator
2. Must hold DESE Licensure as SEI Administrator Endorsement
3. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
4. Demonstrated leadership experience.

START DATE: July 1, 2025
CLASSIFICATION: Singleton

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
2. This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.

REPORTS TO: Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent(s)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Teachers

OUR MISSION:

The Bellingham Public School District’s enrollment is approximately 1,930 students and an organizational staff of 400 employees. The district is split into the following building grade levels: DiPietro Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3), Stall Brook Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3) Bellingham Memorial School (grades 4-7) and Bellingham High School (grades 8-12), and Keough Memorial Academy (grades 7-12) is our therapeutic day school for students with special needs.

Our core mission is to foster an environment in which students and staff have opportunities to reach their full potential. The Bellingham School District is committed to providing a challenging and academically motivating education where all students, staff and families accept responsibility for education within their schools.

The School Committee and the Administrative Team support the District Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan. Our goal is to always reach for our vision: The Bellingham Public Schools, in collaboration with students, their families, and the community, will provide a safe learning environment, where the unique strengths of every learner are enhanced and celebrated. We will work together to build a shared sense of pride in the Bellingham Public Schools by amplifying academic excellence, increasing communication, cultivating a positive climate, improving social and emotional well-being, and enhancing technology use and implementation.