Deputy Superintendent, Office of Student Services

JOB TITLE: Deputy Superintendent, Office of Student Services

DATE REVISED: January 6, 2025

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

POSITION TYPE: Exempt, Non-Aligned, Salary, 12 months, Full Time

SALARY RANGE: $185,000 - $200,000 .

Qualifications- Required

• Master’s or Doctorate Degree in a related field (special education, related services, law, etc.)
• Minimum of seven years’ experience as an Administrator of Special Education, and direct experience supporting students (special education teacher, speech/language, nursing, counseling, etc.)
• Massachusetts DESE Special Education Administrator certification
• Massachusetts DESE Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent certification and/or eligibility
• Experience developing and managing budgets with demonstrated knowledge of circuit breaker, federal/state grants, Medicaid reimbursement programs, and related best practices
• Experience supervising, evaluating, and building the capacity of faculty and staff
• Knowledge of special education and civil rights compliance (IDEA, Title II, Title VI, Title IX, 504, and McKinney-Vento)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the School Committee may find appropriate and acceptable
• Proficient in using data to guide professional practices and when making recommendations for improvement
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, and computerized systems for tracking IEP, budget management, medical information, and other staff and/or student information
• Ability to work collaboratively to address concerns and resolve conflict in a professional, courteous manner
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment
  
  

Position Overview

The Deputy Superintendent for Student Services will manage all special education, health services, guidance/school counseling and psychological services, registration and residency (appeals) and services in an inclusive, collaborative manner that ensures an effective, efficient, integrated and streamlined Office of Student Services. The Deputy Superintendent, OSS supervises and evaluates Special Education Directors and Administrators, Out of District Coordinator, Coordinator of Health Services, Senior Director of Student Civil Rights and Bullying Prevention, Office Manager of OSS and other administrative assistants/other staff as assigned.

Physical Demands

Physically capable of carrying out the daily responsibilities of the office including (but not limited to): consistent attendance; stand; walk; use hands to manage tools and equipment; reach with hands and arms; and sit for prolonged periods at a desk while working on a computer. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Program Development

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the implementation of Special Education in accordance with state and federal regulations including: development and writing of LEA plan, state reports, federal counts and grants; providing service training, maintaining student records (confidentiality); managing and participating in all legal matters with families and the BSEA; ensuring compliance and process and procedure is followed to ensure that a free and appropriate education-FAPE is provided to all students with disabilities; review and follow-up with the state; keeping computerized records; working out cost sharing agreements and budget preparation.
• Responsible for coordinating the services available through the Student Services staff to ensure improved services for pupils.
• Plan and coordinate procedures for handling crisis or chronic situations in consultation with the Head of School or Principal and appropriate building based staff.
• Develop cooperative services and programs with area universities, social, health and mental health agencies, hospitals and state agencies to supplement services available through the Department.
• Within the limits of legislation, and with the assistance of other senior staff and department staff, constantly evaluate existing programs and services for revision as necessary to meet budgetary constraints and provide better service.
• Coordinate programs developed by the Student Services staff with those developed by the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.
• Support and collaborate with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council and other parent groups.
  
  

Program Supervision

• Supervise the operation and functioning of the Office of Student Services and the Student Services facilities in all of the buildings.
• Serve as a resource person at the meetings of specialty groups, counselors, psychologists, Special Education staff, Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) etc.
• Meet regularly with the Special Education Administrators, department staff and building team leaders in order to review, coordinate and establish goals for the Student Services programs and resources.
• Consult with staff as required on individual cases in which critical reviews and decisions are required.
• Consult with parents (and related staff) to resolve concerns or questions about particular students, programs and/or services.
  
  

Staff Supervision

• Review credentials of and conduct interviews with all candidates for positions within the department, and recommend candidates for all Student Services positions after consultations with the Principal or Head of School, the Special Education Administration and the Director of Human Resources.
• Observe Student Services staff and make recommendations to the Superintendent as to continued employment or other appropriate status after consultation with the Principal or Head of School, the Special Education Administrators, and the Director of Human Resources.
• Plan and conduct in-service training programs for the Office of Student Services and classroom staff as needed and assist staff in program improvements in conjunction with the Special Education Administrators and the Head of School and Principals.
• Assign appropriate staff members as liaison to the curriculum and instruction staff, to ensure coordination between special education and regular education.
• Meet with staff members individually as necessary to help them with specific concerns about programs, teaching techniques or to review cases and procedures.
  
  

Managerial Responsibilities

• Prepare, manage and interpret all budgets related to the Office of Student Services including the general fund operating budget, circuit breaker, grants, etc. consistent with Town and District operating procedures.
• Submit applications, manage spending, and file reports for grants associated with the Office of Student Services consistent with the spending plan submitted to, and approved by, the School Committee and Awarding Authority.
• Oversees the submission of Medicaid and Circuit Breaker reimbursement programs.
• Develop program staffing plans for special education, related services, and counseling in a clear, consistent and equitably fashion
• Monitor budgets, approving expenditures as appropriate consistent with budgetary allocations.
• Completes routine and required paperwork related to purchasing/bidding, contracts, financial management, personnel management, etc.
• Oversee all aspects of services and programming related to health and wellness, guidance, psychologists, social workers, student affairs, 504, home-hospital instruction, and homelessness.
• With the assistance of the Special Education Administrators, develop and review all entrance and exit criteria for Special Education services, programs, and Extended School Year.
• Participate with other members of the senior staff in assisting the Superintendent of Schools to develop long-range plans and goals for the school system.
• Supervise the maintenance of a reference file on all legislated procedures and constantly changing interpretations or regulations as they affect Student Services.
• Assist legal counsel in the development and presentation of Brookline's position on all cases involving disputes regarding Educational Plans or other disputes related to Special Education.
• Coordinate and supervise data requests regarding pupils and services for local, state and federal departments and national agencies.
• Attend School Committee Meetings and prepare such reports for the Superintendent and/or School Committee as may be requested.
• Prepare, as necessary, reports for the Superintendent of Schools and for the School Committee relative to the services and programs of the department.
• Supervise the maintenance of all Special Education data systems.
• In collaboration with senior staff, creates handbooks, resource and training manuals, and other staff support materials.
  
  

Other Responsibilities And Expectations

• Participates in district wide school and town meetings, represents the administration on committees as requested by the Superintendent, and attends relevant events in the community.
• Communicates and collaboratively resolve challenges that interfere with the smooth and orderly operation of the office student services and/or may impact the delivery of quality educational services to students.
• Strives to create a high performing, cohesive, customer service oriented team.
• Communicates information timely, frequently, and in a professional manner
• Assists the Superintendent and Senior leadership team members with administrative duties and projects as needed.
• All employees must be vaccinated and maintain full vaccination as a condition of employment or work as an on-site vendor/contractor, unless they receive approval for a documented medical or religious exemption in accordance with relevant state and/or federal law. For a full copy of the Covid-19 vaccination policy please click here.
  
  

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.

The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.