Dean of Students Support Services (25-26, High School)

Are you excited and ready to make an impact in a collaborative, engaging, diverse, and high energy environment? We are seeking a talented and experienced dean of students to lead our growing high school. We want a culturally, instructionally and operationally proficient leader who is passionate about equity, furthering student achievement and providing a safe space for students to learn and grow. Our dean of students support services will bring the following skills & attributes to the role:

Dean of Student Support Services:  Works with the Principal and school leaders to support an inclusive learning environment in all VPHS classrooms, and to ensure high quality special education and English language learner services.   Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

IEP Management and Student Advocacy:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of all Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to ensure they are student-centered, compliant, actionable, and aligned with measurable goals and are relevant to students identified with disabilities
• Lead IEP meetings with a focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and ensuring that student needs drive decision-making.
• Ensure that all IEPs are designed to provide meaningful progress for students, reflecting the highest standards of compliance and quality.
• Support and promote student and family participation and agency in the IEP process.

• Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),  and other federal and state regulations.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and organized records of IEPs, evaluations, and other required documentation, preparing for audits and reviews as necessary.
• Prepare for audits and reviews by maintaining accurate and comprehensive records, emphasizing their role in supporting effective service delivery.
• Utilize student performance data and progress reports to inform decisions and drive improvements in special education services.

Collaboration and Communication:

• In concert with special education teachers and staff, act as the primary liaisons among school staff, families, and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive and effective support for students with disabilities.
• Facilitate strong partnerships with general education staff, ensuring that students have access to inclusive, high-quality learning opportunities.
• Guide and support families through special education processes, ensuring transparency and building trust.
• As a member of school leadership teams,  provide insights, share progress, and align special education services with broader school priorities.

School Leadership and Professional Development:

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to special education staff and be available for general education teacher consultation.
• Participate in the design and delivery of district professional development initiatives, workshops, and collaborative planning sessions to build staff capacity in special education practices at the building level.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the special education team.
• Promoting and supporting a “One School, Two Campus” culture and programming
• Supporting the leadership team's coordination and cohesion

Qualifications - Required:

• Masters in Education Leadership or similar field of study preferred
• Bachelor's Degree required
• Minimum 3 years experience as a school leader, preferably as a dean of student student services
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment

Qualifications - Preferred:

• Teaching and leadership experience in an urban public school
• School start up or restructuring experience
• High School leadership experience

Veritas Prep offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefit packages that include the following:

• Salary Range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000, exclusive of fringe benefits.
• If hired, your final base salary will be determined based on factors such as skills, education, and/or experience.
• In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
• Keep in mind, the above range is the full base salary range for this position. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.
• We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time staff that includes, but not limited to the following:
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance Plans
• Paid Family/Medical Leave Insurance (private and meets state requirements)
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance (100% employer paid)
• Enrollment in Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System (teacher pension program)
• Employee Assistance Program (100% employer paid)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), and more...

About Veritas Prep

Veritas Prep is a public, tuition-free school in Springfield that prepares students in grades 5 through 12 to compete, achieve, and succeed in college and beyond. Veritas Prep accelerates every student’s path to college and career by helping them set a strong academic foundation in middle school and guaranteeing access to college classes and college prep support in our wall-to-wall early-college high school.

At Veritas Prep, we are not only breaking down barriers to college access but also providing the tools students need to persist through college and prepare for a successful career. Our middle school program has been serving students in Springfield since 2012 and is one of the top middle schools in Springfield. Our scholars are supported by skilled, dedicated, and diverse teachers and are challenged to achieve at high levels academically, socially, and emotionally, setting them up for success as they enter our high school.

Our early-college high school program, in partnership with STCC and Worcester State University, prepares students to earn high-impact college degrees, saving students up to two years’ time in college and thousands of dollars. Students can earn up to an associate degree for free, and the general studies associate degree from STCC means students enter as JUNIORS at any Massachusetts public college or university after high school graduation.

Students at Veritas Prep benefit from high academic standards and robust support, an exceptional learning environment, a diverse staff of high-quality educators, a strong commitment to social/emotional and practical skill development, and an inclusive, anti-racist community that values the identities and backgrounds of all students.

Salary : $80,000 - $120,000