DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Westfield Public Schools is seeking an administrator of special education and student support services. The special services office services approximately 1,000 students with disabilities through 7 different programs. Join the new Westfield administrative team where all members strive under the Superintendent's leadership to focus daily on all children achieving beyond expectations. Our team is seeking an administrator with vision, compassion for all students, and a commitment to high standards for all staff and students. Our new team member will have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, strong instructional leadership and management abilities, a passion for rigorous and equitable learning and a growth mindset. Candidates with commitment to all students, staff, and community members in a collaborative yet challenging environment for excellence are encouraged to apply. Westfield Public Schools is comprised of one high school, one technical high school, two middle schools, and five elementary schools serving 5,000 students. Westfield is located in Western Massachusetts in the Pioneer Valley and close to the Berkshires. Its location, rich business history of innovation, and diverse economic base make it an attractive community in which to live. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Special Education and Student Support Services: responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the special education department and student support services of the district; ensures special education program integration with the other instructional programs; oversees all personnel who are responsible for student support services; works effectively with all administrators, supervisors and staff to develop and continuously revise programs that best meet the needs of learners in the least restrictive environment. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Special Education and Student Support Services shall:

1. Provide leadership for all student support services.
2. Implement the Massachusetts evaluation system with department personnel.
3. Indirectly supervise ancillary programs including but not limited to: school nursing, counseling, guidance, and summer programming.
4. Supervise and assign all special services personnel, special program teachers, psychologists, school adjustment counselors, vision and hearing specialists, and itinerant teachers/nurses.
5. Serves as a member of the District Instructional Leadership Team to collaborate on decisions affecting curriculum and instruction for students with special needs.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of special education department programs utilizing qualitative and quantitative data to insure objectives are met.
7. Using district procedures, recruit, develop and retain an outstanding staff.
8. Plan, develop, and administer the budget for the special education department.
9. Prepare all financial and program reports required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the U.S. Department of Education.
10. Represent the school system at local, regional, and state functions related to children with special needs.
11. Determine the needs for programs and events regarding new programs and services to be provided by the district.
12. Responsible for resolving parental concerns and complaints.
13. Develop and maintain a network of resources for children and family in need of community support with agencies, and other appropriate referral sources.
14. Coordinate workshops, training and development programs for of the Special Education/General Education Department, administrators, teachers, other school personnel, and parents
15. Oversight of special education programs for the district.
16. Formulate and develop procedures for screening, education and placement of all students in all programs.
17. Coordinate procedures for placement, transfer, and termination of students in special needs programs.
18. Manage transportation for children placed in special programs outside the district, and also for children requiring special transportation within the School system.
19. Attend meetings as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.
20. Performs any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

REPORTS TO:Superintendent of Schools TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Twelve month year with benefits. Salary as per individual contract. Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Westfield School Committee policy on evaluation. This position subject to funding.