ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT – SPECIAL SERVICES/PUPIL PERSONNEL

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:                                                                                

• Connecticut certification in at least one of the following areas: school psychology, social work, speech and language pathology, or special education
• Connecticut Intermediate Administrator Certification
• Demonstrated leadership ability in special education and/or special services
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

REPORTS TO:                  Superintendent

SUPERVISES AND EVALUATES:

District, Private, Parochial School and Pre-School Staff                                          

Administrative Assistants to Assistant Superintendent of Special Services  

Assistant Directors of Special Services

COORDINATES AND COOPERATIVELY EVALUATES:

Working with the building principals, directs the program and coordinates and evaluates the work of the following staff members: paraprofessionals, special education teachers, school psychologists, school social workers, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and non-tenured teachers in areas of responsibility.

JOB GOAL:

In collaboration with staff, students, families, and the community, develop and articulate a vision for serving students with disabilities that aligns with the district mission, complies with state and federal laws, and actualizes the district’s Vision of a Learner.  Guide the creation and implementation of inclusive practices, individualized support systems, and high-quality learning experiences that recognize and nurture the abilities of all students. Continue to foster a district-wide culture of collaboration, accessibility, and continuous improvement to ensure that all students have the tools to thrive and achieve their full potential. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In collaboration with the appropriate building principals, supervise and evaluate the instructional support staff and services
• In collaboration with the appropriate building principals supervise and evaluate all special education staff and services
• Coordinate the operation of the special education program and support services for all categories of pupils with disabilities within the district as well as for pupils in out-of-district placements including home and hospital instruction
• Serve as consultant to school-based Administrative and Intervention plans
• Evaluate existing instructional and support programs for pupils with special needs, establish the need for, and recommend District approval of, new programs and services for all exceptional pupils with disabilities including hospitalized and homebound
• Monitor and/or approve all matters of student placement in special education and other special programs
• Schedule and/or present staff development activities which focus on the policies, regulations and guidelines which govern the education of pupils with special needs
• Prepare a wide variety of often complex materials (e.g. plans, budgets, funding requests, reports, analyses, recommendations, procedures, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and issues, meeting compliance requirements, providing audit references, making presentations, and/or providing supporting materials for requested actions
• Keep informed of potential sources for financial aid; initiate and coordinate the grant proposals related to special services
• Prepare all financial and program reports pertaining to special services and the pupil enrollment records
• Give general direction to and coordinate the selection of material to be used for special services
• Assist the Transportation Liaison in arranging for transportation of all pupils requiring special transportation services through established district procedures
• Serve as district Custodian of Student Records; plan and supervise the on-going pupil record system
• Prepare State reports that relate to student demographics in cooperation with principals
• Identify the need for and provide in-service training for purposes of staff development both within the department and for the regular teaching staff
• Serve as advisor to administrators, teachers, parents, and pupils relative to suspensions, expulsions, and pupil discipline problems which reach the district level and consult with administrators on cases of suspected child abuse
• Develop and make available to staff, pupils, and parents descriptive material concerning the nature and purposes of special services, including maintaining website
• In cooperation with the building principal, screen and recommend for employment all certified and non-certified candidates for positions in special services
• Recommend, in consultation with school and central office administrators, the assignment of special services staff
• Establish and maintain favorable relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and solicit support for overall school objectives and programs
• Keep informed on current trends, practices and research in the area of special services by advanced study, by visiting school systems elsewhere, by attending conferences, and by other appropriate means
• Serve as the 504 coordinator ensuring compliance with legal and administrative regulations
• Coordinate program components, support needs, and materials (e.g. Student Success plans and Positive Behavior Intervention, ESY, Section 504, professional growth) for the purpose of delivering services which confirm to established guidelines
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, seminars, etc. (e.g. due process hearings, mediations, district liaison, special education parent groups, etc.) for the purpose of identifying issues, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a district representative to outside agencies
• Develop a planned, thoughtful and credible annual budget
• Accept additional assignments in the role of Assistant Superintendent - Special Services as directed by the Superintendent

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:       12 month position

EVALUATION:  Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions the Board policy on Evaluation of Administrative Personnel.

Wilton Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all qualified persons.

Wilton Public Schools does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information & testing, Family & Medical Leave status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.

Wilton Public Schools prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.