Interim Director of Student Services (SY 25-26)

Organization Overview Salem Academy Charter School (SACS) is a nationally ranked public charter school north of Boston that offers a rigorous college-preparatory program to 480 students in grades 6-12. Since 2004 SACS has been committed to serving Salems diverse population. Through a unique integration of rigorous college preparatory classes with service to the community Salem Academy graduates informed articulate and proactive individuals of strong character. Salem Academy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We seek to support a faculty and staff that reflects the rich diversity of our student body creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives ideas and identities are valued and integrated into our work and education. Position OverviewReporting to the Senior Director of Academics the Director of Special Education oversees all aspects of the Special Education program for grades 6-12 guiding a comprehensive vision and strategy to meet the unique needs of our students with disabilities. Responsible for ensuring the quality of Salem Academys Special Education programming for students with IEPs the Director of Special Education must possess expertise in best practices for addressing students academic and social/emotional needs in an inclusion context expertise in Massachusetts and federal Special Education regulations and outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills. The Director of Special Education provides shared leadership for our culture of achievement and must be able to promote a culture of excellence and collaboration between Special Education and general education instructional and support addition the Director of Special Education works closely with the Senior Director of Academics to focus on organizational priorities program development and financial expenditures for the Special Education ideal candidate is committed to prioritizing the unique needs of each student and family to support them in reaching their highest levels of academic social and/or emotional growth. This individual should be organized have strong communication skills and bring an equity-based mindset to their work each RESPONSIBILITIESOrganizational Leadership: Oversee all aspects of the Special Education program by setting a clear vision for academic and cultural excellence building and supporting a strong responsive team through highquality professional development effective performance management and motivational missionaligned the Special Education Team in creating a mission-driven inclusive college-going culture of achievement that permeates the school and builds students academic skills and social and emotional competencies. Maintain a visible presence in the schools daily life: observe classrooms build relationships with students and uphold school norms in a safe and supportive manner. Ensure that classrooms are safe and supportive and teaching is grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy. Assure effective implementation of any school improvement plans including measurable long-term goals and short-term objectives around student learning data to design professional in recruiting and hiring processes for all Special Education staff including contractors for service delivery and eligibility compliance with DESEs model educator evaluation system for Special Education and manage Special Education Grants e.g. 240 274; ensure appropriate usage of fundsEnsure compliance with state and federal regulations for staff the Senior Director of Academics develop a budget that best supports our students by aligning the use of funds to support research-based strategies that improve teaching and learning; monitor spending in Special Education program areasOversee the allocation of Special Education staffing and resources across the Education Compliance and ProceduresOversee and lead the full initial special education eligibility process from referral through the eligibility determination meeting ensuring alignment with MTSS data coordination of all required assessments (academic behavioral functional and related services) and facilitation of compliant studentcentered and familyfocused systems and protocols to ensure full compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations including IDEA Section 504 and Massachusetts DESE and collaborate with senior leadership on special education policies procedures compliance updates and programmatic with general education leadership to ensure timely highquality delivery of all special education and related servicesincluding Extended Year Services (EYS/ESY)through strategic development of staffing plans service schedules and instructional and submit all required DESE reports including annual midcycle and coordinated program review documentation ensuring accuracy and timely and manage all mediation resolution and due process procedures collaborating with families evaluators legal counsel and school leadership to ensure compliance and uphold student Development and EvaluationSupervise and evaluate Special Education staff; conduct annual performance reviews in accordance with the DESE Model Educator Evaluation DESE-mandated Special Education program review and evaluation processes e.g. Tiered Focus Monitoring (TFM).Conduct trend analysis of key student performance metrics (e.g. interim assessments graduation rates college matriculation and completion attendance discipline and attrition); use this information to inform programmatic choices to increase growth and achievement of students with school-wide inclusion practices that meet state and federal requirements align with SACS mission provide appropriate rigor and address the diverse needs of all develop and ensure implementation of programming (services and supports) in the domain of postsecondary comprehensive training for all Special Education and general education staff in best practices for inclusion and collaboration/ and Community EngagementFacilitate Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC).Ensure Special Education parents and community stakeholders are proactively engaged and invested in the schools culture and vision. Develop community partnerships particularly in support of Special Education programming services and opportunities for students. Serve as an ambassador and advocate of Salem Academy articulating the mission and program with clarity and enthusiasm. Attend both school and community events as needed (e.g. prospective student information sessions SACS Family Picnic Salem Education Foundation events).The Director of Special Education may also take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Leadership belief in our mission and vision: that all students can achieve at high levels Ability to promote a structured orderly safe and respectful school environment that fosters student-centered learning Demonstrated ability to connect with diverse students and families Demonstrated ability to lead coach and collaborate with adults from a diverse range of perspectives and backgroundsOpenness to change willingness to problem-solve and an interest in developing new ideas and programs Self-awareness humility and integrity in all interactions personally and professionallyOutstanding written and oral communication skillsFive or more years of Special Education teaching experience with adolescents preferredFive or more years of Special Education leadership experience preferredMasters degree requiredMassachusetts licensure as a Special Education administrator preferred Charter school experience preferredBackground clearance Fluency in Spanish is a plusSalem Academy Charter School values a school culture that celebrates learning and we believe that the adult culture is the foundation of the schools success. The culture is based on mutual respect integrity professionalism a commitment to excellence a collaborative spirit and a sense of human kindness particularly in relation to age-appropriate adolescent development. Salem Academy Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race ethnicity religion gender sexual orientation national origin age disability marital status or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal state and local laws.

Required Experience:

Director