Director of Student Services – Holliston Public School District

The Holliston Public School District seeks a Director of Student Services to provide leadership to a dedicated student services department that supports students PreK- Transition (age 22).  The Director will provide leadership to the school department in the areas of:

• Special Education
• Health Services
• School Counseling
• Related Services

The Director is expected to ensure all students are supported through a comprehensive program of services beginning with the evaluation through the development of Individual Education Plans and 504 Accommodation Plans.  Additionally, the Director will collaborate with the 4 district schools to develop appropriate comprehensive inclusive programming and practices for all students to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education.

Holliston, MA, is a charming, family-friendly MetroWest suburb known for its strong community, excellent schools, and New England character, featuring historic buildings, abundant parks, local shops, and a vibrant volunteer spirit, serving as a desirable bedroom community for Boston with a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities, attracting residents seeking a small-town feel close to the city.

The town, located twenty-five miles outside of Boston, is committed to ensuring an environment that allows for diverse perspectives and backgrounds welcoming individuals and families of every race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status.  Holliston is a well-established town that welcomes families and emphasizes a commitment to educating all students who enroll in the district.

Holliston promotes academic rigor while celebrating the arts and sports.  Students are provided multiple opportunities to participate in the rich educational services and extra-curricular activities within the schools that serve 2600 students in grades K-12.  The district offers programming beginning with our integrated preschool and continues grade 12.  Holliston is a close-knit community who encourage and celebrate educational success.

Required Qualifications:

• Current Massachusetts license as an Administrator of Special Education (Title of Assistant Superintendent may be considered subject to the appropriate licensure.)
• 5+ years experience as an Special Education administrator
• Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant education field

Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provides effective leadership and vision for all schools and the district in special education, health services, school counseling, related services, etc.
• Works in partnership with other district administrators and school-based leaders to pursue strategic initiatives aligned with the district’s values, vision and mission.
• Has a thorough knowledge of laws relating to special education and develops guidelines and procedures that ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Represents the district at BSEA proceedings.
• Coordinates the assessment of district-wide special education, health, and counseling needs on an ongoing basis and oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services to meet those needs.
• Builds high performing school and program-based teams.
• Prepares and submits all reports required by the superintendent, school committee, and state or federal agencies in a timely manner.
• Coordinates the preparing and submission of exhibits as part of Integrated Monitoring Review.
• Ensures stability and programmatic improvement over time through the development and responsible management of the student services budgets.
• Writes and manages federal and state grant applications and amendments
• Creates and submits Circuit Breaker reimbursement claims
• Works with department leaders to plan and implement professional development and evaluation for student services staff members.
• Partners with the SEPAC, Youth and Family Services.
• Provides training, consultation and support to administrators for issues around student discipline, bullying and harassment, Title IX, de-escalation and restraint and any other topics deemed necessary.
• Provide supervision and oversight around out-of-district placement of students.
• Consults legal counsel in matters related to student rights, the provision of services and student discipline.
• Monitors and consults with student support teams, and oversees the provision of home/hospital services, McKinney-Vento Act services, translation, student 504 accommodations, contract services, and any other services deemed needed by DESE.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the superintendent.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires sufficient vision to read printed documents and to view detail on a computer screen for extended periods.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching, as well as carrying and occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone, and in the classroom.
• Ability to hear sounds within reasonable distances.
• Travel among buildings may be required.
• These are representative demands of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you are interested in joining us, please submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts and three (3) letters of reference.

Public School employees of Massachusetts are required to submit their fingerprints to a National Criminal Database check. The check will require you to pay a fee of $55. In addition to the national background check, a satisfactory Massachusetts Criminal Record Check (CORI) is required.