Director of Student Support Services

Wayzata Public Schools; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 162,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Employee assistance program

403b employer match

Job summary

Wayzata Public Schools in Minnesota seeks a Director of Student Support Services who reports to the Superintendent and serves on the Superintendent's Cabinet, guiding the district's special education and related health services.

You will manage budgets, supervise the Special Education staff, ensure FAPE for students with disabilities, and coordinate transportation and program evaluation in partnership with district leadership.

Qualifications

• Masters-level qualification in special education and administration.
• Minnesota Director of Special Education License required.
• Minimum of 4 years leadership/supervision in special education.

Responsibilities

• Directs administration of all Student Support Services programs including Special Education, Multilingual Learners, 504, Mental Health and related health services.
• Plans and monitors budgets and fiscal reporting for these programs.
• Stores and uses confidential pupil records and prepares program funding/expansion requests.
• Supervises staff and provides leadership to the Special Education Supervisor team.
• Acts as an advisory member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet and coordinates with district principals and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff supervision

Policy advisory

Education

Minnesota Director of Special Education License

Master’s Degree in Special Education and Administration

Job description

Position Description

The Director of Student Support Services reports to the Superintendent and is responsible to that person for the proper interpretation and performance of the duties and responsibilities of the position. This position is a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet.

Compensation: $161,544 - 197,096

Unaffiliated Level 4-8 Handbook

Typical Responsibilities Include:

*Please see attached job description for more details.

• General Administration: Directs the administration of all Student Support Services programs including Special Education, Multilingual Learners (Title III), Section 504, Mental Health and Related & Health Services. Prepares and monitors the budget in the above programs including all state and federal fiscal reporting requirements. Maintains a system of private records on pupils served relative to enrollment, programs provided and other pertinent data. Prepares requests for new, improved or expanded special education programs in relation to funding, staff, facilities and materials needed. In cooperation with the Director of Buildings and Grounds, plans and implements transportation systems for pupils with disabilities as needed. Plans and implements systems for evaluation of all programs administered.
• Student Support Services: Directs the implementation of procedures necessary for identifying and evaluating students with disabilities. Directs the implementation of educational programs for students with disabilities assuring that each student is provided with a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Supervises and monitors placement of pupils in special education programs in public and private facilities.
• Personnel: Oversees the hiring, placement and supervision of student support services personnel in the district. Provides leadership, direction and departmental vision to the Special Education Supervisor team. Plans and implements staff development programs relative to special education for regular and special education staff.
• Relationships: Serves on the Superintendent's Cabinet and acts in an advisory capacity to board members regarding special services programming and policy at the request of the superintendent. Maintains contacts with all district principals and associate principals, state consultants in special education, directors of outside agencies and school programs and works with outside professional service providers and college personnel on matters of mutual interest.

Qualifications

• Minnesota Director of Special Education License required
• Master's Degree or equivalent work in Special Education and Administration.
• Minimum of 4 years experience in providing supervision/leadership in the field of Special Education.

Selection Procedure

Applications accepted through 10/5/2026. Position is open and active until filled

• For a confidential informational conversation, please contact Dave Lutz, Executive Director of Human Resources at [e-mail].

Round 1 interviews will take place remotely via Zoom on Thursday, October 8 with an interview committee including the Superintendent, Executive Director of HR, and Director of Community Education. Applicant confidentiality will be maintained through this round. Candidates selected for Round 1 interviews will be notified as soon as possible following the closure of the position.

Round 2 will participate in a full-length interview with a larger committee, which will include a short presentation. This will occur on Tuesday, October 13. Because Round 1 is confidential, updated letters of recommendation may be submitted after notification of advancement to Round 2 if they are not already included with the initial application. Further details on Round 2, including committee composition and presentation prompts, will be shared with invited candidates.

Following reference checks, candidates recommended for Round 3 will meet with the Superintendent and Executive Director of HR on Monday, October 19. A recommendation for hire will be submitted to the School Board for approval as soon as possible after Round 3.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, employee assistance program, and 403b (tax sheltered annuity) employer match program

About Wayzata Public Schools

Wayzata Public Schools is a vibrant, caring community of teachers and students located in the Twin Cities' western suburbs. Extending from the north shore of Lake Minnetonka, we encompass 38 square miles of beautiful countryside, lakeside communities and growing suburbs. Each of our students is on a unique and wonderful educational journey - and we do everything we can to help them embrace and nurture the possibilities. Discover why we are considered one of the best school districts in the country!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Wayzata Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity, and veteran-friendly employer.

Wayzata Public Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status or veteran status. Wayzata Public Schools is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the district and strongly encourages persons to apply who can strengthen our diversity.

Accommodation

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please call Human Resources at 763-745-5000

Background Check Upon Conditional Offer

Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.