INTERIM DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Westfield Public Schools; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield Public Schools in Westfield, MA seeks an interim Director of Special Education and Student Support Services to cover the remainder of the 2026-27 year. The role leads student support services for about 1,000 students and oversees personnel in several programs.

The ideal candidate has MA licensure, a Master\'s in Education, at least five years in a director/administrator role in elementary/secondary education, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Masters in Education required and MA licensure.
• Minimum five years as Director/Administrator of Special Education preferred.
• Experience in elementary and secondary education.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for all student support services.
• Implement the Massachusetts evaluation system with department personnel.
• Indirectly supervise school nursing, counseling, guidance and summer programming.
• Supervise specialists, psychologists, counselors, and itinerant staff.
• Collaborate on curriculum and instruction decisions for students with special needs.
• Evaluate programs using qualitative and quantitative data to meet objectives.
• Recruit, develop and retain outstanding staff.
• Plan and administer the budget for the special education department.
• Prepare financial and program reports for state and federal agencies.
• Represent the school system at local, regional, and state functions.
• Coordinate workshops and development programs for staff and parents.
• Oversee special education programs district-wide.
• Develop procedures for screening, placement, and termination of students.
• Manage transportation for students in special programs.

Skills

Leadership and supervision

Communication skills

Knowledge of special education law

Program management

Education

Master's Degree in Education

Massachusetts licensure (DESE)

Job description

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Westfield Public Schools is seeking an interim administrator of special education and student support services to cover the rest of the 2026-27 school year. 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.

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

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

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools

Terms of Employment: 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.

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Westfield Public Schools District - Westfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5981023

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Nov 03, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Westfield Public Schools is seeking an interim administrator of special education and student support services to cover the rest of the 2026-27 school year. 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.

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

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

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools

Terms of Employment: 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.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $500 to $600 Per Day

Job Categories: Administration > Special Education Director

Job Requirements

• QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Massachusetts licensure with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  • A minimum of five (5) years successful experience as a Director/Administrator of Special Education is preferred.
  • Masters Degree in Education.
  • Experience in elementary and secondary education.
  • Expert knowledge of education legislation/regulations as related to schools and special education.
• ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Work is generally conducted within office building with occasional traveling to external sites. Position involves sitting and the ability to travel from one place to another within the office. This position involves sedentary and light work with regular lifting of up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting of as much as 30 pounds with some pulling and pushing or reaching above, generally of desk and file drawers. Frequent use of hands to operate keyboards and telephones and other office equipment. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Michael Morris , HR Director
• 94 North Elm Street
• Suite 101
• Westfield, Massachusetts 01085
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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