Chief of Student Support Services - Year-Round Position
East Hartford Public Schools - East Hartford, CT
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Position Type: Administration Date Posted: 3/10/2026 Location: Administration Building Chief of Student Support Services - 12 Months Year-Round PositionSalary: $170,000 - $185,000 per year The following documents must be complete and current for application to be considered: Online Application Letter of Interest Resume Copy of Certification Official Transcripts Three Current Letters of Recommendation Other: Letter of interest should include background information TITLE: Chief of Student Support Services QUALIFICATIONS:State of Connecticut Certification as "Intermediate Administration & Supervision" (092) Five years of successful teaching experience in the area of special education or related service field Previous experience in a central office or administrative position related to Pupil Personnel Services Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable. REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: The Chief of Student Support Services is a critical member of the Superintendent's Executive Leadership Team. This role provides strategic leadership and executive guidance to the Superintendent by driving the communication, collaboration, and systemic coordination of the district's most complex student-facing functions. The Chief leads a multi-sectioned division responsible for special education, mental health, and student well-being, ensuring these services are fully integrated into the district's instructional core to raise achievement and close opportunity gaps. The Chief develops and oversees districtwide systems that support student success while ensuring alignment with the District Strategic Plan through clear expectations, measurable outcomes, and strong accountability structures.Working collaboratively with principals, district leaders, community partners, and state agencies, the Chief ensures compliance with all federal and state mandates while advancing innovative practices that strengthen instructional access and improve student outcomes for all students. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Education: Master's degree required from an accredited college or university required in Educational Leadership or related field required. Certification: Connecticut State Department of Education Intermediate Administration and Supervision (092) required with significant executive experience; Superintendent (093) certification preferred. Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching in special education or related services. Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of demonstrated success leading and supervising a team of educators and professional staff. Previous school-based and central office administrative experience is required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Comprehensive knowledge of federal and Connecticut education laws including IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and statutes governing student discipline, residency, and special education compliance. Executive Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex district divisions, manage cross-functional teams, and serve as a strategic advisor to the Superintendent. Strategic Systems Leadership: Ability to design, implement, and monitor districtwide student support systems that improve outcomes and align with the District Strategic Plan. Data and Performance Leadership: Advanced analytical skills to monitor systemwide performance, interpret complex data, and produce actionable reports for the Superintendent and Board of Education. Fiscal Stewardship: Proven ability to manage large-scale departmental budgets, grants, and staffing resources to ensure compliant and effective delivery of programs and services. Collaborative Leadership: Ability to establish productive relationships with local, regional, and state agencies, community partners, families, and diverse stakeholder groups. Communication and Professional Judgment: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex or sensitive information to the Board of Education, leadership teams, and community stakeholders. Technology and Operational Systems: Proficiency in the use of technology and data systems for reporting, program monitoring, and communication. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable. EXECUTIVE PERFORMANCE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESServes as a primary advisor to the Superintendent on all matters related to student support services including special education, and student well-being. Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of district initiatives aligned with strategic priorities. Plans and directs all phases of Student Services (PreK 12), including psychological services, counseling, and health services and a district-wide continuum of student support services. Ensures district-wide compliance with IDEA, Section 504, student discipline statutes, and residency requirements, acting as the district's Safe School Climate Coordinator. Develops and monitors multi-million dollar departmental budgets and grants (IDEA, etc.) to ensure resource alignment with student needs. Recruits, interviews, and recommends personnel; supervises and evaluates the Assistant Director, Supervisors of Special Education, and Nursing Leadership. Supervises, evaluates, and provides leadership to assigned administrative and supervisory personnel, including special education supervisors, building administrators, department leaders, and office staff. and other staff assigned by the Superintendent Oversees district processes related to student discipline, expulsion hearings, and residency determinations in accordance with state law and due process requirements. Maintains oversight of student records and reporting systems to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely updates. Demonstrates strong data analysis and program evaluation skills to assess effectiveness, identify trends, and inform decision-making withclarity, measurable outcomes, and accountability. Provides strategic oversight of out-of-district placements and specialized programming to ensure appropriate services, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with legal requirements. Ensures alignment between student support systems and the district's instructional priorities to strengthen access to high-quality teaching and learning for all students. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies, organizations, and public entities to support student needs and district initiatives. Provides counsel, guidance, and technical assistance to principals, administrators, and staff regarding special education and student support services. Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including presentations staff, EHPS Leadership, community members, and the Board of Education. Serves as or oversees the district's Safe School Climate Coordinator. Engages in ongoing professional learning to remain current with legal requirements, research, and best practices. Performs other tasks and responsibilities as delegated and/or assigned by the Superintendent of Schools CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut State Department of Education Administrator (092) certification PHYSICAL DEMANDS: As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job Physical Demands: None SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires the ability to work extended, flexible hours and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines. OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: At will twelve-months. Non-Bargaining, individual contract. EVALUATION: Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent. This job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Professional Development and Administrator Evaluation Plan.
Created: 2026-03-17