Assistant Superintendent for Student and Family Services

LOCATION: Rush-Henrietta Central School District, Rochester, N.Y.

SALARY & BENEFITS: Highly competitive with similar Monroe County School Districts.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a strong instructional foundation; deep knowledge of the coordinated systems of pupil personnel services; understanding of laws, regulations, board policies and procedures, as well as emerging trends and current research based system of district level interventions and preventions for student success; ability to supervise, direct and evaluate staff effectively; and must possess a Master's degree and New York administrative certification (SDL or SDA). Candidates of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Mindsets Required

Deep belief in the capacity of each student to achieve and thrive at high levels;

Comprehensive knowledge of regulations, laws, policies, practices, and procedures of special education services, Multi-tiered systems of support, social-emotional learning, student discipline, student health and wellness, Preschool education and alternative education programs; community programs and family services;

Ability to coach leaders to manage their teams and departments efficiently and effectively, including developing skills such as delivering critical feedback, facilitating difficult conversations well, and setting and monitoring ambitious team goals;

Ability to coordinate, prioritize, and manage a variety of diverse and complex tasks and systems while maintaining a high level of attention to details;

Ability to prepare and submit reports to the superintendent, Board of Education as appropriate, and to New York State Education Department;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with School Board members, school administrators, teachers, staff, and all support staff;

Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs;

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

DESCRIPTION: The Assistant Superintendent for Student and Family Services is a key executive leadership position within the Rush-Henrietta Central School District. This role reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools and is responsible for overseeing various departments and programs aimed at providing comprehensive student and family services.

Position is responsible for the supervision and management of staff overseeing district registration, student management practices, mental health services (including counseling and social work services), special education programs and services, alternative education programs, student health and wellness services, student attendance; tutoring services, early childhood and adult literacy services, before-and-after school care and community programs, and support staff. This individual is responsible for the effective and responsive delivery of student and family services, across the district, and leading the cultivation of a vibrant educational landscape throughout the organization where every student's engagement is ignited and positive behavior is naturally fostered. This position reports to the Superintendent of Schools and serves as a member of the senior staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Ensure the Effective Provision of Special Education Services

Coordinate the office of special education operations;

Advise and consult with other district academic leaders regarding instructional special education matters;

Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations and mandates governing special education programs, including but not limited to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while demonstrating expert knowledge in interpreting and implementing these requirements within the district's framework;

Continuously assess and enhance special education programs, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities;

Foster collaborative relationships with parents, educators, support staff, and community stakeholders to create an inclusive and supportive environment;

Manage the budget for special education services, allocating resources effectively to maximize student support and program effectiveness;

Provide leadership in the development and implementation of professional development programs for special education staff, promoting continuous learning and improvement;

Utilize data-driven decision-making to assess the performance of special education programs, preparing comprehensive reports for district leadership and regulatory agencies;

Supervise and support special education staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth;

Advocate for the rights and needs of students with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard in the decision-making processes of the district and expanding access and participation in various before-and-after school extracurricular activities;

Develop and implement crisis management plans specific to special education, ensuring the safety and well-being of students in emergency situations;

Lead efforts for continuous improvement in special education services, regularly assessing outcomes and implementing changes as needed to enhance student success.

Coordinate Health and Wellness Programs and Services

Refine and implement health and wellness policies in compliance with state and federal regulations;

Implement K-12 comprehensive counseling plan, Trauma, Illness and Grief and Threat Assessment protocols;

Coordinate and oversee health and wellness services, including the management of mental health professionals; school-based clinics, school nurses and health-related programs;

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures;

Foster and continue to strengthen partnerships with local health agencies, emergency responders, and community organizations to enhance health and wellness initiatives;

Update pandemic response plans, ensuring readiness for any health-related crises;

Implement and oversee health promotion programs to encourage healthy and well-being lifestyles among students and staff;

Monitor and analyze health and wellness data, preparing comprehensive reports for district leadership and regulatory agencies;

Collaborate with mental health professionals to integrate mental health services into the overall health and wellness framework;

Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with health and wellness regulations, addressing areas for enhancement;

Coordinate crisis intervention strategies and support services for students during health-related emergencies;

Engage with the community to provide health education and promote awareness of health and wellness issues;

Lead efforts for continuous improvement in health and wellness services, adapting strategies based on evolving needs and best practices.

Lead efforts to promote a positive school climate and culture

Chair the district student management team and implement procedures for Superintendent suspension hearings;

Implement a comprehensive discipline framework, ensuring consistency of established practices across all schools;

Implement and promote positive behavior support systems to foster a positive and inclusive school culture;

Revise, and communicate the district's student code of conduct, setting clear expectations for behavior;

Integrate restorative practices, and peer mediation to address conflicts and promote meaningful resolutions;

Establish and lead collaborative discipline teams involving educators, administrators, and support staff;

Provide training and ongoing professional development for staff on effective discipline strategies and positive behavior reinforcement;

Utilize data to assess discipline trends, implementing targeted interventions to address disproportionality and other specific challenges;

Develop and implement crisis intervention and prevention strategies to address mental and behavioral issues promptly and effectively;

Engage with parents, families, and community stakeholders to build a collaborative approach ensuring equitable access and opportunities;

Implement programs that enhance cultural competency among staff to create an inclusive and respectful environment;

Facilitate student-led initiatives promoting positive behavior, leadership, and peer support;

Develop and implement anti-bullying campaigns to create a safe and supportive school environment;

Encourage and facilitate meaningful parental engagement in the education and well-being of their child at home and in the school community.

Performs other functions as required by the Superintendent to support the daily operation of the district as a member of the district leadership team.

Coordinate foreign exchange procedures

Assist with Title III and Title IV Grant Application

Ensure alignment of the scope of work in the department with district strategic plan, goals, objectives and targets

Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

DISTRICT PROFILE: Rush-Henrietta serves more than 5,400 culturally and ethnically diverse students in nine schools, and is known for its comprehensive academic offerings, award-winning music and arts programs, family and community services, and instructional technology. The district has received national and state recognition for its leadership in equity and inclusion, and has adopted a strategic plan called Vision 2037 that serves as a guiding star for an educational journey that begins with a robust foundation and a commitment to inclusivity and safety for every student.

ANTICIPATED START: August 1, 2024 (or sooner)

To Apply: Complete the online application and upload a cover letter, current resume, certification[s], official transcripts, and updated reference letters by June 7, 2024. Apply at www.applitrack.com/rhcsd/onlineapp/

RUSH-HENRIETTA IS COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING A MORE DIVERSE WORKFORCE.

Candidates of diverse backgrounds and experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Rush-Henrietta Central School District is in compliance with the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Title IX Educational Amendments of 1972, Part 86. The School District provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap, gender identity or sexual orientation. The Superintendent of Schools reserves the right to consider additional candidates and qualifications during the hiring process.