Description
Title: Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services
Reports to: Deputy Superintendent of Academics
Work Year: Twelve-month administrative position (Full-Time, Exempt)
Welcome to Lawrence Public Schools Lawrence Public Schools is committed to ensuring that ALL students successfully master the content and skills necessary to graduate from high school, college, and/or career ready. We achieve this by providing a standards-based, rigorous instructional program focused on academic achievement and the development of 21st-century skills, accompanied by a comprehensive system of support. These efforts are monitored and assessed regularly to ensure accountability to all stakeholders.
Position Overview
Lawrence Public Schools is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight for district programs and services that support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.
Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent of Academics, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services works closely with district leaders and school principals to ensure that schools are equipped to support students with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. The role oversees district systems related to special education, behavioral supports, early childhood programs, and other student support services.
The Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services plays a critical role in strengthening systems that help schools provide effective and inclusive support for students while ensuring that services align with district priorities for academic improvement and student well-being.
The district seeks a leader who brings both strong instructional expertise and a collaborative leadership approach. The Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services will play an important role in strengthening district systems that support schools while ensuring that student support services contribute meaningfully to improved academic and developmental outcomes for all students.
The Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services will work in close partnership with the Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, and school leaders to ensure that student support systems are coordinated with instructional priorities and effectively support schools in improving outcomes for students.
Key Responsibilities
The Assistant Superintendent ensures that district systems promote inclusive practices, proactive behavioral supports, and coordinated services so that schools are equipped to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of students.
Strategic Leadership of Student Support Systems
Provide strategic leadership for district systems and programs that support students’ academic success, well-being, and access to services.
Special Education Leadership
Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs and services across the district.
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while maintaining a strong focus on program quality and student outcomes.
Districtwide Behavioral and Social-Emotional Supports
Lead districtwide efforts to strengthen behavioral support systems and social-emotional supports that promote positive school climate, student engagement, and effective responses to behavioral challenges.
Early Childhood Programs
Provide leadership and oversight for district early childhood programs, including services that support early learning and early intervention.
Ensure that early childhood programs and community partnerships are aligned with district priorities and provide strong foundations for student success as children transition into elementary school.
Collaboration with School Leaders
Partner with principals and school leadership teams to ensure effective implementation of student support programs.
Provide guidance and support to school leaders in addressing complex student needs and strengthening inclusive practices.
Coordination of Student Support Systems Across District Departments
Collaborate with academic and operational departments to ensure that student support systems are aligned with instructional priorities and effectively support schools.
Compliance and Program Quality
Ensure that district programs meet all legal and regulatory requirements while promoting continuous improvement in the quality and effectiveness of services.
Family and Community Engagement
Work with families and community partners to strengthen support networks for students and ensure clear communication regarding available services and supports.
Leadership Team Participation
Serve as a member of the district leadership team and contribute to districtwide planning and decision-making.
Additional Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Superintendent or Superintendent.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership experience and a commitment to improving outcomes for all students.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in education, educational leadership, special education, or a related field
Massachusetts licensure as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent or appropriate administrative license
Minimum of five years of leadership experience in a school or district setting
Demonstrated experience leading student support systems such as special education, behavioral supports, early childhood services, or other programs that support students’ academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs.
Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and inclusive practices
Experience working in diverse school communities
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in urban school districts
Experience leading behavioral support systems or student wellness initiatives
Experience with early childhood programs or early learning initiatives
Leadership Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate strength in the following leadership competencies.
Student-Centered Leadership
Demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring that all students receive the supports necessary to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Systems Leadership
Understands how district systems and programs must align to effectively support schools and improve student outcomes.
Collaboration and Partnership
Builds strong relationships with principals, educators, district leaders, families, and community partners.
Strategic Thinking
Identifies key priorities and develops strategies that strengthen the effectiveness and coherence of student support systems.
Equity-Focused Leadership
Demonstrates a strong commitment to equitable access to services and improved outcomes for historically underserved students.
First-Year Priorities
During the first year in this role, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services will focus on several key priorities:
Strengthen Behavioral and Student Support Systems
Work with district leaders and school administrators to strengthen districtwide systems that support students’ behavioral and social-emotional needs.
Improve Coordination Between Central Office and Schools
Ensure that schools experience student support services as coordinated, responsive, and clearly aligned with district priorities.
Strengthen Special Education Program Quality
Review current programs and services to identify opportunities to strengthen effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with instructional priorities.
Strengthen Early Childhood Program Alignment
Ensure that early childhood programs are well aligned with district priorities and provide strong transitions into elementary school programs.
Build Strong Relationships with Schools and Families
Develop strong partnerships with principals, staff, families, and community partners to ensure that student support systems operate effectively and equitably.
Measures of Success
Success in this role will be demonstrated by:
Strengthened district systems supporting students’ behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs
Improved quality and consistency of special education services across schools
Effective implementation of proactive behavioral support frameworks that promote positive school climate and student engagement
Strong alignment between early childhood programs and elementary school instructional priorities
Improved coordination of student support services across schools and district departments
Strong partnerships with school leaders that support inclusive practices and effective learning environments for all students
Salary
Starting at $176,000
Non-Discrimination Statement
Lawrence Public Schools is dedicated to maintaining a workplace and learning environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, immigration and immigration status or any other basis prohibited by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in investigations.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the required background check and availability of funding.
