Director of METCO - 1.0 FTE - SY 26/27

Wellesley Public Schools•Wellesley, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

A key component of the METCO Director’s responsibilities is facilitating the educational and socialization process for METCO students and establishing collaboration among parents and caregivers, students and the school district. This position requires demonstrated cultural competence, reflected in sustained, caring and dedicated interactions that meet the needs of the diverse METCO community. The METCO Director reports directly to the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Due to the nature of the METCO Program, the position requires a person who is sensitive and experienced in meeting the needs of diverse students and families, and who can help and guide them to succeed and fully benefit from their educational experience. The METCO Director will be able to work cooperatively with the Central Office, principals, teachers and other school personnel. They must be able to understand and interpret the needs and challenges of METCO students for faculty members. The METCO Director will be required to provide staff/teacher training on cultural proficiency.

Requirements

DESE administrator license or eligibility for a DESE administrator license, and SEI endorsement
Bachelor's degree
Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations
Strong cultural competency and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
Experience with METCO or similar educational access programs
Bilingual skills

Responsibilities

Works to secure fundraisers and appropriately manages all aspects related to the program funds.
Develops a funding request budget for Friends of Wellesley METCO.
Meets with fundraisers monthly to update, prepare fundraising initiatives, and problem-solve ongoing concerns.
Reports accurate enrollment numbers to the district administrator to solidify enrollment numbers to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, DESE, by October 1st, March 1st, and the last day of the school year.
Updates the Superintendent monthly on the program's successes and challenges.
Sits on the district’s Administrative and Academic councils, and on the Elementary, Middle, and High School Leadership Teams.
Coordinates all aspects of transportation with the Transportation Coordinator, including, but not limited to, mapping bus routes to set pickup and departure times.
Make sure the daily bus arrives and departs on time.
Determines the frequency and number of late bus runs.
Hires, supervises and troubleshoots all concerns of bus monitors.
Develops strategies to increase funding.
Plans for Advocacy Day with and without students.
Attends monthly meetings at METCO Incorporated (Boston), facilitated by the executive officers of METCO, Inc.
Actively participates in METCO Director’s monthly professional development seminars for professional growth and development.
Coordinates all placement concerns, including but not limited to: Ensures that the allocated slots are filled each year.
Secures completed folders from METCO, Inc.
Designs and implements a new parent interview and orientation program.
Works with families to complete the WPS registration program.
Confers with the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Director of Student Services and the Superintendent regarding placement numbers and possible section openings.
Conducts individual interviews with each student, their parents or caregivers.
Maintains positive, respectful interactions with students to cultivate comfort and trust in the student-director relationship.
Promotes positive student interactions among students.
Establishes an environment enabling students to demonstrate respect for and affirm their own and others’ differences related to background, identity, language, strengths and challenges.
Deals immediately and successfully with student concerns and makes students feel welcome at all times.
Coordinates counseling and family services in Boston when necessary.
Assists in obtaining academic enrichment.
Ensures that students, parents and caregivers are aware of specific academic enrichment programs.
Communicates respectfully and proactively with parents and caregivers; is sensitive to diverse family and community values and beliefs.
Gives parents clear expectations for student learning and behavior, and demonstrates a belief in, and a structure to, help students meet and exceed the standards.
Coordinates the Beginning of the Year meeting in Boston and collaborates and attends the Wellesley METCO Parent Council meeting monthly
Coordinates with the Family Friends organization to make good matches between Boston and Wellesley students and their families.
Meets monthly with Family Friends Coordinator to problem-solve and plan program initiatives with the goal of relationship building.
Meets with the high, middle and elementary school counselors
Evaluates all METCO staff (3 counselors, up to 3 bus monitors, 1 Secretary), executes the evaluation system by meeting deadlines and using the correct forms;
Supports and problem-solves discipline issues in conjunction with coordinators and school administrators
Attends IEP and or parent meetings as requested
Contributes ideas and expertise to teacher teams, meetings and committees to support the school and district’s mission.