Director of Student Support

Codman Academy Charter School•Boston, MA

3d•$100,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Codman Academy Charter Public School is seeking a strategic and experienced Chief of Student Support to lead and oversee all systems related to special education, student support services, regulatory compliance, and inclusive practices across grades K–12. The Chief of Student Support provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight for special education programming and ensures compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Civil Rights regulations, and Massachusetts DESE requirements. The role ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) while supporting strong academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary outcomes. The Chief of Student Support collaborates closely with school leadership, instructional teams, related service providers, families, and external partners to ensure that student support systems are effective, compliant, and centered on student success. This is an exempt leadership position that may require occasional evening meetings with families and participation in state compliance processes.

Requirements

Valid Massachusetts DESE License in one of the following: Special Education (Moderate or Severe Disabilities), School Psychologist, School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor, Speech-Language Pathologist, or Administrator License (or ability to obtain).
Minimum five years of experience in special education leadership or administration.
Comprehensive knowledge of IDEA, Massachusetts DESE regulations, Section 504, and Transition planning requirements.
Experience with Tiered Focused Monitoring or compliance systems.
Demonstrated experience leading special education systems and collaborating with school leadership.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
Experience in urban charter school environments.
Experience managing special education grants and compliance systems.
Experience supporting postsecondary transition planning.
Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in languages commonly spoken in Boston (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali).

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for all student support and special education programming across the school.
Ensure equitable access to rigorous instruction and appropriate services for students with disabilities.
Supervise and support special education teachers, related service providers, and support staff.
Strengthen inclusive practices across general education and special education settings.
Develop systems to improve student outcomes, service delivery, and regulatory compliance.
Ensure that student support services align with Codman Academy’s mission and instructional priorities.
Support culturally responsive and inclusive practices across all student support programming.
Oversee the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Chair or oversee initial, reevaluation, annual review, and emergency placement meetings.
Ensure all IEP timelines, documentation, and procedural safeguards are followed.
Secure and monitor parent consent and signatures for evaluations and IEPs.
Ensure teachers and service providers receive and implement updated IEPs.
Align student schedules with required IEP services and accommodations.
Monitor IEP service delivery and minute compliance.
Lead the development and implementation of transition planning systems for students with disabilities in grades 7–12.
Ensure compliance with transition planning requirements beginning at age 14.
Collaborate with leadership to align transition plans with internship programs, career pathway opportunities, work-based learning, and postsecondary planning.
Ensure transition services prepare students for college, career, and independent living.
Lead preparation and oversight for DESE Tiered Focused Monitoring, including Special Education, Multilingual Learners, Civil Rights, and Student Support Systems (MTSS/SST).
Monitor school compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Massachusetts DESE regulations, and Civil rights requirements.
Conduct internal compliance reviews and audits.
Develop and oversee corrective action plans when required.
Maintain documentation systems required for state monitoring.
Oversee and supervise the school nurse and required annual health screenings.
Monitor, develop, and update special education policies and procedures.
Ensure school practices align with DESE guidance and federal law.
Develop protocols related to IEP development, evaluations, service delivery, parent communication, and student support processes.
Chair Section 504 eligibility meetings.
Develop and monitor 504 accommodation plans.
Ensure teachers and staff implement required accommodations.
Coordinate state and school-based testing accommodations, including MCAS.
Ensure compliance with all testing accommodation regulations.
Collaborate with school leadership to ensure appropriate supports for students.
Lead and coordinate responses to dispute resolution processes, including mediation, state complaints, and due process hearings.
Work collaboratively with families and legal counsel to resolve concerns.
Support school leadership during complex student support cases.
Lead Manifestation Determination hearings and ensure compliance with student discipline regulations.
Manage and oversee special education grant applications and funding, including Federal IDEA grants, State special education funding, and other relevant grants.
Track expenditures and ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements.
Collaborate with finance and advancement teams regarding grant management.
Coordinate services with outside agencies and contracted providers.
Serve as liaison with evaluators, therapists, community agencies, and private placement providers.
Coordinate services for students placed in out-of-district programs.
Monitor special education systems, including IEP compliance, service delivery, evaluation timelines, and progress reporting.
Oversee Medicaid reimbursement processes, including parent consent collection, Random Moment Time Studies, and EasyTrac documentation.
Track student outcomes and compliance metrics.
Ensure accurate reporting to state and federal agencies.
Build strong partnerships with the families of students with disabilities.
Provide clear communication regarding services, rights, and processes.
Support engagement with the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPED PAC).
Assist families in navigating school and community support systems.
Provide professional development related to inclusive practices, IEP implementation, behavioral supports, differentiated instruction, MTSS/SST, and compliance requirements.
Support teachers in implementing accommodations and specialized instruction.
Collaborate with instructional leadership to strengthen Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports.