Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Allentown School District

About Allentown School District

Allentown School District (ASD) is one of the largest K-12 districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, proudly serving approximately 16,700 students across 25 schools. Founded in 1828, the district is a dynamic, thriving and diverse place where over 25 languages are spoken. With a vision of being a learning community that cultivates positive relationships and offers rigorous and meaningful curricula, and a mission of meeting the unique educational needs of each student by igniting their passion for learning and fostering an academic culture, the 2,500 teachers and staff at ASD take pride in their central role in shaping the future by nurturing the minds of students through an unparalleled educational experience.

About the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Under the direction of Superintendent Dr. Carol Birks, the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Services provides vision and leadership for the coordination of resources to support and enhance student learning. This includes oversight of programs, policies, operations, and procedures related to Student Services, including Special Education, Counseling, Health Services, School Psychology, Social Work, Dropout Prevention, and other systems of support. The position works collaboratively with families, community agencies, and internal departments to ensure equitable access to services and compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, as well as district adopted policies and procedures.

What You’ll Do (“Key Responsibilities”)

Strategy and Leadership for Student Services: Ensure the needs of students are met through effective programs and services.

• Develop and implement strategic plans for student programs and services aligned with the district’s mission and vision.
• Assist the Superintendent in achieving district objectives and carrying out policies established by the Board of Directors.
• Provide leadership and supervision of programs and personnel assigned to meet the special and alternative needs of students.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning to coordinate the development and implementation of the district’s Response-to-Intervention (RTI) process.
• Participates in district leadership teams and collaborates with other departments to support student success.

Effective Student Services Operations: Review and direct operations related to student programs and services and regularly monitor and evaluate

• Plan, direct, and review the activities and operations related to student programs and services, including Special Education, Counseling, Health Services, School Psychology, Social Work, and Dropout Prevention.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to student services.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of student programs and services.
• Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to state and federal agencies.
• Develop partnerships with families, community agencies, and external organizations to support student development.
• Serves as an articulate, informed spokesperson for student services at both formal and informal engagements.
• Supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; provides leadership and direction for programs under their supervision.

Requirements:
Skills You’ll Need to be Successful (“Core Competencies”)

Special Education and Student Services Expertise

• Plan, organize, and coordinate activities of a broad range of student programs and services.
• Assure that student programs and services are carried out in compliance with local, federal, and state requirements.
• Knowledgeable in the principles and practices of student support services in K-12 education.
• Well versed in federal and state laws and regulations related to Special Education, Section 504, and student wellness.
• Able to execute crisis intervention and behavioral support strategies.
• Understand culturally responsive practices and equity frameworks.
• Work with families, advocates, and legal entities to facilitate due process rights that apply to disagreements between families and the district.

Exceptional Communicator

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively in various settings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate emotional intelligence.
• Collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Respond to parent/community requests for service and assistance.
• Accept responsibility and follow through on commitments.

Team and Department Leader

• Foster an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow, while continuously striving for improvement.
• Build positive morale and contribute to team success.
• Utilize effective leadership and supervisory practices.
• Supervise, motivate, train personnel, and evaluate staff performance.
• Assist in development, implementation, and monitoring of budgets related to all areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior.

Problem Solving, Strategic Thinking and Data-Driven Decision Making

• Develop strategies to achieve district goals.
• Align work with strategic priorities.
• Set and achieve challenging goals.
• Effectively utilize data analysis and program evaluation methods.
• Demonstrate ingenuity and inventiveness in problem-solving.
• Make timely and sound decisions.
• Analyze complex situations and develop effective solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education Administration, Education Leadership or related field required from an accredited college or university. Doctorate preferred.
• Eligible or hold a Pennsylvania PreK–12 Administrative Certificate.
• Minimum of five (5) or more years of administrative experience, including school and/or central administration experience at a director, principal, or executive level. Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience working in an urban school district is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in student support services, including Special Education, Counseling, Health Services, School Psychology, Social Work, and Dropout Prevention.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations, funding, and current trends and practices related to student services.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:
Salary range for this integral leadership position is $160,000 to $180,000 and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package will be included in the ultimate offer for the identified sole finalist. We look forward to discussing details with you as the interview process progresses.