Assistant Director of 504s (Anticipated)

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT:

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

ABOUT THIS POSITION:

The Assistant Director for 504s is responsible for supervising the preparation for, chairing, and facilitation of the 504 processes for students with disabilities. The Assistant Director will work with the Executive Director of Integrated Student Support Services, leaders in Student Support Services, school-based administrators, and relevant school staff and families to support the 504 process and follow-through with communication of plans of support and/or required program changes. The Assistant Director for 504s will be responsible for compliance reporting, recordkeeping, and providing recommendations to the district in collaboration with the larger Student Support Services team to address questions with respect to supporting students with disabilities and the 504 process.

REPORTS TO: Deputy Chief of Student Support Services

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Supervise the chairing of all 504 meetings, including documenting all meeting discussions in minutes and updating current documents to reflect current student needs while incorporating medial evidence, school input, and student and family requests; chair meetings as needed
- Respond to inquiries from students, families, and staff regarding 504 plans and accommodation implementation;
- Produce quarterly reports of all students with 504s to track behavior, attendance, and academic performance and suggest revisions to 504 plans as a result of quarterly analysis;
- Engage in supervision and support meetings with the 504 chairperson/coach, Student Support Services leaders, and other leaders, as needed;
- Utilize strong systems for data collection and tracking to document needs, services, and progress towards student behavioral goals;
- Develop and provide training and support to staff on Section 504 compliance and best practices, in partnership with the 504 chairperson/coach;
- Consult with school leaders regarding student discipline process for students with 504s;
- Partner with school and site supervisors about the development and implementation of 504 plans;
- Attend meetings to maintain current knowledge of new legislation and requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- In-depth understanding of Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)
- Proven experience accelerating measurable student learning in urban schools (preferred)
- Training and or experience with Culturally Relevant Education (preferred)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with chairing special education or 504-accommodation meetings (preferred)
- Prior demonstration of exemplary attendance is expected of any candidate for hire
- All candidates must possess New York State administrative certification, or qualify to obtain it by the first date of employment.
- Familiarity with federal and state regulations regarding disability accommodations.
- City Residents are encouraged to apply!

SALARY/SALARY RANGE:

- Per the Unit 2 Contractual Agreement. Starting salary for the 2026-2027 school year is $129,960.