District Reorganizes Special Education Leadership to Increase Support for Schools and Families
Unlike many previous leadership roles, the TOSA will not carry a student caseload, allowing them to focus entirely on supporting staff, ensuring services are delivered effectively, and helping schools meet legal and instructional expectations. The role is designed to strengthen the quality and consistency of special education services across the district.
The TOSA will provide guidance for special education teachers, related service providers such as physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech-language pathologists (SLP), as well as special education paraprofessionals and other specialists. They will also work closely with building principals and district leaders to ensure that services are aligned with district goals and student needs.
A key responsibility of the role is ensuring strong instructional practices and compliance with special education laws while supporting schools in implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The position also advances culturally responsive practices and equitable systems that support diverse student populations, including students who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+IA.
For families, this change is designed to make special education services more consistent, coordinated, and responsive at the school level. Having a dedicated special education leader in each building means families will benefit from clearer communication, stronger oversight of services, and a team that can respond quickly to questions or concerns. The role also helps ensure that individualized education plans (IEPs) are implemented effectively and that students receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
By strengthening leadership at the school level, the district aims to create a more connected system that better supports educators while ensuring students with disabilities receive high-quality instruction and services in every building.