Waterford Public Schools is a community of learners that fosters and supports high aspirations, ensuring every student acquires the skills and knowledge necessary to be a responsible citizen, prepared to contribute and succeed in an ever-changing world.
The Waterford Board of Education seeks an energetic, dynamic leader who is committed to long-term growth and who will continue to pursue excellence. The successful candidate will possess a high level of expertise with the skills and ambition to lead a highly motivated Special Services staff. The Director of Special Services is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of Special Services programs and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training of employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems. The successful candidate will be able to work with many different individuals, offices, and units. We seek candidates who will bring strategic thinking and execution skills to our Special Services operations for the school system.
The job of Director of Special Services is performed for the purposes of directing Special Education programs and services; providing information and serving as a resource to others; achieving defined objectives by planning, evaluating, developing, implementing and maintaining services in compliance with established guidelines; and serving as a member of the district leadership team. This job reports to the Superintendent of Schools.
For questions, please call Nancy Sudhoff, Director, Human Resources at 860-440-1863.
Waterford Public Schools 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills in supporting positive outcomes and excellence in others.
• Brings a robust and collaborative leadership style, with honesty, transparency, and a sense of inclusiveness.
• Ability to articulate a clear vision for the needs of the Special Services Department but also maintaining a global perspective.
• Experience in the supervision and evaluation of staff and proven leadership in the areas of Special Education programs and services, instruction, student achievement, and the development of positive school climate.
• Ability to effectively solve problems, use common sense and act as a team player who leads by example.
• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills that will support school and district goals and fosters positive relationships throughout the school community.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, and effective use of, technology in daily functions, management and communication.
• Inspires excellence in others.
• SELF REFLECTION: A willingness and ability to reflect on one’s own role within the District.
• LEARNING MINDSET: Being open-minded, willing to improve, and eager to understand others’ perspectives.
• ALLYSHIP: Actively supporting the rights and inclusion of all members of the District.
• CULTURAL AWARENESS: An understanding of diverse social and cultural norms and the ability to engage respectfully with people from various backgrounds.
Thomas W. Giard III Superintendent of Schools
Craig C. Powers Assistant Superintendent
Gina M. Wygonik Director of Special Services
Joseph Mancini
Director of Finance and Operations
Nancy Sudhoff Director of Human Resources
James Miner III
Mark Geer
Dianne Houlihan
Director of Buildings and Grounds
Director of Information Technology
Director of School Dining & Nutrition Services
Special Education
Related Services
Multilingual Learners
Talented and Gifted
Support SRBI and 504 Programming
District Health Services
School-based Health Centers
Position posted – Applications must be submitted by May 14, 2025
● Applications Screened
● Initial Screening Interviews Conducted
● Candidates for Round 1 Interviews Contacted
Search Committee conducts candidate interviews and selects SemiFinalist(s) for Round 2
Round 2 Interviews with Semi-Finalist(s)
Finalist(s) Interviews
Superintendent submits recommended candidate to the Board of Education for approval, June 2025
Anticipated Start Date is July 1, 2025
The Director of Special Services is a position covered under the agreement between the Waterford Administrators’ and Supervisors’ Association and the Waterford Board of Education.
Applications should be submitted online at: https://www.waterfordschools.org/our_district/departments/hr/em ployment_opportunities
Applicants shall submit a letter of interest, current resume, transcripts, and three (3) current letters of recommendation.