The Special School District of St. Louis County Board of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Maclin as the District’s next superintendent of schools, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Maclin was approved by a unanimous vote to be SSD’s 20th superintendent and the first person of color to serve as superintendent in the District’s 66-year history. He has been serving as acting superintendent since October.
After evaluating the state of the district, current climate, and next steps, the SSD Board of Education determined Maclin, a seasoned education professional with an exemplary track record and a passion for public education, is the best person to provide stability and strategic direction to the District. "We are thrilled to have Dr. Michael Maclin as our new superintendent. He has extensive experience and a visionary leadership style that will contribute significantly to the success of our students and staff,” said Board of Education President Katie Pottroff. “The Board firmly believes that his appointment will ensure continuity and alignment with the District's current strategic plan. His proven leadership and dedication to education coincide seamlessly with our district's mission, core values, and goals.”
Having worked as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator in school districts across St. Louis County, Maclin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in leading instructional innovation, organizational and leadership development, implementation of technology initiatives, development of interventions and support programs for diverse populations, maximization of resources, and strategic planning. He is highly regarded as a leader with an inclusive, collaborative style and is committed to supporting SSD and its dedicated community.
“It is a privilege to be selected as SSD’s new superintendent, and I look forward to working with District stakeholders to focus on improving academic outcomes, fostering operational excellence, and prioritizing resources and supports in critical areas to effect positive change and increase educational opportunities for ALL students,” said Maclin. “Collaborating with our dedicated educators, supportive families, and engaged community partners on our collective mission to empower students to excel to their greatest potential is rewarding, fulfilling work.”
Maclin has demonstrated leadership at various levels during his career. He has served the SSD community for the past three and half years as the executive director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and as a key member of the District’s leadership team. Before joining SSD, Maclin filled multiple teaching and administrative roles at Parkway School District, University City School District, and Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor for Missouri Baptist University’s education doctoral program. He has also served as an educational consultant to some of the largest school districts in the nation, including LA Unified, Dallas ISD, and Philadelphia.
Maclin is a lifelong learner with academic credentials, including a doctorate in teaching and learning, an education specialist superintendent degree, a master’s degree in educational administration, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in communications. He also holds several certifications, including a PK-12 Superintendent Certificate; Missouri Leadership for Excellence, Achievement, and Development Certificate; and the Harvard Racial Equity Facilitator Certificate. He has received numerous honors, including the NCI Leadership Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; the St. Louis Business Journals’ Champions for Inclusion Award; being featured in CIO Magazine as one of the top ten DEIA leaders to watch; and as a speaker at TedXJesterCirED.
Public Notices
Each year, the Special School District posts annual public notices as required by Board of Education policy and state law. These notices primarily serve to inform parents and students of their rights. Full SSD Board of Education policies and regulations can be found on the District website. All of SSD's public notices can be found on the District website at www.ssdmo.org/publicnotices.
Procedural Safeguards Notice
Did you know that the SSD has copies of the Procedural Safeguards and Parent Bill of Rights available in multiple languages on our website? The Procedural Safeguards help keep families informed about their rights and protections under IDEA. Visit the Procedural Safeguards section of the District website to review.
American Sign Language classes were a huge success this Fall. If you did not get a chance to attend, registration for second semester classes will open up in mid December. Keep an eye out on the FACE website for more information. Classes will be held each Thursday for six weeks starting February 8th. Classes fill up fast so register early.
Would you like to learn more about how to support our student’s learning this Winter? Take a look at the FACE YouTube page and watch any of our pre-recorded webinars. Topics include toilet training, executive functioning, behavior supports, and Special Education Process. Check it out and email us at face@ssdmo.org to suggest other important topics.
Nominate a Staff Member for a Salutes Award!
Applications for several awards which honor the contributions of SSD staff and community members are awaiting nominations, which are due Jan. 5, 2024. These awards are collectively known as Salutes awards because they are given at the District’s annual Salutes event in the spring. They include the following:
Special Ambassador Awards (for community members or organizations)
Distinguished Leader Awards (for administrators in SSD and partner districts)
Please refer to the Salutes webpage for details about each award. Some awards permit nomination by SSD staff only, while others accept nominations from people who are not employed by SSD. Please nominate someone you know who works for SSD and help us provide the recognition they deserve for their meaningful work in SSD!
Help Keep Kids Warm this Winter
The cold temperatures this week have brought with it the reminder that winter is coming to the St. Louis region and how important it is for every student to have a suitable coat, hat, and gloves for the coming months.
Most of us are lucky not to have to choose between heat, food, or a warm winter coat. Sadly, there are many in our region that face that decision, and often, the winter coat comes last.
For a child with a disability, there are additional challenges when it comes to outerwear.
For example, a child in a wheelchair struggles with most outerwear as the bulkiness of the coat may interfere with the positioning equipment on the wheelchair, especially for children with complex positioning devices, such as laterals, harnesses, head supports, and other upper body supports.
For children with sensory issues, winter coats bring an extra burden. A child with autism may be overly sensitive to scratchy seams and tags, or they may react to clothes or waistbands that are too tight.
Right now, the Special Education Foundation is partnering with the Special School District of St. Louis County on the Critical Needs Coat Drive, where we’re raising money to buy coats for students this winter. Please donate online today to help put a coat on a kid who needs it. Especially with these harsh temperatures we’re facing right now!You can also mail your contribution to SEF at 11933 Westline Industrial Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63146.
Thank you for your generous support.
Learn More about UMSL's Succeed Program
The UMSL Succeed Program is designed to encourage and facilitate students to gain independence through academics, vocational experiences, and college residential/student life. Students must meet the criteria, which include:
Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability.
Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue post-secondary education to expand career & life opportunities.
Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
See the entire list of requirements and learn more about the program!
Family Workshops
All of the workshops offered by FACE are provided free of charge and are open to all parents, families and community members. After registering, participants will be provided with information about the platform that will be used for the workshop.
The workshops will be set up as webinars, so you will be able to see the panelists but not other attendees. Your confirmation and reminder email will contain information about how to submit questions to the panelists in advance, or you can use the chat and Q&A features during the workshop. If you have any questions, please let us know. If you are unable to attend the live workshop, please still register so that we can send you the link to the recording a day or two after the workshop.
If you need more information, or if you require an alternative format as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact face@ssdmo.org, 314.989.8460 or 711 (Deaf/HOH).
The holidays can be a stressful time financially for many families. The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will be at the HUB at North Tech High School on January 5th from 10-2pm to help families. CAASTLC can provide the following programs and services to families:
● Case management
● Utility assistance
● Rental assistance
● Financial education
● Weatherization
● Program development and educational activities.
Are you looking for unique and accessible activities to participate in this winter? Look no further than the latest FACE newsletter! In it you will find not only information on what FACE has to offer, but also ideas to enhance your student’s learning and great community events and offerings. You can sign up to have future newsletters sent to your inbox by visiting the FACE website today!
The Hazelwood SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a cross-categorical group of parents of children receiving services from the Special School District. It is a volunteer organization made up of parents, SSD and Hazelwood administrators who are committed to identifying and building upon the strengths of all children in the Hazelwood School District. Hazelwood Parent Advisory Council provides a forum for parents to meet other parents and share information concerning their children and resources.
If you would like to become involved in the Hazelwood SSD PAC or if you would like more information about Hazelwood SSD parent supports and resources, please reach out at anedwards@ssdmo.org or (314)989-8466.
SEF's John Cary College Scholarship Applications are being accepted through January 26, 2024
Each year, the Special Education Foundation grants five $5,000 college scholarships to selected students entering post-secondary education. Recipients embody the qualities admired by John Cary, including resilience, courage, and determination. The scholarship committee assesses candidates based on academic achievements, leadership skills, community volunteerism, and accomplishments in athletics and/or the arts, seeking evidence of their potential for future success. Students planning to attend a four-year college or university can submit an application accompanied by their school transcript, through the SEF website. The student's SSD teacher must also nominate the student to be considered. Learn more about the John Cary Scholarship and how to apply. https://sef-stl.org/programs/scholarships/
Bridge the Academic Break with Winter Camp
Camp programs within the community can play an important role in sustaining the positive impacts on students with disabilities, extending beyond the social and educational aspects of the classroom. Participation in these camps offers occasions for social interaction, increased independence, and have the potential to boost confidence during breaks in the school year.
SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program provides financial assistance to families of children served by the Special School District so they can attend camp during these breaks in the school year. Campership funds are awarded based on financial need and student benefit.
SSD is hiring all summer long! Come join the amazing SSD HSD instructional team!
An awesome benefit of working at a school is that you have the same schedule as your child! Pictured below are just a few of the positions currently available countywide - in Hazelwood, we specifically need teachers and paraprofessionals. We have openings in middle schools and elementary schools from the West side of the district to the East. We have open opportunities to work with students in general education classrooms, special education classrooms, collaboratively taught classrooms (two teachers - one HSD & one SSD), essential skills classrooms, and classrooms for students with our highest support needs.
Please also share this information with friends and family looking for a collaborative, equitable, and committed work culture, outstanding benefits, and competitive salaries.
Click here for more information about working for SSD.
Click here to see a current list of job vacancies on the SSD website.
Click here to contact a special education coordinator to ask about opportunities at a specific school or in a specific classroom.
Let's Talk
We want to hear from you! Click here to share your comments, questions, or concerns.
Lunch & Learn Series
Click here to register for upcoming sessions or to view recorded sessions from SSD's Lunch & Learn series that features community organizations.
SSD Website
Click here for information for SSD's families, students, and community.