Their new positions and job descriptions are the result of a review of current programs and services in Special Education and Student Services, and in an effort to find efficiencies. The restructuring plan included the following actions: restructuring the Director of Enterprise and Community Relations position to Executive Director of Student Services and Special Projects; restructuring of the Director of Student Services position to Special Education Director; and, the elimination of the Special Education Program Specialist management position, and subsequent conversion to a Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) position (currently filled). The Board unanimously approved all items.
Appointment of Executive Director of Student Services and Special Projects Amber Farinha was appointed Executive Director of Student Services and Special Projects. Since joining SCSD in her current role as Director of Enterprise and Community Relations in 2019, Amber has brought expertise in communications, entrepreneurial leadership through the district’s Enterprise programs, and a thoughtful approach to enrollment management. Her new role draws on her extensive background in student support services, including professional training in social work, counseling, and student advocacy. Amber holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Education in Administration and Supervision, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Behavioral Science, and Health, along with Administrative Services and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credentials. Her career includes roles as a pediatric social worker, Child Protective Services social worker, community services social worker, and after-school program coordinator. She also served as an Education Analyst with the New York City Department of Education and spent 13 years with the San Mateo–Foster City School District as Coordinator of Community Services and later Public Information Officer. Amber brings a unique combination of student-centered expertise, strategic communication, and operational leadership to support students, families, and schools. The updated job description and salary schedule can be found here.
Appointment of Special Education Director Meagan Vizier was appointed Special Education Director. Meagan began in SCSD as a special education teacher in 2011. She has served since then as a Middle School Assistant Principal and, most recently, as Director of Student Services. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC Davis, a Master of Arts in Special Education from San Francisco State University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine. Meagan has deep knowledge, experience, and skills with over 25 years of work in Special Education. This was recently demonstrated to the Board in the Study Session, highlighting our Continuous Improvement Monitoring in Special Education. Meagan is an ardent student advocate with a deep belief that all students can learn to a high level. The updated job description and salary schedule can be found here.