Description

Title: Deputy Superintendent of Academics
Reports to: Superintendent of Schools
Supervises:
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services
Assistant Superintendent of Elementary and Middle Schools
Additional academic and student support leaders as assigned
Work Year: Twelve-month administrative position (Full-Time, Exempt)

Welcome to Lawrence Public Schools
Lawrence Public Schools is committed to ensuring that ALL students successfully master the content and skills necessary to graduate from high school, college, and/or career ready. We achieve this by providing a standards-based, rigorous instructional program focused on academic achievement and the development of 21st-century skills, accompanied by a comprehensive system of support. These efforts are monitored and assessed regularly to ensure accountability to all stakeholders.

Position Overview
The Deputy Superintendent of Academics serves as the district’s chief academic leader and a key member of the District Leadership Team. This position is responsible for ensuring a coherent, rigorous, and equitable PreK–12 instructional program aligned with Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and district strategic priorities.

The Deputy Superintendent must lead with a balanced approach by establishing clear districtwide academic systems and expectations while building strong supports for differentiated practices in schools, fostering principal leadership, and ensuring meaningful accountability for results.

The Deputy oversees curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and student support services to ensure strong academic outcomes for all students. This leader ensures that district systems are clearly defined, effectively implemented, and responsive to school-level needs.

The Deputy Superintendent serves as Acting Superintendent in the absence of the Superintendent and assumes all duties and responsibilities as designated.

Core Responsibilities

District Leadership & Governance
Serves as Acting Superintendent in the absence of the Superintendent.
Serves as a key member of the District Leadership Team.
Closely collaborates with Assistant Superintendents and district leaders on academic, budgeting, and operational matters.
Assists the Superintendent in developing long-range plans and district goals.
Advises and counsels the Superintendent on areas of responsibility and recommends action.
Evaluates district personnel as assigned by the Superintendent.
Participates in recruitment and selection of leadership staff.
Collaborates with district leadership and school leaders during the budget planning process.
Prepares and delivers presentations to the School Committee, City Council, Mayor’s Office, and community stakeholders.
Serves on School Building Committees and other district or municipal committees as assigned.

Academic Systems Leadership
Establishes clear districtwide academic priorities, instructional expectations, and non-negotiables while honoring individual schools' needs.
Designs and implements district systems that provide coherence across schools in partnership with school based leadership.
Ensures alignment of curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices across grade levels and schools.
Builds strong principal leadership capacity through clear expectations, professional development, coaching structures, and performance feedback.
Develops and implements accountability systems that balances school autonomy with measurable performance outcomes.
Creates structures for collaborative learning across schools to share best practices and drive continuous improvement.

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Through direct supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction:
Oversees development, adoption, and continuous improvement of rigorous, culturally and linguistically sustaining curriculum.
Promotes instructional practices responsive to students’ individual needs, interests, and diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Ensures standards-based instructional practices aligned with Massachusetts frameworks.
Leads districtwide assessment strategy and data systems.
Establishes regular data review cycles that support both school improvement plans and district accountability.
Monitors implementation of district academic initiatives and adjusts support based on school needs and outcomes.

Student Support Services & MTSS Integration
Through direct supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services:

Ensures effective implementation of special education, Multilingual learner services, counseling, health services, and related supports.
Integrates academic and intervention systems through a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
Ensures that schools provide equitable access to services and compliance with federal and state requirements.
Uses student data to strengthen Tier 1 core instruction and ensure effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports.
Promotes inclusive practices and equitable access to rigorous learning for all student groups.
Designs and implements systems to support the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and physical well-being of students.

Principal Support & Accountability
Refines and implements a clear framework for principal accountability tied to academic outcomes and instructional quality.
Establishes transparent performance benchmarks and progress monitoring systems.
Provides differentiated support to schools based on performance data and implementation needs.
Strengthens leadership pipelines and succession planning.
Fosters a culture of shared responsibility for student achievement across schools and district departments.

Professional Learning & Leadership Development
Ensures high-quality professional learning aligned with district academic priorities.
Supports principals and instructional leaders in strengthening core instruction and improving outcomes.
Aligns educator evaluation systems with district instructional goals.
Builds leadership capacity across central office and schools to sustain long-term improvement.

Strategy, Performance Monitoring & Equity
Translates district strategic goals into measurable academic priorities and implementation plans.
Establishes districtwide performance metrics and monitors progress across schools.
Leads district efforts to reduce achievement and opportunity gaps.
Ensures consistent, equitable implementation of district systems while respecting school unique needs.
Provides regular updates to the Superintendent and the School Committee on academic performance and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher in education, educational leadership, or related field.
Massachusetts educator licensure as Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent (or eligibility to obtain).
At least five years of experience at the district and/or school leadership level with demonstrated success leading school improvement efforts.
Demonstrated record of improving student achievement in diverse, urban settings.
Experience supervising and developing senior-level administrators.
Strong knowledge of curriculum development, instructional best practices, assessment systems, and MTSS frameworks.
Demonstrates knowledge about culturally responsive learning systems and pedagogy.
Deep understanding of special education, Multilingual services, and regulatory compliance.
Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and culturally and linguistically sustaining instructional practices.
Urban educator experience preferred.

Key Competencies
Systems thinking
Ability to balance autonomy and accountability
Instructional leadership expertise
Equity-centered decision-making
Data-driven performance management
Organizational leadership and talent development
Collaborative problem-solving and stakeholder engagement

Measures of Success
Success in this role will be demonstrated by:
Improved student achievement and growth across schools and student groups.
Strong implementation of coherent academic systems across schools.
Effective principal accountability and leadership development structures.
Reduction of achievement and opportunity gaps.
Effective MTSS implementation with measurable impact.
Positive collaboration and trust between central office and schools.
Increase in student attendance, engagement, and sense of belonging across all student groups.

Salary
Starting at $191,000

Non-Discrimination Statement
Lawrence Public Schools is dedicated to maintaining a workplace and learning environment free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, immigration and immigration status or any other basis prohibited by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination or participate in investigations.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the required background check and availability of funding.

Position : 395560006