I am writing to inform you that I have contracted with retired special education administrator, Sandy Sutyla, as our interim Director of Student Services. Mrs. Sutyla will be with us through June 30, 2015 at which time a permanent Director will be hired. She has more than 33 years of educational experience spanning grades PreK-12. Her most recent administrative experience has been as the Supervisor of Special Education in Wethersfield, Connecticut for 10 years. In her role she was responsible for the operation of the district’s preschool through Grade 8 programming including staff supervision.
Prior to this, Mrs. Sutyla spent the first 23 years of her career in the Vernon Public Schools. During her tenure in Vernon, she worked with colleagues in developing an offsite day treatment program for high school students with social/emotional/behavioral issues. She also assisted in transitioning the students from the day treatment program back to the high school mainstream. Subsequently, she assumed the role of Special Education Department Head and later the District Supervisor for the middle, high school and this day treatment program.
Mrs. Sutyla believes in building strong relationships with parents, students and staff. She understands that communication plays a key role in building successful partnerships. I know she looks forward to the opportunity to work with staff and parents in here Portland and I ask that you join me in welcoming her to our district.
Mrs. Sutyla will begin Wednesday, March 4. Due to a previous commitment with another school, she will work in Portland three days a week through mid April, when we hope to have her five days per week through June 30. I will be introducing Mrs. Suyla to our staff members in each of our five schools in the coming few days.
Finally, I want to thank my entire administrative team and our Special Education Administrative Assistant, Carol Castelli for the additional responsibilities that each of them have taken on in the absence of a Director of Student Services. I am grateful for their dedication to our school district.