Special School District of St. Louis County

The SSD Board of Education has approved Rachel Haywood, Ed.S., as the new assistant principal at North Tech High School. Haywood has been a career and technical education teacher at Eureka Senior High School in the Rockwood School District since 2010. During her tenure, she was chosen multiple times for two school awards for teachers and received several nominations for two district-level awards. Learn more about Haywood: https://buff.ly/3WBfpu8

The SSD Board of Education has approved Mashonda Behling, Ed.S., as the special education director for Riverview Gardens School District. Mashonda is currently a special education coordinator for SSD in RGSD since 2019. Behling has been an SSD educator since 1999. She started as a paraprofessional and special education teacher in the School District of University City. She later became an instructional facilitator in the Jennings School District. Learn more about Behling: https://buff.ly/3ycJJlC

Shout out to Gabby Rumfelt and Paul Guest of North Tedch, and Jackson McClellan and Hayden Werner of South Tech, who were celebrated at a ceremony at the World Wide Technology Global Headquarters by their peers and former CISCO Networking instructors for completing the Configuration Technician Apprenticeship. The program allows senior students to develop their skills as configuration technicians, expand their career readiness, and earn while doing so. The program begins in the fall. Students must work 20 hours per week after school, have completed CISCO Networking Academy 1, and be recommended by their instructor. Andert says the students have shown incredible grit and determination to accomplish this at the same time they were still completing high school. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Wa7PoY

🌟 Big Welcome to Our New SSD Administrators! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that over a dozen outstanding staff members have recently concluded the annual Admin Training, coordinated by Dr. Mollie Bolton, chief of teaching, learning, and accountability. This essential training session was not just an introduction; it was a deep dive into the rich history, ambitious vision, and exciting plans of our school district for the 2024-25 school year. It was a remarkable gathering, enhanced by the warm presence and insightful discussions led by department representatives from all corners of SSD. Here's to a future brimming with growth, innovation, and community! Welcome aboard, everyone - we can't wait to see the amazing things we'll achieve together! 🎉 #NewBeginnings #SSDLeadership #EducationForward

Congratulations to SSD's inagural Starfish Award winners! Special Education Foundation's Starfish Award recognizes the unsung heroes who may not seek the spotlight but, through their daily efforts, embody the belief that every small action can create waves of positive change in the world around us. The Starfish Award is reserved for individuals who have brought about significant change through seemingly small yet deeply meaningful actions. This year's winners included: Photo 2: Kerry Bennett, teacher at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Ladue Schools Photo 3: David Peterson, teacher at North Tech Photo 4: Marsha Davidson, substitute paraprofessional at Green Pines Elementary School, Rockwood School District Photo 5: Katie Dowd, teacher at Oakville Senior High School, Mehlville School District Photo 6: Mary Reich-Hernandez, teacher at Michelle Obama Early Childhood Academic Center, Riverview Gardens School District Photo 7: Kari Frazier, teacher at Barretts Elementary, Parkway Schools Photo 8: Mallory Hurt, teacher at Walker Elementary, Hazelwood School District Join us in congratulating these wonderful educators! Learn more: https://buff.ly/3wicnAM

🌟 Big congrats to SSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Maclin! 🌟 Selected by the St. Louis County NAACP for the Excellence in Youth Development and Equity Award, Dr. Maclin's leadership as the first superintendent of color at SSD has truly made an impact. His commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility reflects this year's theme: "For Culture, For Community." Dr. Maclin's work in breaking down systemic barriers and advancing educational opportunities for all students is truly inspiring. 🎉 He was honored at the 87th Annual Freedom Fund Awards, an event celebrating community achievements and the fight for justice in St. Louis. Hats off to Dr. Maclin’s dedication to our youth and community! 📚✨ #NAACP #EducationEquity #Leadership #CommunityAchievement Learn more: https://buff.ly/3RMSOb7

🎉 Big congrats to Board Director Dr. Joseph Sartorious for completing the MSBA's New Board Member and Certified Board Member Essential training! His commitment levels up our Board, and ensures they lead with insight and dedication. Here's to impactful leadership and better education for all! 📚👏 #EducationLeadership #BoardExcellence #SSDProgress Learn more: https://buff.ly/3RMd4K6

During the June 25, 2024, Board of Education meeting, Cindy M. Reilmann, CPA, SFO was approved as the new chief financial officer. Reilmann joins SSD from the Ferguson-Florissant School District, where she is currently the assistant superintendent of business services/CFO. Reilmann has served as a leader for many years with the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International and Missouri ASBO, chairing and serving on committees, presenting at conferences, contributing to association publications, and encouraging school business officials to share their stories on the state and national levels. She is a 2022 ASBO Eagle Award recipient, which recognizes K-12 business professionals for exemplary leadership and service to their districts and the school business profession. Her expertise and dedication to professional learning have led her to earn the ASBO Meritorious Budget Award for the past 16 years (15 years for Francis Howell and for the first time ever in 2023-24 for Ferguson-Florissant), demonstrating her commitment to presenting an accurate and transparent budget to build trust and clearly communicate with stakeholders. Learn more about Reilmann: https://buff.ly/3KXvlQW

During the June 25, 2024, Board of Education meeting, Dr. Chad Lent was approved as the new executive director of partner districts. This new position will collaborate with Dr. Tami Yates, existing executive director of partner district, and Chaketa Moore, chief partner districts officer, to provide additional support to the staff and students within our partner districts. Most recently, Dr. Lent has served SSD as the special education director for Riverview Gardens School District. Learn more about Dr. Lent: https://buff.ly/3VJzxbI

🌈 June is Pride Month, and Special School District stands in solidarity and celebration with the LGBTQIA+ community. This month and every month, SSD is committed to fostering an environment of understanding, respect, and inclusivity. We recognize the importance of celebrating the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals in our schools and the broader community. Pride Month reminds us to reflect on our journey toward realizing equality and how far we’ve come and have yet to go. Let's use this month to educate, raise awareness, and support each other in pursuing a world where everyone can live and love openly without fear! Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #Inclusivity #Diversity #Equality #LoveIsLove