Wendi Dawson
Brandon,WI
Summary
Goal-oriented professional well-versed in operational practices and regulatory requirements for school districts. Skilled leader and analytical problem-solver well-versed in budget planning, staff oversight and program management. Dedicated Director competent in developing widely accepted recruitment and retention strategies. Knowledgeable in new hire training and on-boarding methods. Skillfully use relationship-building talents and diplomatic communication style to forge long-lasting connections.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification
Work History
Director of Student Services & Human Resources
Waupun Area School District
07.2015 - Current
- Provides district level leadership and oversight of special education and pupil services programs
- Grant Writing: AODA Grant, School Mental Health Grant Project, Transition Grant, Community Grants
- Title IX Coordinator
- District Homeless Coordinator
- Complete DPI compliance and state reporting
- Multilingual Learner Services Coordinator
- District EPIC for Educator Effectiveness (Professional Growth)
- Mentor/Supervisor aspiring Director of Special Education
- Coordinate contracts for services (therapy services, nursing services).
- Directed each phase of hiring process, encompassing employment verification, employee relations investigations, criminal background checks and onboarding.
- Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
- Educated employees on company policy and kept employee handbook current.
- Coordinated and engaged with leadership in planning and organizing calendars, events and activities.
- Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
- Evaluated human resources structure and plan for continual improvement and offered individuals professional and personal growth opportunities.
- Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges.
- Spearheaded technology initiatives to support student learning and academic excellence.
- Conferred with educators to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization, and integrate new technology.
- Devised programs to promote diversity and inclusion among staff, faculty and students.
- Prepared and administered budget for all district campus with 2,000 students.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Director of Special Education
CESA #6
09.2014 - 06.2015
Educational Consultant, Special Education Team
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
01.2011 - 09.2014
- Statewide Postsecondary Transition Consultant: provide statewide leadership, conduct trainings and professional development in the area of transition and PTP implementation
- Conduct verification/validation on local education agencies compliance with Indicator 13/PTP
- Serve as state consultant for Traumatic Brain Injury and Orthopedic Impairment
- Develop and implement statewide Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) application to ensure local educational agencies meet Indicator 13 compliance
- Grant Director for Transition Improvement Grant (TIG): provide guidance and oversight, hire key grant staff, grant project planning and improvement, application review, budget revision review, grant products review, mid-term and end-of-year report review, evaluate grant effectiveness, APR Coordination, communicate with DPI and grant staff on daily basis
- Monitor and approve local education agencies self-assessment of compliance with requirements of IDEA 2004 and subchapter V, Chapter 115, Stats and ensure noncompliance is corrected
- Develop DPI’s Concussion Law Guidelines and web resources
- Facilitator for WI Community of Practice: Transition
- Develop and implement Interagency Agreement (DPI, DVR, DHS), MOU, and Transition Action Guide (TAG).
Director of Special Education
CESA #5
08.2010 - 01.2011
- Allocated special education staff and addressed requests for additional allocations throughout school year.
- Coordinated special education services through frequent principal collaboration and consultation.
- Contributed to district-level committees to support needs of students on IEPs.
- Evaluated and supervised itinerant teachers and support staff based on student needs.
Columbia County Transition Coordinator
CESA #5
08.2009 - 01.2011
Special Education Teacher
CESA #5
08.2005 - 06.2009
Special Education Teacher
Tomah High School
07.2003 - 06.2005
Education
EdD - Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI01.2019
Master of Science - Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
University of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh01.2003
Skills
- Program Evaluation
- Budget Management
- Complex Problem Solving
- Federal, State, and Local Regulations Adherence
- Professional Development Planning
- Policy Implementation
Accomplishments
2021Wisconsin Outstanding Director of Students Services Award
Certification
- Superintendent, #5003
- Principal, #51
- Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, #80
- Special Education PreK-12, #1801
- Special Education PreK-12, #1810
Affiliations
- Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS) Executive Board (2017- current)
- Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators (2019-current)
- School Administrators Alliance (SAA) Legislative Committee (2019-current)
- DPI AODA Council Chair (2021-current)
- Waupun Community Fund Board (2022-current)
- Waupun Rotary Member (2018-current)
- Waupun Hockey Association Fundraising Committee (2022-current)
- REACH Waupun, LLC. Board Member (2105-2017)
- Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
- National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)
- Governor Appointed Councils: Wisconsin Rehab Council and Wisconsin Brain Injury Council (2011-2014)
- Promise Grant Development Committee (2012-2014)
References
Waupun Area School District:
Tara Jaeger, Director of Teaching and Learning
920-979-4282
tjaeger@wapun.k12.wi.us
Sarah Leisses, Principal: Rock River Intermediate
608-712-8624
sleisses@waupun.k12.wi.us
Stephanie Benson, School Psychologist
262-889-7991
sbenson@waupun.k12.wi.us
Jessica Mueller, School Counselor
608-412-2571
jmueller@waupun.k12.wi.us
Gail Anderson, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS)
608-212-7734
gail.anderson@wcass.org
Katie Moder, Educational Consultant CESA 6
920-979-0007
kmoder@cesa6.org
Timeline
Director of Student Services & Human Resources
Waupun Area School District
07.2015 - Current
Director of Special Education
CESA #6
09.2014 - 06.2015
Educational Consultant, Special Education Team
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
01.2011 - 09.2014
Director of Special Education
CESA #5
08.2010 - 01.2011
Columbia County Transition Coordinator
CESA #5
08.2009 - 01.2011
Special Education Teacher
CESA #5
08.2005 - 06.2009
Special Education Teacher
Tomah High School
07.2003 - 06.2005
EdD - Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Master of Science - Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
University of Wisconsin Madison
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
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