KLSD appoints new director of learning

Part of special education reorganization plan

By JEFF MORRIS

The Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education has approved an appointment to the newly created position of director of learning. Margaret Konrad was given a four-year probationary appointment at a salary of $183,500, effective Aug. 18, 2025, through Aug. 17, 2029.

The action came during a short meeting with an abbreviated agenda on the morning of July 17. The meeting, devoted only to voting on the appointment and an Independent Educational Evaluation, was not recorded or livestreamed.

In an internal posting on June 17, the position was advertised as “responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously improving a comprehensive MTSS-I framework that supports the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development of all students.”

The posting said the role ensures alignment with “KLSD’s Vision 2030, the KLSD Profile of a Learner, and the district’s commitment to Empowering All through inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments.”

The Multi-tiered System of Supports-Integrated was defined in the posting as a framework that “enables the alignment of systems necessary to help schools and districts integrate priorities and organize resources.” The definition went on to say that by using a continuum of evidence-based and culturally responsive instruction, interventions, and assessment practices, “all students receive the precise level of support they need.”

In an email in response to questions from The Recorder, district spokesperson Amanda Bergen explained that MTSS-I was formerly known as RTI, or Response to Intervention.

The director of learning position, Bergen said, is a new one and is part of the reorganization of the special education department, as recommended by the special education audit. However, she said, the position is not an additional FTE, or full-time employee, for the district.

When the Public Consulting Group’s study of the district’s special education program was released June 12, a key finding was that the leadership structure of the Office of Student Support Services should be redesigned, and that RTI should no longer be under that office, but instead become part of Curriculum and Instruction.

At the June 12 meeting, Superintendent Ray Blanch said the recommendation for a realignment of the Student Support Services leadership structure was already being implemented, and will be in place for the fall semester.

According to Bergen, the restructuring resulted in these changes: 

— The director of special education left the district, and that position is not being filled.

— Monica Bermiss,  assistant principal in special education (who was in charge of 504 plans) is going to John Jay High School as an assistant principal, and JJHS assistant principal Samir Biswas is filling the open AP position at John Jay Middle School.

— 504s, plans designed to provide accommodations for students with disabilities, will be managed by each individual school starting in September.

— MTSS-I (formerly RTI) will be overseen by the new director of learning under the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.

The result, said Bergen, is actually a net loss of one FTE from the district.

The June 17 job description noted, “The Director of Learning collaborates with district and school-based teams to lead professional development, provide coaching, ensure compliance, manage MTSS-I data systems, and build capacity across all schools. The role includes direct involvement in instructional and curricular improvement efforts that elevate student achievement and well-being.” It further listed numerous specific key responsibilities under the areas of Leadership & Program Implementation, Professional Development Duties, Data & Program Monitoring, Family & Community Engagement, and Supervision & Compliance. It stated salary and benefits are competitive for the region.

No further information about Konrad was available.