By Hemet Unified School District
Contributed
Dr. Jennifer Martin, director of special education, was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent of student services at the HUSD board meeting on July 21.
Martin said she is excited about the transition from a director to the assistant superintendent of student services and having the opportunity to further support students and the communities of Hemet Unified.
As the assistant superintendent, she will oversee child welfare and attendance, centralized registration, health services, Parent Resource Center, SAFE After School Program and special education.
Her focus in leading these departments will be to provide a cohesive support system for all students.
Martin said her new position will allow her to support students in a more diverse way by providing an environment in which all students can learn. Her goal is to create an integrated process that supports increased outcomes for all students.
“I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity and to continue to serve on behalf of students,” said Martin. “I look forward to further supporting, ensuring equity and continuing improving outcomes for all students and families within our district.”
As the director of special education, Martin was able to work collaboratively with other department leaders and community partners, an opportunity she believes will further support her as she makes the transition to assistant superintendent.
By being given the ability to work alongside other departments, she has a great understanding of the needs of the families HUSD serves. One of her first projects she will assist in is to help support the learning loss for students with disabilities and work with families and the community as students continue with online learning.
Martin said she is thankful to continue to work with the student services division as they work to help support the social-emotional and mental health needs of our students and families caused by this pandemic.
Coming into such an important position given the current pandemic can be daunting, but Martin is excited about the challenge.
“This pandemic has made us change the way that we lead and deliver educational services, and personally as a leader, I know that I will be a stronger and more effective leader because of the way this pandemic has challenged us to think and respond,” she said.
