Special ed expert joining Dist. 214 administration

The District 214 school board has appointed Janis E. Morgan, assistant superintendent of special education for Wauconda Unit District 118, as the new associate superintendent for student services.

Morgan will assume her new role July 1, replacing Johnnie Thomas when he leaves to become superintendent of Crystal Lake High School District 155.

Morgan will provide leadership, coordination and direction in special education, guidance/counseling, alternative education programs, and psychological, social work, speech/language and health services.

She will collaborate with the superintendent’s leadership team to provide overall evaluation, development and supervision of the student services program.

“Janis’ breadth of experience was incredibly impressive to the selection committee,” said Superintendent David R. Schuler. “Having been a special education classroom teacher, school psychologist and administrator in multiple school districts will serve her well in her new role.”

A veteran educator, Morgan was District 118’s director of special services for four years prior to taking her current job in July 2006. In addition to supervising and evaluating special ed coordinators, she has worked with administrators and faculty to develop programs to reduce costs and improve services for students.

Through her cooperative leadership, District 118’s Response to Intervention model and Positive Behavior Intervention and Support system were implemented. She has extensive experience working with children with autism and, due to her training, has developed a number of programs for students on the autism spectrum.

Morgan has also been a special-education teacher in the Milwaukee Public Schools and the school psychologist for both Fremont Elementary District 79 and later Wauconda 118.

“I am honored and energized by the opportunity to join District 214’s administration,” said Morgan. “District 214 has a reputation of excellence, and I look forward to working with the students, parents, administration and faculty to continue providing excellent educational services for all students within the district. I hope to continue to sustain the existing services that support students, while developing and expanding services, as needed, to build bright futures for all students.”