Dr. James Conley is the Assistant Superintendent for the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. During his tenure at WSSD, Dr. Conley has enjoyed meeting with teachers, students, parents, and community members to discuss varied initiatives that impact the WSSD community, most especially the Strategic Plan that WSSD launched under Dr. Conley’s guidance in the Fall of 2023. 

As the educational philosopher John Dewey once said, “Education is not a preparation for life; rather, education is life itself.” Dr. Conley recognizes the success of all WSSD students, and their wellness in this pursuit, both in the classroom and outside the walls of our schools.  Dr. Conley deeply believes that our children’s education should be more than just learning to read with discernment, to write with passion, and to think with an open mind. Instead, the aims of all educators need to be educating the whole child, embracing the challenges that our children face each day, and providing them with the tools they will need to succeed in life. 

For almost 30 years, Dr. Conley has been an educational leader in the secondary and post-secondary levels. As a member of the Unionville High School community for 19 years, Dr. Conley served as the Unionville High School principal, the Unionville High School assistant principal, and an 11^th and 12^th grade Honors and Advanced Placement English teacher. Prior to working at Unionville High School, Dr. Conley was an English teacher at Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, and served as the Assistant Director of Admissions from 1998-2003.

As an English teacher in the secondary and post-secondary levels for 16 years, Dr. Conley taught all levels of learners. In 2009, Dr. Conley co-authored Advanced Placement Classroom Macbeth, a text that instructs educators about teaching the nuances of Shakespeare’s “Scottish Play,” as well as presents myriad classroom strategies for all levels of learners. Dr. Conley was an adjunct English professor at Saint Joseph’s University, West Chester University, and Cecil College.

Dr. Conley received his Doctorate degree in Educational leadership from Widener University, his Principal’s Certification from Penn State University, his Master’s degree in English from Villanova University, and his Bachelor’s degree in English from The College of the Holy Cross. 

Dr. Conley is married to his wife, Michele, and they have three sons: Jimmy, Joey, and John-Patrick.

WALLINGFORD-SWARTHMORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT

OBJECTIVE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

Assist the Superintendent in the Implementation and Monitoring of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s Strategic Plan, Equity Plan, Comprehensive Plan (or their equivalent(s)

Leads and collaborates with the Strategic Plan (or its equivalent(s)) Instructional Leadership Team to analyze data, review instructional programming, examine curricular resources, and assess and identify necessary next steps to meet respective goals and objectives. Researches and secures professional learning opportunities for staff aligned with strategic planning goals. Provides progress reports and updates to the Superintendent and School Board of Directors on an as-needed basis or upon request.

Lead, Supervise, and Support Curriculum Development, Implementation, and Instructional Programming

The Assistant Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that informal and formal instructional observations are timely and appropriately completed at the school level. Implements and oversees the educator evaluation system in accordance with applicable law, including the timely submission of all data and reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and any other required agencies. Assists principals in providing meaningful feedback, collecting and analyzing key data, and communicating District-wide initiatives and programs. Using an equity-based framework, monitors and provides feedback to the Office of Curriculum & Instruction on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development priorities. Coaches and mentors principals, vice-principals, and assistant principals, as needed. The Assistant Superintendent is the administrative liaison to the Educational Affairs Committee.

Support, Monitor, and Implement Targeted Recommendations from the Curriculum Audit

The Assistant Superintendent leads efforts to update curriculum documents in all content areas in grades K-12.Provides instructional leaders with individualized support and professional learning in the areas of standards-aligned, taught, and tested curriculum. Utilizes proven academic interventions to support student learning and leads Board Policy and Administrative Regulation updates that impact curriculum and instruction. The Assistant Superintendent will work with the Superintendent to prioritize the completion of the recommendations from the curriculum audit.

Lead, Supervise, and Support Special Education and Student Behavioral/ Physical Wellness Services

Collaborates on the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Trauma-Informed Classrooms, Social-Emotional Learning, and Alternatives to Suspension initiatives. Collaborates with Special Education to monitor and document compliance, instructional practices, and progress monitoring. Works within the Gifted Education and Challenge programs to support access to enriched instruction and resources for all students. Advises and assists in matters regarding special education due process and settlement negotiations.

Communication/Climate and Culture

The Assistant Superintendent shall lead efforts to consistently and effectively communicate and generate buy-in regarding District initiatives as they relate to curriculum and instruction development, instructional programming, and other matters related to the Assistant Superintendent’s job description or assigned duties. Timely and effectively communicates in person, via letters and other written correspondence, social media, and parent and guardian meetings (individual and/or community-based). Establishes and maintains effective communication channels within the District and demonstrates positive interpersonal relations among, between, and with staff. Leading by example, the Assistant Superintendent promotes and maintains a welcoming work and school environment for students, parents/guardians, community members, staff, and colleagues that reflects a commitment to building trust, soliciting feedback, encouraging collaboration, and promoting mutual respect. Interacts with students, family members, community members, staff, and colleagues with integrity, fairness, and an open mind.

Complete Other Responsibilities and Duties as Directed by the Superintendent

The Assistant Superintendent oversees the approval process for staff conference attendance, field trips, and the allocation of Federal Programs funding. Facilitates the approval of educational resources and materials and development of the District’s academic calendar and student handbooks. Locates and promotes external professional learning opportunities and engages consultants to support the District’s established goals and objectives. Collaborates with the Business Manager to monitor the Office of Curriculum & Instruction and Office of Student Services’ budget allocations and spending. Works with the Director of Human Resources to support the hiring of professional staff and assist with relevant personnel matters. Maintains communication with the Department of Operations as it relates to the support of instructional programming. Supervises athletics and student activities. Works under the direction of the Superintendent to ensure that cultural proficiency and equity are embedded in the decisions, practices, strategies, policies, and protocols utilized by the Office of Curriculum & Instruction/ Office of Student Services. Completes other duties assigned by the Superintendent.

The Assistant Superintendent has met all objectives and goals for the 22-23 school year.