The Windsor C-1 School District Board of Education chose Alex DeMatteis as the district’s first director of student services on Feb. 25.
The board approved creating the new position by a 4-0 vote during a special meeting Feb. 13. Board members Michael Dubis, John DeWalle and Dustin Schwartz did not attend.
DeMatteis, who is a Windsor High School assistant principal, will begin his new duties July 1.
Superintendent Jason King said district officials created the position “to create a systems-based district-level leadership for student support services and (kindergarten through 12th grade) guidance programs.”
He said the position is intended to better tie together student support among the different Windsor schools.
“When we say this position allows the district to align services K-12, we mean that it establishes consistent, districtwide systems for student support rather than separate, building-by-building approaches,” King said. “The director of student services provides centralized leadership for guidance, counseling, behavioral supports, alternative learning options and mental-health coordination across all grade levels, ensuring that expectations, procedures and interventions are developmentally appropriate, equitable and consistent from elementary through high school.”
King said three internal candidates were considered for the director of student services post.
“Dr. DeMatteis emerged as the leading candidate based on several factors, including his prior experience as a school counselor, his demonstrated effectiveness as an assistant principal at Windsor High School, his strong knowledge of the district and its students and his understanding of current operational realities,” King said.
King said district officials immediately began seeking applicants to fill the Windsor High assistant principal spot DeMatteis will vacate. As director of student services, DeMatteis’ salary will be $97,000. He is being paid $89,072 this school year.
DeMatteis, 43, has worked in education for 20 years, the last nine in Windsor schools. Within the district, he served as a social studies teacher and football coach for four years before becoming a Windsor High assistant principal five years ago.
He has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, a master’s degree in school and professional counseling from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, an educational specialist degree from William Woods University in Fulton and a doctorate in educational leadership from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis.
He said the director of student services spot caught his attention.
“I was drawn to the director of student services role because it brings together several of my deepest professional passions,” he said. “Throughout my career in teaching, counseling, technology and administration, I’ve been most energized by building and scaling systems that directly support students. I’ve particularly enjoyed working on initiatives that help students benefit from innovative or alternative pathways to success.”
DeMatteis and his wife, Jenn, have three children and live in St. Louis County.