Board approves reorganization of special education, installs three administrators

The New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation board on April 14 approved a reorganization of its special education and student support services department, voting 6-1 to confirm three administrative appointments district leaders said will take effect in July.

Brooke Landon, introduced by district leadership as the incoming director who will assume her post in July, presented the recommendations to the board. Landon said the appointments are the result of a cabinet review and intended to strengthen supports for students with disabilities and the staff who serve them. “It is my recommendation, as well as the current New Albany-Floyd County Schools cabinet members, for the following positions,” Landon said as she described the slate.

The board approved naming Ellen Williamson to replace Cindy Knight as associate director of special education and student support services. Williamson, whose placement the administration described as a key part of the restructure, holds a Bachelor of Science degree as an intervention specialist from the University of Dayton, a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from the University of Cincinnati and an educational leadership license from Indiana University Southeast. Administrator materials presented to the board say Williamson has served four years in district leadership roles, including special education supervisor and district behavior coordinator, and previously spent eight years as an elementary special education teacher.

The board also approved making Emily Morgan Smitley the associate director of school psychologists and student supports; Smitley introduced herself to the board and noted she has worked in the district since February 2009 and said she looks forward to “bridg[ing] this new path.” Shannon Johnson, currently a childcare coordinator, was approved to transition to manager of social workers and student supports; Johnson thanked district staff and those who mentored her and said she is “excited about the new team.”

During debate Board member Melanie (identified in the transcript as speaking before the roll call) told colleagues her vote would reflect fiscal concerns. “My vote doesn’t reflect on the lack of support… I just didn’t have enough information fiscally provided for the financial part of it,” she said. At roll call the board recorded one no vote; the motion carried 6-1.

The administration thanked outgoing staff members Cindy and Michelle (last names not specified in the meeting record) for their years of service and said the new leadership team will begin work with the district for the 2025–26 school year. District officials said the board will receive routine updates as the reorganization is implemented.

The board’s formal action recorded in the meeting minutes approves the three hires and the departmental reorganization as presented.