Brea Olinda Unified School District has selected Dr. Alejandra Velez as the new administrative director of Special Education and Student Services. The Board of Education took formal action to appoint Dr. Velez during the Aug. 22 Board of Education meeting.
Dr. Velez brings almost 20 years of experience in special education and student services having served as a director of Student Services, Special Education program specialist, director of Special Education and education consultant, among other roles. While in her most recent role as the director of Student Services for Aspire Public Schools in Los Angeles, Velez planned, coordinated and directed the student services program for 11 schools, supported enrollment efforts of new students and attendance efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism resulting in a 15% increase of new admissions and a 10% reduction of chronic absenteeism. This role also provided her the opportunity to provide guidance, coaching and professional development on Title IX, Office of Civil Rights issues and 504 Plan adherence, behavior, social-emotional and crisis support, mental health and Multi-tiered Systems of Support.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Velez to the BOUSD family,” said Superintendent Brinda Leon. “Her education and expertise serving in a variety of high capacity leadership roles within Special Education and Student Services will be an asset to BOUSD. Dr. Velez has a proven record of cultivating strong partnerships and providing administrative support in matters related to Title IX, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) matters, and facilitating Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).”
Dr. Velez holds a long list of credentials including a Crisis Prevention Institute Certified Instructor, a certificate in Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines Level Two Training, and a Negotiation Mastery certificate. She obtained her Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California, Administrative Credential from UC Irvine, and master’s degree in Special Education and Mild/Mod Multiple Subject Credential from Loyola Marymount University. She will begin her new position on September 1, 2024.