IUSD Names New Executive Director of Special Education

Melanie Hertig has been named the Executive Director of Special Education. Melanie has a strong educational background, including her experience as an elementary and middle school teacher, school psychologist, and most recently, Director of Special Programs for IUSD. Her selection will provide continuity for the District, as she continues in a leadership role with the Special Education Department. Her new assignment begins July 13th.  

Melanie has been with IUSD since July 2014. In her role as a Special Education Director, she has supported secondary programs, the School Psychologist Department, and the Educationally Related Mental Health Services Department. Prior to joining IUSD, Melanie served as Director of Special Education/SELPA for the Temecula Valley School District, where she was responsible for the daily functions of the Special Education Department. In this capacity, she assisted in developing and overseeing the district’s first Special Education Local Plan Area through a collaborative process with district and school staff, local agencies and advocacy groups. She oversaw the district’s expansion of the Behavioral Health Department, continued support for the Positive Behavior Intervention Support program, worked closely with school psychologists, consulted with legal counsel, reviewed case files, and participated in all areas of mediation and due process. Melanie and her husband reside in San Clemente. She has two grown boys and just recently celebrated the college graduation of her youngest (who graduated in three year with honors!) from the University of Oregon.