Menhem Aouad. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools

submitted by Dr. Brad Bezeau, superintendent, Manchester Community Schools

The Manchester Community Schools is pleased to introduce Mr. Menhem Aouad to our district in the capacity of Director of Special Education. Mr. Aouad is credentialed by the Michigan Department of Education as a Fully Approved Director of Special Education and by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as a licensed School Psychologist. He earned his administrative degree from Grand Valley State University and his psychology degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy. Mr. Aouad’s vitae provides over 20 years of educational experience in a multitude of capacities and settings spanning roles and responsibilities that include working as a special education paraprofessional, substitute teacher, school psychologist, special education supervisor, monitor for special education compliance, previous directorships, and special education compliance consultant with the Michigan Department of Education — Office of Special Education.

Mr. Aouad has experience working with a vast array of neurologically divergent student learners from birth to 26 years old in various academic settings, linguistically diverse students and families, parent advisory groups (PACs), and community outreach with multiple organizations. Mr. Aouad held various leadership experiences with different educational and community agencies including the Michigan Association of School Psychologists (MASP) as a regional representative, the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) as a member of the Finance Committee, former Pastoral Advisory Council Chairman, volunteer Religious Education Teacher, and the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Scout Pack and Den Leader.

Mr. Aouad is a member of professional organizations focusing on education and special needs. Before entering the education field, Aouad worked in community mental health and with adjudicated youths in residential treatment facilities. He is student-focused in his administrative approach and recognizes every student is a unique individual capable of learning and leading productive lives as members of their communities. Mr. Aouad has put to use his multilingual abilities to build bridges between families, communities, and schools.

As of late, Mr. Aouad has worked in the capacity of a contracted support person to ISDs working with priority schools on compliance issues and providing professional development services in a turn around model. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Aouad and look forward to benefiting from his leadership skills and content expertise.

Please join us in welcoming Menhem Aouad to our MCS Team!