New D129 Assistant Director To Oversee Elementary Special Education

AURORA, IL — A new assistant director has joined the West Aurora School District 129 staff to oversee special education at the elementary level, officials announced.

During its regular meeting Monday, the Board of Education approved Matthew Layton as the assistant director of special education starting in the 2024-25 school year.

In his new role, Layton will be responsible for managing programs, activities and operations to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. He will also provide crucial instructional leadership, spearhead curriculum planning and implement specialized programs for students with disabilities, officials said.

Officials said he will provide crucial instructional leadership, spearhead curriculum planning, and implement specialized programs tailored to the needs of students with disabilities.

Layton joins District 129 from the School Association for Special Education in DuPage, where he has worked since 2022. As director of special education programs and services, he "demonstrated impactful leadership and supervision for programs spanning 92 member districts," officials said.

He also has experience working as the supervisor of special education at Calvert County Public Schools in Prince Frederick, Maryland; as district coordinator of specialized instruction at Baltimore City Public Schools; and as the chief academic and accountability officer at the Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School in Washington, DC.

The administrator has a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Washington Adventist University and a master's in leadership in teaching arts. He also holds a certificate of advanced studies in school administration and literacy from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

"I am deeply committed to ensuring access, equity, and progress for every student within our schools, and to achieve this vision, relationships and collaboration will be the cornerstone of my efforts," Layton said to Board members, per a statement. "I look forward to working closely with dedicated teachers, administrators, and staff to create a supportive learning experience and environment where students feel valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential."