CCS Board Approves Hire of New Director of Special Services

Carmel, IN –The Carmel Clay School Board voted July 10, 2019 to hire Mrs. Stephanie Fairchild as the district’s new Director of Special Services. Mrs. Fairchild replaces Dr. Jay Arthur.  Mrs. Fairchild will begin the position July 22, 2019.

Mrs. Fairchild’s role will focus on working collaboratively with administrators, teachers, staff and other stakeholders to coordinate and implement special services that meet the needs of the district’s most unique learners while ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws, mandates and rules.

“I am excited to recommend Mrs. Stephanie Fairchild as the new Carmel Clay Schools’ Director of Special Services,” said Dr. Amy Dudley, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. “Throughout the interview process it was clear that Stephanie’s passion as an educator lies in advocating for special education students. She is compassionate and has a bold vison for creating an environment where all students can reach their highest potential. We look forward to the positive impact she will have here at Carmel Clay Schools. ”

Prior to Carmel Clay Schools, Mrs. Fairchild served six years as the Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners at M.S.D of Warren Township in Indianapolis. Throughout her impressive 25-year career in special education, she has served in a variety of roles including as an Early Childhood Special Education Specialist, Special Education Resource Teacher and Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

“Mrs. Fairchild will be a great addition to our team,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Beresford. “She brings great leadership experience, an outstanding skill set is special services, and a big heart devoted to serving special needs children and their families to our district. We are fortunate to have her join the CCS family.”  

During her time at Warren Township, she coordinated curriculum adoption for special programs, collaborated with families and community resources to provide support for students, and facilitated on-going professional development for district staff.  She is an active member of the Indiana Council for Administrators of Special Education (ICASE).

Mrs. Fairchild earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Special Education from Ball State University. She holds a Director of Exceptional Learners License from Indiana University.