The Seneca Valley School Board took several actions Monday aimed at restructuring the special education department.

Directors approved the appointment of Jeff Roberts, currently supervisor and gifted student services, as director of student services; Mallory Eyles, currently assistant director of special education, as assistant director of student services; and Ashley Pattison, currently behavior specialist in special education, as supervisor of special education.

Those appointments are effective in June.

The board made those changes in anticipation of the upcoming retirement of special education director Gerald Miller, saying the role changes will allow the district to reduce one job in the upcoming 2021-22 budget.

“This restructure will put all support services under one umbrella to more closely align several departments serving our students and our teachers,” superintendent Tracy Vitale said.

Roberts’ new role includes providing leadership and guidance in the development, implementation and coordination of student support programs, as well as coordinating services provided to students of all ages, including those educated by outside agencies. Student support programs include health and counseling services, special and gifted education services, instructional support services, homeless and foster services and student assistance program services.

In her new position, Eyles will provide additional guidance and leadership in the development, coordination and implementation of those services.

As supervisor of special education, Pattison will oversee the special education programs offered by the district to enable special education students access to appropriate educational services.

Miller will retire in June after working for the district for 13 years, creating new initiatives in the department such as transitional programs for special needs students, and introducing competitive bocce ball.