Santa Monica Schools Appoint Wassim Issa as Special Education Coordinator

July 28, 2026 - 22:56

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has selected Wassim Issa to serve as its new special education coordinator, a role he will officially step into during the summer of 2024. Issa, a graduate of the district's own schools, brings a deep personal connection to the community along with extensive professional experience in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and promoting inclusive classroom practices.

District officials highlighted Issa's background in crafting legally compliant IEPs and his hands-on work supporting students with diverse learning needs. His approach emphasizes collaboration between teachers, families, and support staff to ensure every student has access to a meaningful education. Issa's familiarity with the local school system is expected to help him build trust quickly with parents and educators.

The appointment comes as the district continues to refine its special education services, aiming to reduce delays in assessments and improve communication with families. Issa replaces the previous coordinator, who left the position earlier this year. In his new role, he will oversee special education programs across multiple school sites, working to align classroom supports with state and federal guidelines. His start date in summer 2024 allows for a smooth transition before the next academic year begins.