Director of Pupil Services Position Title: Director of Pupil Services PreK-12 Employment Status: Full-Time (205 days) Reports To: Superintendent FLSA Status: Exempt Compensation: Per Board-Approved Administrative Contract
Position Summary
The Director of Pupil Services provides district-wide leadership, coordination, supervision, and evaluation of all student services programs, including special education, PreK-12, Section 504-related services, and other assigned student support systems. The Director ensures compliance with federal and Ohio laws, promotes inclusive and equitable practices, oversees fiscal and operational components of student services, and supports building administrators in meeting the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students.
This position serves as the districts chief compliance officer for special education and related student services and acts as a key member of the district leadership team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Oversight
• Provide leadership for all special education programs and services, PreK-12, including instructional programs, related services, and specialized placements. • Supervise and evaluate intervention specialists, related service providers, school psychologists, as assigned, and other pupil services staff. • Support building administrators in the effective implementation of IEPs, 504 Plans, and intervention systems. • Promote inclusive practices and ensure access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment (LRE). • Oversee extended school year (ESY), home instruction, alternative placements, and out-of-district services. • Coordinate transition services for students from preschool to kindergarten and from high school to post-secondary settings. • Collaborate with curriculum and instructional leaders to align special education services with district academic goals.
Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
• Ensure district compliance with: • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) regulations • Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) related to special education • Oversee EMIS reporting and excessive costs related to special education and student services. • Coordinate and respond to state monitoring audits, compliance reviews, and due process procedures. • Serve as the district representative in mediation resolution sessions and due process hearings. • Oversee manifestation determination reviews and ensure procedural safeguards are implemented with fidelity. • Maintain accurate documentation and internal controls related to student services compliance.
Fiscal Management
• Develop and manage the student services budget, including federal, state, and local funds. • Oversee IDEA grant applications, budgeting, and reporting. • Monitor expenditures for related services, contracted services, specialized transportation, and out-of-district placements. • Coordinate Medicaid School Program (MSP) billing and other eligible reimbursement systems. • Prepare and submit applications for catastrophic cost reimbursement and other applicable state funding. • Ensure cost-effective and compliant use of district resources.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Intervention
• Support district-wide implementation of MTSS frameworks, academic, and behavioral. • Collaborate with administrators and staff to ensure appropriate identification and intervention processes. • Assist with development and implementation of student interventions and data-based decision-making systems. • Monitor district performance indicators and student outcome data to inform program improvements.
Staff Leadership and Professional Development
• Recruit, interview, recommend for hire, and evaluate student services personnel. • Provide ongoing professional development in areas, including: • IEP development and compliance • Inclusive instructional practices • Behavioral supports and intervention strategies • Procedural safeguards and legal updates • Facilitate collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. • Support mentoring and retention of special education staff.
Family and Community Engagement
• Serve as liaison between families, schools, and community agencies. • Support parents in understanding procedural safeguards and special education processes. • Address parent concerns and facilitate conflict resolution when necessary. • Coordinate partnerships with outside agencies to support student needs. • Represent the district in county and regional meetings related to special education and services.
Student Advocacy and Support
• Monitor student progress and program effectiveness to improve outcomes. • Ensure appropriate accommodations, modifications, and services are implemented. • Support safe and supportive learning environments for all students. • Promote equitable access to educational opportunities and culturally responsive practices.
Additional Responsibilities
• Serve as a member of the District Leadership Team. • Provide reports and recommendations to the Superintendent and Board of Education as requested. • Partner and align services in conjunction with the Director of Special Programs and Gifted Coordinator. • Regularly participate in Educational Service Center (ESC) and Student Support Team (SST) meetings and updates. • Maintain confidentiality of student and personnel records. • Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent, consistent with the position.
Qualifications
• Masters Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required. • Valid Ohio Administrative License and Valid Ohio Special Education License preferred. • Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education teaching and/or administration. • Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Ohio special education law, and EMIS reporting requirements. • Understanding of EL Homeless Foster student regulations in accordance with ODEW. • Experience in budget management and grant oversight is preferred. • Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and conflict resolution skills. • Ability to analyze data and implement program improvements. • Commitment to inclusive practices and student-centered decision-making.
Working Conditions
• Frequent visits to school buildings. • Travel to partner locations outside the district. • Occasional evening meetings, parent conferences, and Board presentations. • Frequent interaction with students, staff, families, and community partners. • Home visits as needed. • Requires the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and respond to time-sensitive compliance matters.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Northwestern Local Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by law.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and required qualifications. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change as state regulations, district policies, or operational needs evolve.