Director of Pupil Services; PreK-12

Director of Pupil Services (PreK-12)

Northwestern Local Schools – West Salem, Ohio

Job : 5565920
Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled
Posted: Mar 03, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Aug 1, 2026

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

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 district’s chief compliance officer for special education and related student services and acts as a key member of the district leadership team.

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…