2026-2027 Director of Student Services for D28 Schools

Salary Range: $160,000 - $175,000
Benefits Eligibility: Eligible for full-time benefits administrative personnel
Work Year: 7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027

Qualifications & Licensure:

Illinois Professional Educator License with Director of Special Education Endorsement
Previous experience in special education as a special education teacher, related service provider, and/or administrator
Previous experience as an administrator
Extensive knowledge of special education laws and the continuum of services, MTSS, and evidence-based instructional practices
Proven experience in managing IEP and 504 processes

Reports to:
Superintendent of Schools

Performance Responsibilities:

Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for special education, Section 504, multilingual, and health services across the district
Serve as the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison, ensuring identification, enrollment, and support for students experiencing homelessness
Develop, write, submit, and monitor relevant grants (e.g., IDEA, Title III)
Complete required state and federal reports related to special education, multilingual education, health services, and student supports
Lead and support school-based teams in crisis situations, including threat assessments, safety planning, and emergency response coordination (Ex. loss of a student or staff)
Serve as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative for students placed in therapeutic day schools, residential settings, and other outside placements; coordinate communication and compliance with families and service providers
Oversee EC-8 summer programming, including Enrichment, Academic Boost, and Extended School Year (ESY) services, at the district-level
Oversee the before and after-school program (KidCare) for K–5, at the district-level
Support principals, teachers, and student services staff in addressing student needs, problem-solving complex cases, and implementing appropriate supports
Partner with parents/guardians to address concerns, engage in collaborative problem-solving, and ensure clear communication regarding student services
Serve on the district administrative cabinet, contributing to districtwide leadership, planning, policy development, and strategic initiatives
Advise the superintendent and Board of Education on student discipline matters
Serve as the district’s records custodian, ensuring secure storage, compliance with legal requirements, and timely transfer of records
Act as the district’s lead administrator in mediation and due process hearings, preparing documentation, coordinating legal consultation, and representing district interests
Oversee workload and caseload systems for student services staff; ensure equitable distribution and compliance with state and federal expectations
Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, agencies, and cooperative (e.g., special education cooperative, service providers, community organizations)
Ensure responsible fiscal stewardship by monitoring budgets for special education, multilingual, health services, KidCare, and summer programming
Ensure district wide compliance with IDEA, Section 504, health regulations, and all relevant state and federal laws
Coordinate professional learning for staff in areas of special education, multilingual instruction, health services, and student supports (i.e. job-alike, mandated, etc.)
Support policy development and updates related to student discipline (Code of Conduct)
Analyze district data (academic, behavioral, SEL, attendance, special education indicators, multilingual learner progress, etc.) to inform programming and resource allocation
Collaborate with building and district leaders to strengthen MTSS systems for academics, behavior, and SEL
Support the evaluation processes for student services staff and contribute to the hiring, onboarding, and retention of high-quality personnel
Support transitions for students with IEPs who are entering, moving within, or exiting the district
Communicate regularly with families, staff, and the community regarding student services programming, policies, and updates
Provide leadership and direction during New Educator Orientation and throughout the year with mentors/mentees
Support family engagement through coordination of the Caregiver Connection for parents/guardians of students with IEPs and the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC)

Application Procedure:
Please upload to your application academic transcripts and at least three letters of reference

District 28 Statement:
Northbrook District 28 is a four-school district with approximately 1,800 students. The community is committed to excellence in education, which is evidenced by the programs and opportunities available to our children. We are guided by the mission to Empower Every Learner.