A Vacancy exists for Director of Student Services at the Upper Merion Area School District for the School Year 2025/2026.

Qualifications:

PA Supervisor of Special Education and PA Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Certificates
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
Knowledge of laws about the education of exceptional children, the provision of alternate and special programs and services for all students, and curriculum and instruction.
Strong background in data analysis.
Master's degree required; Doctorate preferred.
A minimum of five years of administrative experience is preferred.
Technology expertise.
Original certificates of clearance from the State Police, Child Abuse Registry, and PDE FBI.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Supervises a comprehensive student services program as described in Chapters 12, 14, 15, and 16.
Provides leadership and oversight in developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive plans and models for student services.
Supervises the various components of the special education and student services programs.
Assumes responsibility for the overall planning, scheduling, and placement of the district's student services programs and personnel.
Implements procedures and protocols for referral, evaluation, placement, assignment, and re-appraisal of students regarding all student services programs.
Consults with parents of students enrolled in district programs.
Supervises, in coordination with building principals, student services personnel.
Works with principals to complete professional and support employee performance evaluations.
Evaluates, on an ongoing basis, individual students' Special Education curriculum, procedures, and needs/achievements.
Supervises district-level grants as assigned.
Oversee and manage residency verification procedures, ensuring compliance with district policies and state regulations.
Coordinate investigations and follow-up on residency concerns, conducting thorough reviews of residency documentation as needed.
Serve as the primary district representative for residency hearings, appeals, and mediation processes
Lead district-wide mental health initiatives as the primary coordinator and resource for administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, staff, students, and families.
Oversee the implementation and evaluation of comprehensive mental health programming, policies, and practices designed to support student emotional and social well-being.
Organize professional development and training for district staff related to student mental health, trauma-informed practices, and crisis intervention.
Evaluates on an ongoing basis, special education policies, procedures, processes, protocols, record keeping, and curriculum relevant to special education.
Recommends new or revised policies/procedures and assures that current policies and practices are up to date and in accordance with the law.
Evaluates and monitors student achievement for students receiving special education services and ESL services.
Plans, coordinates, implements, and monitors data and research-driven professional learning programs/opportunities for staff.
Responsible for obtaining and monitoring student placements in approved private schools, IU, consortium, and other out-of-district placement programs.
Plans and administers transition programs for special needs students.
Interprets the objectives and programs of the special education program to the Board, staff, and the public.
Prepares research/compliance reports required by the District, Federal, State, and outside agencies.
Prepare a written special education plan per Chapters 4, 124e, and 14 requirements.
Provides regular updates regarding student services at monthly administrative meetings.
Prepares and administers the student services (special education and student services) budget.
Manages budget and supervises all aspects of the ACCESS Program and IDEA Funds.
Supervises state, federal, and other grants, including writing proposals, monitoring expenditures, and submitting final expenditure reports and evaluations.
Communicates district educational philosophy, goals, programs, and policies to staff, students, and the community.
Maintains contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, state and national Curriculum Centers, educational laboratories, and other agencies to maintain current information on new or changing federal or state programs and legislation.
Maintains liaison with professional and community organizations.
Works with a transportation supervisor to arrange Special Education transportation services.
Interfaces with District legal counsel on student-related matters and ensures compliance.
Prepares research/compliance reports required by the District, Federal, State, and outside agencies.
Engages in ongoing professional development to support job responsibilities.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Terms of Employment: 12 Month

Salary (benefits included): Commensurate with experience per the Act 93 Agreement

Equal Employment Opportunity
MINORITY APPLICANTS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Upper Merion Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status or non-relevant handicaps and disabilities in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504. The district's commitment to non-discrimination extends to students, employees, prospective employees and the community. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, or for information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and useable by handicapped persons, contact Caitlin Navarro, Director of Human Resources Upper Merion Area School District, 435 Crossfield Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406.