Director of Special Education and Pupil Services - Vacancy ID: 253188

 

The Pecatonica Area School District is seeking a positive, highly motivated, and inclusive educational leader to serve as Director of Special Education and Pupil Services. This K–12, district-level administrative position provides strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight of all pupil services to ensure every student is supported academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

 

The Director of Special Education and Pupil Services oversees district programs including special education, school counseling, school psychology, school nursing, gifted and talented (GT), and English Learner (EL) services. The position leads a cohesive continuum-of-services approach that is aligned with high-quality instructional practices and focused on meeting the diverse needs of learners.

 

This role works collaboratively with district and building administrators, staff, families, and community partners to improve outcomes for all students while ensuring full compliance with state and federal requirements.

 

The Pecatonica Area School District serves approximately 400 students in a supportive K–12 environment characterized by strong family engagement and community support. The District seeks a collaborative, student-centered leader who is passionate about equity, continuous improvement, and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

 

 

The Director of Pupil Services provides leadership, coordination, and supervision for all district pupil services programs. This role ensures that systems, supports, and services are aligned to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.

 

 

Provide leadership, coordination, and oversight of all district pupil services programs, including special education, counseling, school psychology, nursing, Gifted and Talented (GT), and English Learner (EL) services.

 

Lead and support the recruitment, screening, selection, supervision, and evaluation of pupil services personnel.

 

Collaborate with district leadership on budget development, staffing decisions, and resource allocation related to pupil services.

 

Ensure district compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, Title IX, and related reporting and documentation requirements.

 

Serve as the Local Educational Agency (LEA) representative for IEP and 504 meetings and oversee manifestation determination review hearings as required.

 

Design, coordinate, and facilitate professional development for professional, support, and administrative staff, with an emphasis on equity, culturally responsive practices, inclusive instruction, and continuous improvement.

 

Collaborate with administrators and instructional staff to design, implement, and improve programs that address the diverse learning and support needs of students.

 

Support district behavioral intervention systems and contribute to continuous improvement and student support planning.

 

Oversee pupil non-discrimination processes and serve as the District Title IX Coordinator, including facilitating investigations and ensuring compliance with all procedural requirements.

 

Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with families and community stakeholders to promote meaningful engagement and shared responsibility for student success.

 

Engage in professional dialogue, foster collaboration, and build consensus across departments and stakeholder groups.

 

Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

 

 

Qualified candidates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to provide collaborative, student-centered leadership in a school district setting.

 

 

Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience as an administrator or equivalent professional experience.

 

Valid administrative licensure (license #5080) appropriate to the position, or eligibility for licensure.

 

Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, pupil services systems, and evidence-based practices.

 

Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

 

Proven ability to collaborate effectively in team-based environments and across departments.

 

 

District-level administrative experience.

 

Experience leading professional development and continuous improvement initiatives.

 

Demonstrated success aligning pupil services with instructional practices.

 

Experience serving as, or working closely with, a Title IX Coordinator.

 

 

Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and sense of humor.

 

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.

 

Ability to engage in professional dialogue while working toward consensus.

 

Passion for working in a close-knit learning community where students come first.

 

 

 

The Pecatonica Area School District is a close-knit K–12 district where relationships, trust, and collaboration are at the heart of our work. Serving approximately 400 students, we pride ourselves on knowing our students well and responding thoughtfully to their academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

 

Pecatonica offers the opportunity to lead in a district where pupil services are valued, voices are heard, and decisions are grounded in what is best for students. Our small-district setting allows leaders to make a meaningful impact, build strong partnerships with families and staff, and see the direct results of their work.

 

The District is supported by highly dedicated educators, engaged families, and a community that takes pride in its schools. We are committed to equity, inclusive practices, and continuous improvement, and we believe the best solutions come from collaboration, professional dialogue, and shared responsibility.

 

For the right leader, Pecatonica offers not just a position, but the chance to join a supportive learning community where leadership matters, relationships matter, and students always come first.

 

 

The Pecatonica Area School District offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and professional growth of its employees.

 

The District pays 87.5 percent of the monthly premium for single or family health insurance.

 

The Board shall pay one hundred percent (100%) toward the premium for a policy of individual and/or dependent(s) coverage for dental insurance selected by the Board.

 

 

Employees who decline district health insurance may receive a taxable cash payment of $5,000 annually, prorated for less-than-full-time employment. Employees covered under another district-sponsored family plan are not eligible.

 

PASD provides an employer-funded HRA to offset health insurance deductibles.

Family coverage includes up to $3,500 annually toward a $4,000 deductible.

Single coverage includes up to $1,750 annually toward a $2,000 deductible.

 

The District pays 100 percent of the premium for life insurance and long-term disability coverage.

 

PASD participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System and pays the actuarially determined employer contribution. Eligible employees contribute one-half of the required employee share.

 

Employees receive ten (10) paid time off (PTO) days annually. These days are cumulative up to 120 days. Funeral leave includes up to four additional paid days for immediate family bereavement.

 

The District reimburses approved coursework taken at the District’s request. For additional professional growth, faculty may receive reimbursement of $150 per undergraduate credit or $300 per graduate credit, up to six credits per year.

 

Employees may participate in a flexible spending account allowing pretax contributions for eligible health-related expenses.