The Penn-Delco School District seeks an experienced, student-centered educational leader for the position of Director of Pupil Services and Special Education.
Operating under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools (or designee), the Director provides districtwide administrative leadership, operational management, program development, and regulatory compliance for special education, gifted education, Section 504 plans, and comprehensive pupil services. The Director oversees instructional programs and related services designed to meet the academic, behavioral, mental health, physical health, and social-emotional needs of all learners. Working collaboratively with school administrators, multidisciplinary teams, instructional staff, families, and community agencies, the Director ensures high-quality, equitable, and inclusive service delivery across the district.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties - Program Leadership & Regulatory Compliance:
- Direct, manage, and supervise the district's special education and pupil services programming in full alignment with federal and Pennsylvania state mandates (IDEA, Chapter 14, Chapter 15/Section 504, Chapter 16).
- Oversee student identification, multidisciplinary evaluations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 service agreements, GIEPs, and due process procedures.
- Ensure comprehensive oversight of extended school year (ESY) programming and School-Based ACCESS billing.
- Manage compliance and reporting obligations related to child accounting, state monitoring, and student records.
Student Placement & Coordinated Services: - Coordinate and supervise educational placements across in-district programs, approved private schools, charter/cyber charter schools, and specialized out-of-district placements.
- Facilitate effective transition planning for students entering early intervention, transitioning between buildings, and moving toward post-secondary outcomes.
- Collaborate with transportation services to ensure appropriate regular and specialized transportation supports.
- Coordinate with building-level teams to ensure that student discipline procedures comply strictly with federal and state special education requirements.
- Pupil Personnel & Student Support Systems:
- Direct and coordinate the work of student support personnel, including certified school nurses, school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, MTSS teams, and related service providers.
- Champion comprehensive student wellness initiatives, student mental health frameworks, and behavioral support systems.
- Oversee specialized services and compliance requirements regarding English Language Development (ELD), foster care, and students experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento).
- Personnel Supervision & Staff Development:
- Determine staffing allocations and actively participate in the recruitment, screening, hiring, assignment, and evaluation of special education teachers, student support professionals, and paraprofessionals.
- Design, implement, and lead professional development initiatives for instructional and support staff to elevate inclusive practices, data-informed intervention, and regulatory compliance.
- Fiscal Stewardship & Operations:
- Provide instructional leadership and fiscal oversight for the special education and pupil services budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of district resources.
- Coordinate local, state, and federal grant allocations (such as IDEA and ACCESS funds) to support district programming.
- Family & Community Engagement:
- Foster transparent, collaborative partnerships with parents, guardians, community providers, and advocacy groups.
- Facilitate the timely and constructive resolution of student and family concerns through proactive communication and restorative problem-solving.
Qualifications & Requirements - Education:
- Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Education, or a related field required.
- Certification:
- Valid Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education PK-12 certification and/or PA K-12 Principal certification required.
- Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility preferred.
- Experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching or specialist experience in special education.
- Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of successful supervisory or administrative experience at the school or central office level preferred.
- Core Competencies & Temperament:
- Deep expertise in special education law, pupil personnel services, and continuous program improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze student data, manage complex budgets, and lead multidisciplinary teams with empathy, clear communication, and integrity.
Compensation & Terms of Employment - Terms: 12-month, full-time administrative position.
- Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and educational background, governed by the Act 93 Administrator Agreement.
- Benefits: Comprehensive fringe benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave); academic reimbursement; and participation in the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).
Application Procedure Candidates must complete the district's online application process and submit the following required documents:
- Letter of interest addressed to the Superintendent of Schools
- Current resume/curriculum vitae
- Copy of valid Pennsylvania administrative/supervisory certifications
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Three (3) current professional letters of reference
- Current clearances (dated within one year of application):
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
- PA State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 34)
- FBI Federal Criminal History Record / Fingerprinting (Act 114)
(Note: Prior to final hiring approval, selected candidates must complete Commonwealth Act 168 Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure forms, Act 24 PDE 6004 reporting forms, Act 126 Mandated Reporter training, and a pre-employment physical examination with TB test.)
