Director for Student Services & Equitable Practices
High School District 214 is seeking exceptional candidates with a strong commitment to helping all students maximize their learning while achieving success with our district goals. Building level administrative leadership with a strong student services background is essential. We are looking for exceptional candidates who will assist High School District 214 create an exemplary learning community where staff seeks and implements strategies for improving student achievement and growth; works collaboratively in professional learning communities to achieve goals with a common purpose focused on student learning; and demonstrates a commitment to the success and well-being of all members of our school community.
The Director for Student Services oversees the coordination and leadership of various student service functions and programs within the district. These responsibilities include managing 504 accommodation plans, MTSS, counseling services, academic and career pathway advising, articulation, and student registration (operational tasks such as enrollment, residency verification, and handling birth certificates are managed by Student Services). Additional duties include course selection (to inform the master schedule) and facilitating the transition of eighth-grade students into the district. The Director of Student Services & Equitable Practices is also responsible for ensuring that student support services are equitable and free of racism and discrimination.
SPECIFIC DUTIES: - Collaborates with district and building leadership and the district equity leadership team to ensure equity is infused in practice and remains at the forefront of efforts to disrupt inequities.
- Serves as the District Compliance Coordinator for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of all guidance and counseling services in the district including software platforms and data collection for multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
- Assists schools, in collaboration with building and district administrators, with the creation and maintenance of master schedules and course selection processes that meet district goals.
- Provides guidance to the Associate Principal for Student Services District Leadership Team and Dean Leadership Team to ensure consistent practices and effective support services.
- Assists schools in coordinating the registration process, residency verification, and student transition processes, including the placement of eight grade students into high school.
- Acts as a mediator, advisor, and advocate in cases involving student rights or disputes requiring additional support.
- Ensures student records are maintained and retained in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements. Reviews and processes subpoenas related to student records.
- Assists with the administration and monitoring of the district budget supporting student services programs in conjunction with the Director of Grants.
- Supports the delivery of the Student Services Outcome Based Curriculum.
- Evaluates student transcripts for credit and serves as final appeal.
- Understands, articulates, and coordinates compliance with all Board policies and procedures, state and federal mandates, rules and regulations related to the student services program.
- Serves as the homeless liaison for the district.
- Provides guidance and support to building teams in addressing student crisis situations.
- Supports the placement, supervision, contracts and programming for all staff internship placements in student services.
- Coordinates with Professional Learning to provide professional development opportunities to student services teams.
- Serves as liaison to external agencies partnering with the District to provide social-emotional support and resources to our students and staff.
- Performs other tasks assigned by the Associate Superintendent for Student Services.
Qualifications: - Presently holds State of Illinois Professional Educator License with a General Administrator Endorsement, or a Principal Endorsement;
- Previous building level administrative experience preferred;
- Knowledge of staff supervision and evaluation.
LENGTH OF CONTRACT: 12 month assignment
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Competitive Compensation: - Salary Range: Adminitrative Grade Two $148,168 - $185,210 (to be adjusted for 2025-2026)
- High Salary Potential with annual increases
- Longevity bonus of 1% for those at the top of the salary range
Comprehensive Benefits: - Medical, dental, and life insurance plans tailored for you and your family
- Contribution to TRS (Teachers' Retirement System) for eligible employees
- 403(b) & 457(b) participation
Work-Life Balance: - 20 vacation days annually (25 days after 20 years of service) and 15 paid holidays for eligible employees
- 14 sick days and 4 personal leave days each year
- Remote work options: Up to 10 days annually
- Employee Assistance Program
Professional Growth Opportunities: - Tuition reimbursement for approved courses
- Mentorship and development programs designed to prepare you for career advancement
- $2,000 bonus for completing a pre-approved doctoral program
Incentives: - Option to cash out up to 3 unused vacation days annually
- Paid bereavement leave and additional sick days (14/year)
- Cell phone stipends for 24/7 on-call positions
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: In addition to completing an online application, candidates are required to upload all of the following: - A single page cover letter indicating interest in the position;
- A resume listing personal data, education, teaching, and administrative experience;
- Print out of IL State Board of Education ELIS Credentials screen (s);
- Transcript(s) [EXTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY]; and
- Three current letters of recommendation.
Click on the RED "APPLY" button above to begin an application.
Please be aware that as a requirement of your application you will be invited to complete a digital interview via RIVS (Interviewstream). The invitation will come to your email and the RIVS (Interviewstream) system gives you ten (10) calendar days to complete the interview from the time the invitation is issued. Keep in mind that the interview must be completed before you can submit your application, even if the interview expiration is beyond the date of the application deadline. Therefore, all your application materials, interview included, must be submitted by the application deadline.
Please email hresources@d214.org to request an extension.
"We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our district. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status."