] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR II, STUDENT CONDUCT AND APPEALS

Sorted by job title: A - C | D - H | I - Q | R - Z

Director II, Student Conduct and Appeals

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director II CODE: 0262 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director II, Student Conduct and Appeals GRADE: Q MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the Chief of School Leadership and Improvement, the Director of Student Conduct and Appeals develops and implements the vision and mission of the department and serves as the central resource for district offices and school leadership for all matters related to district wide climate, culture and compliance. This role is responsible for developing district wide strategies; structuring, facilitating, and implementing districtwide hearing processes for expulsions, appeals, and other compliance-related matters; ensuring that all actions align with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) policies, state and federal regulations, and the Student Code of Conduct. The Director leads efforts to maintain a welcoming, positive, safe, and healthy climate and culture for both students and staff. This role oversees compliance training for MCPS staff, provides support to school-based and central office teams, and leads targeted interventions in schools facing challenges related to school culture. The Director also facilitates organizational and operational success in implementing the Student Code of Conduct and ensures institutional accountability across the system. Work of the director also includes prevention efforts, professional development, and the systematic management of compliance issues related to student welfare, including Title IX, child welfare, and student rights and responsibilities. The Director leads, supervises and evaluates hearing officers and department staff; and participates in budget development for the department. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: None SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Must possess thorough knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) policies, regulations, and procedures, particularly those related to student services, disciplinary actions, student rights, and alternative programs; extensive understanding and practical application of the Student Code of Conduct, general and special education laws and other regulations impacting student behavior and disciplinary actions; proficiency in restorative justice practices, trauma-informed approaches, and social-emotional learning strategies. Ability to provide professional learning to principals on school operations, development of school culture, and communication strategies; and manage multiple projects efficiently, adhering to established timelines and maintaining a positive work environment.The role demands strong organizational, managerial, and supervisory skills; expertise in data analysis, project management, and compliance; ability to create, organize, and interpret data to inform decision-making; Exceptional time management and organizational skills. Must be skilled in developing and delivering professional development for adult learners, with a proven ability to create and present comprehensive reports.Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and be able to establish positive relationships with school administrators, central office staff, parents, and external organizations that support the needs of students and families. Ability to engage in conflict resolution, mediation, and investigation of compliance-related incidents with a broad repertoire of strategies applicable to students, staff, and parents is critical. Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret Board of Education policies and related regulations to lead cross-office teams effectively. Ability to apply the six leadership standards established for the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP).
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas: general education, school administration, or special education. Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. School-based experience, including experience as a principal and/or classroom teacher, preferred. Central office experience is strongly encouraged. Training in trauma-informed practices, restorative justice, engaging adolescent learners, and/or social-emotional awareness preferred. Experience in the administration and supervision of staff. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the role may be considered.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Provides leadership and ensures compliance with MCPS policies related to student conduct, discipline, and school assignments in coordination with executive leaders and the Board of Education.Supervises the structuring and facilitation of disciplinary and appeals hearings, ensuring due process and alignment with the Student Code of Conduct.Collaborates with the Chief of Safety and Compliance to implement structures and processes that support adherence to the code.Leads the development and implementation of data monitoring processes related to preventive and responsive structures, supporting directors of school leadership and improvement in effectively implementing the code of conduct.Works directly with school leadership directors in the field to coach and intervene with principals and school leaders, providing support in professional growth standards related to operations, climate, and professional learning.Partners with directors and supervisors of athletics and extracurricular activities to ensure the student code of conduct is understood and applied at school-based events beyond school hours.Leads student listening sessions to assess the implementation of the code of conduct, using school data and needs.Oversees the development and implementation of communication structures to ensure students, staff, and families are well-informed about the student code of conduct, and collaborates with the Department of Well-Being and Student Services and the Division of School Leadership and Improvement to integrate restorative justice and trauma-informed practices into hearings and dispositions.Receives and responds to requests from principals regarding suspensions and expulsions, ensuring appropriate support and guidance.Supervises and conducts appeal hearings related to school transfers, complaints, athletic waivers, graduation appeals, and other disciplinary actions.Ensures all hearings are fair, unbiased, and conducted in a timely manner.Facilitates all processes associated with requests that have been appealed to the Chief Operations Officer and the Superintendent of Schools.Works collaboratively with school administrators, staff, parents, and community agencies to identify appropriate interventions for students facing disciplinary actions.Partners with the Department of Pupil Personnel Services and other central office departments to facilitate services that support school management plans and improve performance outcomes.Engages with principals and staff of Alternative Programs to ensure students’ educational needs are met and collaborates with pupil personnel workers on case management, including working with the Department of Early Childhood on appeals related to early entrance.Supports school, parent, and community efforts to prevent violence through consultation, mediation, and partnerships with county and state agencies.Serves as an MCPS representative on local and state committees related to student discipline and assists in the monitoring and implementation of reportable offense procedures.Collects, monitors, and analyzes data on disciplinary actions to identify trends and develop proactive support plans.Collaborates with the Division of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management to implement preventive supports based on data insights. In addition, the Director monitors suspension data and develops systemwide best practices aimed at eliminating suspension disproportionality by race and for students receiving special services.Prepares and presents compliance reports to executive leaders and the Board of Education.Communicates hearing decisions effectively to administrators, families, and staff, ensuring clarity and transparency in outcomes.Works with state and local agencies to enhance outreach and communication between central services, schools, and communities.Analyzes and makes decisions on student transfer applications, coordinating with hearing officers as needed to support a fair and efficient process.Oversees training on a wide range of student service topics, with a focus on student discipline, due process, and compliance requirements.Plans and delivers school-based professional learning to administrators and staff on the application of the student code of conduct, behavior interventions and supports, progressive student discipline, and restorative justice practices, all aligned with student conduct expectations.Develops and delivers professional learning programs to ensure consistent implementation of policies across schools and provides technical support and guidance on compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.Works closely with the Director of Student Wellness to coordinate referrals to health and human services, social services, and juvenile services, addressing the needs of students, staff, and parents.Establishes and maintains strong relationships with external agencies to support compliance efforts and advance student welfare initiatives.Ensures that all disciplinary actions and compliance practices reflect MCPS’s core values and policies, promoting consistency and equity across the school system.Fosters a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of students from marginalized groups.Supervises and evaluates hearing officers and staff within the Department of Student Conduct and Appeals, ensuring high standards of performance and accountability.Maintains a positive work environment that values diversity, fosters collaboration, and encourages professional growth.Leads cross-office teams to support a cohesive and aligned approach to student conduct and compliance management across the district.

This description may be changed at any time.