] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF APPEALS/TRANSFER

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Director, Division of Appeals/Transfer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director I CODE: 0330 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director, Division of Appeals/Transfer GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the Office of District Operations, is responsible for structuring, facilitating, and implementing a districtwide hearing process for expulsion and appeals cases that provides students their due process rights and that is aligned with MCPS policies and regulations as well as the Student Code of Conduct. Responsible for facilitating all processes associated with requests that have been appealed to the chief operating officer and superintendent of schools. Works collaboratively with school administrators, student services staff, central office staff, executive staff, students, and their parents to offer a fair process. Analyzes case data and dispositions to identify patterns and trends to collaborate with Office of School Support and Well Being and school administrators to provide applicable and targeted support and/or intervention. Responsible for ensuring hearings are scheduled and conducted in a non-biased and cultural competent manner, dispositions are reached fairly, are written and rendered in a manner that reflect consistency among hearing officers, and meet identified timelines. Supervises and evaluates hearing officers, as well as office staff, in the unit.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) policies, regulations, and procedures, including those related to student services, disciplinary action, student rights, and alternative programs. Extensive knowledge and applicable implementation of the Student Code of Conduct; Knowledge and use of general and special education law and other laws that impact student behavior and/or disciplinary action, restorative justice, trauma informed practices, social emotional learning in relation to student well-being and discipline and dispositions. Possesses the organizational, managerial, and supervisory competencies and skills necessary to manage a unit and to effectively lead, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the hearing officers and staff. Ability to create, organize, and analyze data, as well as use the data to make decisions. Expertise in creating presentations and facilitation of adult learners. Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to create, monitor, and adhere to timelines. Ability to promote and maintain a positive work environment. Demonstrated ability to establish positive relations with school and central office administrators and staff, and parents. Experience with working families. Knowledge of external organizations that can support the needs of students and families. Excellent oral and written communication, human relations, and technology skills. Possess a broad repertoire of current conflict resolution strategies that can be applied with students, staff, and parents. This position requires the knowledge and application of the six leadership standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) and the MCAAP Professional Growth System.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in any of the following area general education, school administration, or special education. Classroom experience and/or a minimum of three years of administrator or central office experience preferred. Trained in trauma informed practices, restorative justices, adolescent learners, and/or social emotional awareness. Experience in the administration and supervision of staff. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland state certification requirements for supervisor/principal or Administrator I.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Some evening and weekend work.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works with the executive leaders and the Board of Education related to compliance with MCPS student related policies, school processes for discipline, and change of school assignments.

Provides leadership, and communicates and collaborates with staff in the Appeals/Transfer Unit, Department of Pupil Personnel Services, Division of Consortia Choice and Application Services, schools, as well as other departments in the district.

Structures disciplinary and appeals hearings that are centered on the comprehensive needs of the students.

Works collaboratively with the Office of School Support and Well Being to integrate restorative justice and trauma informed approaches that align with the Student Code of Conduct into hearings and dispositions.

Receives and responds to requests from principals for suspension and expulsion of students for disciplinary reasons.

Supervises and conducts appeal hearings and related reports for students that deal with school transfers, complaints from the public, athletic waivers, graduation appeals, and suspensions/expulsions.

Works collaboratively with staff, parents, and schools to identify appropriate interventions and programming for students who are repeatedly suspended, recommended for expulsion, court adjudicated, or unsuccessful in comprehensive school settings.

Works cooperatively with school administrators, the Department of Pupil Personnel Services, and staff in central office to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of services to students and to support school management plans and school performance outcomes.

Works closely with the principal and staff of Alternative Programs.

Collaborates with pupil personnel workers regarding case management.

Works with the Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services on Early Entrance to Childhood appeals.

Supports school, parent, and community efforts to prevent violence in schools and communities through consultation, mediation, and collaboration with other county and state agencies.

Represents MCPS and serves on local and state committees on matters related to student discipline.

Analyzes data to determine trends related to disciplinary issues and works to develop plans to address these matters that reflect a commitment to reduce suspensions and expulsions.

Collects, monitors, and analyzes data related to disciplinary actions of students to proactively work with the Office of School Support and Well Being and the Division of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management on providing proactive and preventive supports as needed.

Communicates with administrators, families, and other staff about hearing decisions.

Collaborates with state and local agencies to support outreach efforts that enhance communication between central service offices, schools, and communities.

Analyzes and makes decisions pertaining to student transfer applications and works with the hearing officers, as appropriate.

Provides training on a wide range of student service subject areas focusing on student discipline and due process.

Collaborates with county agencies (e.g., health and human services, social services, and juvenile services) to support student, staff, and parent needs.

Collaborates with other MCPS offices to support the effective and consistent implementation of Collaborative Problem Solving, Educational Management Team, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and Individualized Education Program processes and procedures.

Supervises and evaluates the Appeals/Transfer Unit staff. Supervises the hearing officers.

Performs other duties as assigned.
Class Established: 7/06
Date(s) Revised: 1/2014, 6/2022
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.