Executive Director of Student Services

Deadline: April 24, 2026
District/Organization: Grosse Pointe Public School System – Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Position/Type: Central Office – 1st Line Admin, full time

Position Details

JOB SUMMARY:

The Executive Director of Student Services assists the Superintendent by effectively overseeing special education programs, services and personnel, including supervisors, caseload providers, ancillary staff and other special education paraprofessionals. Ensures high-quality, compliant services that meet diverse student needs in collaboration with district leadership.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the recruitment, supervision, evaluation, and professional development of special education personnel.
• Lead implementation of special education programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations (e.g., IDEA, Section 504, ESSA, ADA).
• Lead district-wide implementation of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) practices, expanding inclusive opportunities and removing barriers to access.
• Promote the belief that every student deserves expert instruction and that all team members serve as advocates for students.
• Establish a culture of learning, achievement, and accountability.
• Develop, communicate, and build consensus around the district’s special education philosophy, services, and practices.
• Advance equitable practices and actively engage diverse stakeholders across the school community.
• Maintain high visibility and frequent communication with all supervisors and building principals regarding the supervision of special education programs.
• Develop, manage, and monitor special education budgets, including state and federal funding and grant submissions.
• Plan, supervise, and evaluate pupil personnel services and programs in cooperation with the HR Department (school social work, speech, occupational and physical therapy, psychological and diagnostic testing services, as well as programs in special education).
• Compile, maintain, and file all legally required and administratively necessary reports and records.
• Ensure district-wide compliance with IDEA, MARSE, and related regulations, including monitoring, training, and continuous improvement of practices.
• Oversee district Child Find processes and compliance requirements.
• Support building-level teams in the MTSS process to ensure appropriate special education referrals.
• Lead with urgency, resilience, and accountability in addressing complex challenges.
• Set and maintain high expectations for performance, continuous improvement, and results.
• Communicate special education services and programs clearly to all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with other school districts, Wayne RESA, and community agencies.
• Actively partner with families and the Parent Advisory Committee to promote meaningful engagement, provide resources, and inform program development based on family input.
• Serve as a member of various committees including the Administrative Council.
• Collaborate with general education leadership to ensure inclusive practices and alignment with district goals.
• Lead development of transition programs that support post-secondary success in employment, education, and independent living.
• Represent the district in dispute resolution, including mediations and due process hearings.
• Monitor student achievement data, attendance, discipline trends, and program performance to inform improvement.
• Serve as the district liaison at board, regional, advisory, IEP, and due process meetings, and other meetings as needed.
• Report regularly to the Superintendent and Board of Education on performance, compliance, and program outcomes.
• Oversee corrective action plans resulting from monitoring reviews or compliance findings.
• Lead continuous improvement of high-quality, evidence-based special education programming aligned with student outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The individual selected for this position will be the one who offers the best combination of qualities in accordance with the following standards and requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher in special education administration or a related field.
• Special Education Director certification or a willingness to complete requirements to receive Full or Temporary Approval as a Director in special education.
• Minimum three years of successful teaching in Special Education or certification as a School Psychologist or School Social Worker with three years of successful professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability in the organization and supervision of special education programs.
• Knowledge of instructional accommodations and modifications within the general education curriculum.
• Demonstrated leadership in special education through active participation in professional organizations and interest groups.
• Proven ability to adapt to the complexities of leading at-risk populations.
• Proven experience in conducting rigorous evaluations of educator and school staff performance.
• Demonstrated understanding of current societal and educational issues, including diversity, the Integrated Model of Special Education, and collaborative problem solving.
• Proven ability to build capacity in others.
• Strong knowledge of human development, instructional practices, and special education service delivery models, including applicable state and federal regulations.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth.

(Please note that the interviewing committee and/or the superintendent have the right to further define qualifications.)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is assigned to work 12 months, 260 days per year. Evenings are required for Board, Ad-Hoc Committee Meetings, and/or special events.

EXTERNAL CANDIDATE APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Click on the “apply” button to initiate the application process. Please electronically attach the following materials:

Cover Letter, Resume, Recommendation Letters, and a copy of your transcripts:

Moussa Hamka

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Grosse Pointe Public School System

20601 Morningside Drive

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

INTERNAL CANDIDATE APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please email the following materials to : hamkam@gpschools.org

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Recommendation Letters
• A copy of your transcripts

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Applications will be accepted until the successful candidate is identified.

The successful candidate must meet the State standards for a clear criminal history and provide mandated fingerprint clearance.

E-mail: leschn@gpschools.org