Director of Student Services

Office Location: District Office - Basement

Phone: 541-506-3427 | Ext. 1201

The Director of Student Services provides leadership for the district's special education programs and services for children and young adults, from birth through age 21. The goal of this role is to help ensure that students with disabilities have access to the supports, instruction, and services they need to make meaningful progress while ensuring the district meets its responsibilities under state and federal law.

A large part of this role is supporting the people who work directly with students every day. The Director partners with principals, teachers, specialists, and support staff to solve problems, remove barriers, and make sure schools have the guidance and resources they need to support students effectively. The Director also works closely with families, helping answer questions, navigate the special education process, and find solutions when concerns arise.

In addition to supporting schools and families, the Director oversees districtwide special education staffing, budgets, contracts, and compliance, works with community partners and state agencies, and helps plan for the future of special education services in the district.

The Director's responsibility is specifically focused on students who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While principals oversee the day-to-day operation of their schools and the staff within them, the Director provides districtwide leadership to ensure that special education programs are consistent, legally compliant, fiscally responsible, and centered on what is best for students.

Responsibilities Overview:

Special Education Program Leadership: Directing districtwide special education programs and partnering with principals and school teams to implement, evaluate, and continuously improve services.

Fiscal & Resource Stewardship: Developing and managing the special education budget—including state and federal grant funds—and strategically allocating staff and resources to meet complex student needs.

Compliance & Accountability: Ensuring strict compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Oregon special education laws, managing state reporting, and keeping district practices aligned with legal standards.

Personnel & Coaching Support: Recruiting, supervising, and evaluating district-level special education staff and related service providers, while delivering professional development on IEP writing, compliance, and inclusive instructional strategies.

Dispute Prevention & Resolution: Partnering with school teams and families to resolve complex special education questions, assisting with mediation, and facilitating sensitive or legally complex IEP meetings.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education: Serving as the district lead to ensure the rapid identification, enrollment, and interdepartmental coordination of services for students experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

What can I help with?

Legal & Compliance Protections:
- “How do we handle manifestation determinations and disciplinary protections for students with disabilities?”
- “What do Oregon special education laws and procedural safeguards require for this specific case?”
- “How do we prevent or prepare for a formal parent disagreement, mediation, or state complaint?”
Complex Student & IEP Decisions:
- “When should we consider a placement change to a specialized, district-wide program?”
- “Can you help us facilitate a highly sensitive IEP meeting or plan resources for a student with significant high-needs?”
- “How do we design effective service delivery models like push-in, pull-out, and co-teaching?”
Fiscal & Staffing Resources:
- “What options do we have to fund high-cost specialized services or out-of-district placements?”
- “How should we address provider shortages, caseload management, or scheduling bottlenecks?”
McKinney-Vento Services:
- “How do we connect a student experiencing homelessness with school enrollment, supplies, or transportation support?”

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🛑 When to Contact Someone Else

To ensure your requests are handled by the correct department, please note that the Director of Student Services does not manage:

Section 504 Administration: Section 504 eligibility, accommodation plans, or 504 compliance. (Contact your building-level 504 Coordinator or School Counselor).
General Education Behavior & Discipline: Routine student discipline, classroom management issues, or schoolwide behavioral systems (such as PBIS or restorative practices). (Contact your building Principal or Assistant Principal).
Core Curriculum & Instruction: Selection of standard district textbooks, general education teaching practices, or state testing coordination. (Contact the Teaching and Learning / TLA Department).
General Health & Mental Health Services: Routine school nursing, general student counseling programs, or community mental health referrals unrelated to an IEP. (Contact your School Nurse, School Counselor, or Building Administrator).
Daily Logistics: Bus routing, facilities requests, or student club approvals. (Contact the Transportation or Facilities departments directly).

Outside of Work

I have spent 27 years in education and am passionate about building strong, student-centered systems that help every child feel known, supported, and capable of meaningful growth. My work focuses on creating services that are collaborative, practical, legally sound, and responsive to the individual strengths and needs of students and families. I believe special education should not be a separate place or program, but part of a connected system in which educators, families, and community partners work together to remove barriers and help students build the skills they need for school, work, and life.

When I am not at work,

I spend my time with my husband and three children. The youngest is getting ready to graduate, so I am preparing to enter the mysterious world of having all grown children. I am a self-proclaimed crazy cat and crafter lady who is happiest with a cat nearby and a creative project underway—whether I am sewing, painting, beading, or adding one more project to the collection I will absolutely finish someday.