The Director of the Student Hearings Office at Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) oversees and manages the student disciplinary hearings process. This includes handling all procedures related to student discipline, such as hearings, long-term suspensions, expulsions, readmissions, criminal reassignments, and appeals. The role ensures that all hearings are conducted fairly, consistently, and in accordance with state and federal regulations. This Director works closely with school administrators, legal counsel, and families to resolve disciplinary issues and support student success. This position performs work under the direction of the Associate Superintendent for Student Services and Post-Secondary Success.
Essential Responsibilities:
This job description is a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Additionally, the scope of this job may change as necessary by the school division.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
PWCS requires that each employee:
work collaboratively with all stakeholders in Launching Thriving Futures,
establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others,
communicate effectively,
relate to and interact with a non-traditional and diverse student and employee population,
report to work on a regular and punctual basis as scheduled,
perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total school program,
have knowledge of and be able to use relevant technology,
participate in the annual professional growth planning process, and
recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct.
Essential Responsibilities Specific to This Job:
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Lead, build, and retain an engaged, committed, and high-performing team.
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Establish clear and reasonable goals for team members and actively promote a culture of continuous improvement.
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As a division leader, support the Division's vision and mission, establish long and short-range goals, and develop a plan to accomplish these goals.
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Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values employee contributions and encourages collaboration
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Oversee and manage the student disciplinary hearings process. This includes handling all procedures related to student discipline, such as hearings, long-term suspensions, expulsions, readmissions, criminal reassignments, and appeals.
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Select, supervise and evaluate the student hearing officers, the transition coordinator, and the criminal reassignment specialist.
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Conduct student disciplinary and Title IX hearings as necessary during high volume periods.
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Review and evaluate evidence, witness statements, and other relevant information.
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Make recommendations for disciplinary actions based on findings.
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Ensure accurate records of all hearings and disciplinary actions are maintained.
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Prepare reports and presentations for the school board and other stakeholders.
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Analyze data to identify trends and recommend improvements to disciplinary processes.
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Collaborate with all stakeholders.
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Ensure compliance with all PWCS school board policies and regulations, state, and federal programs, laws, and guidelines related to student disciplinary matters.
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Works with Division Counsel to update, modify, and revise existing procedures, policies, and regulations to confirm that the School Division’s student disciplinary practices are in line with state code and federal law.
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Communicate information regarding the management of serious student discipline matters to the senior leadership and the school board.
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Serve as the Superintendent’s designee in any related School Board disciplinary hearings, appeals, or readmissions.
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Provide appropriate and effective leadership, advice, communication, and assistance to the Superintendent, the Executive Cabinet, and school administrators regarding student disciplinary matters.
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Ensure annual review of the Prince William County Schools “Code of Behavior", recommending any needed revisions.
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Manage and secure a budget to support the Student Hearings department and its programs, including funds from grants, as well as state and federal sources.
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Complete other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors:
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Knowledge of school discipline and due process.
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Knowledge of assess and documenting student behavior.
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The ability to find restorative methods of addressing student behavior.
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Critical thinker and ability to problem-solve.
Work Experience Requirements:
Minimum of 5 years in education or related field.
Certification and License Requirements:
Administration and supervision preK-12 licensure required.
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is the second largest School Division in Virginia. The Division serves more than 89,000 students in 100 schools and learning centers. PWCS is the 34th largest school district in the nation, encompassing a wide-ranging demographic foundation. PWCS has over 18,000 employees—including over 7,500 dedicated teachers. Students and parents speak more than 144 languages and represent 121 countries. #YouBelongHere