POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director of Discipline & Intervention provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for student discipline and school climate across Atlanta Public Schools (APS). This role ensures the implementation of consistent, and student-centered discipline practices that foster safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments, while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
The Executive Director leads system-wide efforts to transform student discipline by advancing restorative practices restorative practices, strengthening prevention and intervention systems building leader and staff capacity, and ensuring alignment across policies, practices, and supports that impact student behavior and engagement.
MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
- Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field required; Doctorate preferred
- Additional years of equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:
- Valid Georgia certification in Educational Leadership or related field preferred
WORK EXPERIENCE:
- 3 years of school-based or central administration leadership experience required
- 3 additional years of experience as a classroom teacher required
- Experience in the administration and delivery of Career and Technical Education program
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Deep knowledge of student discipline policies, intervention practices, restorative practices, and school climate frameworks.
- Strong understanding of Title IX, student rights, and investigation protocols.
- Proven ability to lead systems change and shift adult practice at scale.
- Strong data literacy, particularly related to discipline trends and equity gaps.
- Exceptional communication, judgment, and stakeholder management skills.
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ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Strategic Leadership & System Coherence
- Develop and execute a district-wide vision for student discipline, MTSS and restorative practices aligned with APS strategic priorities.
- Lead and align the work of student discipline systems, restorative practices, compliance functions, and alternative education pathways into a cohesive, student-centered approach.
- Drive a shift from punitive discipline toward intervention, restorative, preventative, and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Use data to identify disparities in discipline outcomes and lead targeted improvement efforts.
- Advise senior leadership on discipline policy, student experience, and school climate strategy.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure equitable and consistent implementation of the district's student code of conduct.
- Oversee discipline policies, procedures, and appeals processes to ensure fairness and consistency.
- Monitor compliance with federal and state regulations
- Ensure compliance with Title IX, due process requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- Lead investigations, oversight, and response systems related to student discipline and Title IX matters.
- Monitor and mitigate risk related to discipline practices and intervention ensuring legally sound and student-centered decision-making.
Restorative Practices & School Climate
- Lead the development and implementation of restorative practices across all schools.
- Promote proactive strategies that build positive school culture, student belonging, and engagement.
- Support schools in reducing exclusionary discipline practices and increasing alternatives to suspension.
- Align discipline practices with social-emotional learning, trauma-informed approaches, and whole-child supports.
Alternative Education & Student Pathways
- Oversee the design and effectiveness of alternative education models and programs.
- Ensure high-quality, supportive learning environments for students requiring alternative placements.
- Develop pathways that support successful student transitions back to traditional school settings.
- Monitor outcomes for students in alternative settings and drive continuous improvement.
Talent Strategy & Leadership Development
- Lead, develop, and evaluate leaders responsible for discipline, restorative practices, and related areas.
- Build school leader capacity to implement equitable discipline and restorative approaches.
- Design and deliver professional learning aligned to district expectations for student behavior and climate.
- Foster a culture of accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement.
Family & Community Partnership
- Ensure transparent, responsive communication with students and families regarding discipline policies and decisions.
- Build trust with families and community stakeholders around discipline practices and student rights.
- Partner with community organizations to support restorative approaches and student re-engagement.
- Address concerns proactively, centering fairness, dignity, and student well-being.
Operational & Financial Leadership
- Oversee and manage budgets, staffing models, and resource allocation related to discipline and restorative practices.
- Ensure efficient and effective implementation of systems that support discipline, investigations, and alternative programming.
- Monitor performance metrics related to discipline, climate, and student outcomes.
- Ensure compliance and strategic use of federal, state, and local funding sources.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical abilities, working conditions and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification. In the event of an emergency or situation requiring guidance from Federal, State, or local or school district authorities, the requirements of this position may change temporarily or for the school year to best serve the needs of our students.
Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions
Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.
Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 15 or more pounds on a frequent basis.
Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress
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Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Will require travel to multiple sites.
The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.
COMPENSATION:
Salary Grade: 140
Salary Range: Salary Schedules - Atlanta Public Schools
Work Year: 252 days (Annual)