Dean of Students - Middle School

Lynchburg City Schools•Lynchburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dean of Students serves as a key member of the school’s administrative team, responsible for the daily implementation and monitoring of student support systems that ensure a safe, structured, and academically focused learning environment. In a federally identified school, this role prioritizes consistent execution of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), attendance improvement strategies, and behavior frameworks aligned to division and VDOE expectations. The Dean leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of systems related to student behavior, attendance, and transitions (including short-term and long-term suspensions and alternative placements). This role requires strong operational leadership, proactive communication with stakeholders, and close collaboration with administrators, counselors, teachers, families, and central office to ensure equitable, timely, and effective student supports that improve outcomes.

Requirements

Must hold a valid Virginia Teaching License issued by the Virginia Department of Education.
Virginia Standards of Accreditation (8VAC20-131)
Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS/MTSS)
Student conduct laws and due process requirements (Code of Virginia)
Attendance laws and truancy procedures (§22.1-254, §22.1-258)
Experience with student discipline, attendance intervention, and school-based systems implementation preferred.
Excellent project management, planning and communication skills.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with students, teachers, administrators, and community based-organizations.
An ability to complete data collection and data entry are preferred.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, emotional intelligence.
Ability to interact in a non-judgmental manner with culturally diverse populations and persons experiencing a wide range of social conditions.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to use sound judgment in responding to student and family issues and concerns.
Ability to adapt to changing environments and receive constructive feedback
Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct .
Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships.
Strong time management skills (organization, prioritization, multitasking).
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Proficiency with use of computers (desktop, laptop, tablet).
Solid knowledge and understanding of accurate and effective record keeping and time management.
Solid knowledge and understanding of Infinite Campus and Google Drive and/or an ability to learn new technical programs/practices as needed.
Solid knowledge and understanding of equitable practices that create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for LCS staff, students, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Endorsement in Administration and Supervision (PreK–12) or progress toward licensure.
Experience working in a federally identified (CSI/TSI) school or similar high-need setting.
Demonstrated success in improving student behavior, attendance, and school climate outcomes.
Knowledge of and experience with the Lynchburg City Schools organization, policies, and practices (preferred).

Responsibilities

Execute daily student management systems with consistency, including supervision, discipline response, and student support coordination.
Support the principal and assistant principals in maintaining a safe, orderly, and instructionally focused environment aligned to the school’s improvement plan.
Monitor and respond to real-time student issues, ensuring timely resolution and documentation in accordance with division policies and VDOE guidelines.
Maintain a visible and active presence throughout the school (hallways, cafeteria, arrival/dismissal, common areas) to proactively support student behavior and engagement.
Implement and monitor school-wide behavior systems aligned to MTSS, including Tier 1 expectations, Tier 2 interventions, and Tier 3 individualized supports.
Analyze discipline data regularly (referrals, removals, subgroup trends) to identify root causes and adjust supports.
Ensure consistent application of the student code of conduct, with a focus on reducing exclusionary practices and increasing instructional time.
Facilitate or support restorative practices, re-entry meetings, and behavior intervention planning for students requiring additional support.
Lead and coordinate attendance initiatives aligned to division goals, with a focus on reducing chronic absenteeism.
Monitor daily attendance data and early warning indicators (e.g., 6+ absences, 10% threshold, 18+ absences).
Collaborate with attendance teams, counselors, and administrators to implement targeted interventions, including family outreach, attendance plans, and home visits as applicable.
Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of attendance interventions and outcomes.
Coordinate all processes related to short-term and long-term suspensions, ensuring compliance with division procedures and due process requirements.
Develop and implement structured transition plans for students returning from suspension or alternative placements to ensure successful reintegration.
Collaborate with alternative education programs, student services, and receiving staff to ensure continuity of academic and behavioral supports.
Monitor progress of returning students and adjust supports as needed to prevent recidivism.
Design, implement, and continuously refine systems for behavior, attendance, and student support that are clear, efficient, and sustainable.
Establish routines and protocols for staff to follow, ensuring consistency across classrooms and grade levels.
Support staff with implementation of systems through modeling, coaching, and feedback.
Align all systems to school improvement goals, federal expectations, and division priorities.
Maintain clear, professional, and timely communication with students, families, and staff regarding student behavior, attendance, and supports.
Partner with families to build trust and ensure understanding of expectations, interventions, and available resources.
Collaborate with counselors, teachers, administrators, and central office departments (e.g., Student Services, Special Education) to coordinate comprehensive supports.
Participate in and contribute to student support meetings, MTSS meetings, and data reviews.
Collect, analyze, and report on key student indicators including attendance, behavior, and intervention effectiveness.
Use data to inform decision-making, identify trends, and adjust strategies in real time.
Support the school’s continuous improvement efforts by aligning student support work to measurable outcomes.
Support school-wide events, supervision needs, and operational priorities as assigned by the principal.
Perform other duties consistent with the role and as needed to support the overall success of the school.