Description
OUR MISSION
The mission of the La Center School District is to create a supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their fullest potential. We will do this in partnership with families, the community, staff, and students to develop confident and self-reliant lifelong learners who can thrive in a rapidly changing, technologically advanced, and diverse society.
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
La Center School District is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered Director of MTSS and Student Support. The role provides district-wide leadership, with an administrative elementary focus in the development, alignment, and sustainability of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for both academic and behavioral success. This position ensures consistent implementation of evidence-based practices across schools, strengthens staff capacity through coaching and professional learning, and oversees key student service programs, including counseling, 504 plans, and McKinney-Vento and Foster Care supports. The position works collaboratively with building and district leadership to create equitable, responsive systems that support all students, with a focus on proactive intervention, data-informed decision-making, and wraparound services for vulnerable populations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Districtwide System Leadership & Coordination
- Align MTSS Systems: Define and standardize MTSS practices across all schools to ensure consistent implementation of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 academic and behavioral supports.
- Centralize Resources: Build and coordinate a centralized, easy-to-access system for progress monitoring, intervention tools, and data tracking.
- Student Services & Program Leadership: Supervise district counselors, 504's, and serve as the district's McKinney-Vento Homeless and Foster Care Liaison, ensuring vulnerable populations receive immediate Tiered wrap-around services. Facilitate and supervise, with collaboration from building leadership, recess aides, and paras who serve behavior intervention.
- Lead Transition: Lead the transition of changing demographics to proactively adapt to student needs.
Embedded Day-to-Day Operations & Coaching: Elementary Focus
- Strengthen Tier 1 Systems: Partner with primary and intermediate staff to implement proactive Tier 1 behavioral supports, with a targeted focus on improving recess systems.
- Provide Administrative Support: Lead and sustain a comprehensive MTSS behavioral framework by establishing clear building-wide systems, coaching staff to effectively differentiate classroom-managed versus office-managed behaviors, and ensuring referrals are aligned with established behavior protocols while strengthening overall classroom management and student support.
- Build Tier 2/3 Capacity: Analyze referral and behavior data with staff to develop targeted Tier 2 interventions and support the completion of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).
Embedded Coaching: Secondary Focus
- Strengthen Middle School MTSS: Realign and support MTSS structures to improve fidelity and effectiveness.
- Support Behavior Management: Work with building leadership to support staff with classroom management strategies to address increasing behavioral challenges.
- Support High School Transitions: Assist staff with plans of support for students with behavioral concerns. Support successful transitions for incoming freshmen.
General Duties
- Model and coach effective behavior interventions, social-emotional learning (SEL) practices, and data collection methods.
- Collaborate with families, staff, and community agencies to ensure appropriate implementation of individualized student supports.
- Maintain professional appearance and serve as a positive role model for students and staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT & BENEFITS
- 1.0 FTE continuing position. 210 Day Contract (July 1 - June 30). The successful candidate must be fingerprinted; employment is contingent upon clearance through the Washington State Patrol and the FBI.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, and stoop to attend to students' needs; possess the strength and agility to assist physically impaired students.
- Benefits: Eligible for a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and qualified dependents. Employer-paid basic life, long-term disability, and AD&D insurance. Retirement through the WA State Department of Retirement. Paid leave includes 2 personal days, 12 sick days, and 10 compensatory days per school year.
- Compensation: Structured within a range of $118,000 to $147,000, determined by the successful candidate's certifications and professional experience.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Application Deadline: Applications received by May 17, 2026 will receive first consideration. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of May 26, 2026.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
- Valid Washington State Administrative Certificate and/or experience providing professional development related to PBIS, behavior interventions, SEL, and state/federal legal requirements.
- More than 5 years of leadership experience.
- Knowledge of student growth goals and educational data literacy.
- Strong collaboration, communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in all district matters and adapt to changing priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience coaching teachers, ESAs, and/or principals
- Experience reviewing, coaching, and supporting staff in the MTSS framework.
Training or familiarity with crisis response and de-escalation programs (e.g., CPI, Ukeru) and trauma-informed practices.
La Center School District No. 101
725 NE Highland Road * PO Box 1840
La Center, WA 98629
La Center School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance and Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Matt Johnson
Address: 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, WA 98629
Telephone Number: 360-263-1700
Email: matt.johnson@lacenterschools.org
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Jami Phelps
Address: PO Box 1840, La Center, WA 98629
Telephone Number: 360-263-2131
Email: jami.phelps@lacenterschools.org
Title IX Coordinator
Matt Cooke
Address: 725 NE Highland Road, La Center, WA 98629
Telephone Number: 360-263-1700
Email: matt.cooke@lacenterschools.org
