Chief of Innovation and Student Support Services

Region:

4

School District/Employer:

District Category/Employer:

Central Office,

Position:

Area Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Associate Superintendent,

Assignment Level:

Area

• Career/Technology Education
• Curriculum & Instruction
• Student Services

Job Title:

Chief of Innovation and Student Support Services

School:

Campus Description:

Date Posted:

9/15/2026

Deadline:

Until Filled

Openings:

1

Commitment:

Full Time

Description/Notes:

Job Description
JOB TITLE: Chief – Innovation and Student Support Services

Days per year: 226

Min: $158,690

Mid: $191,194

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

PAY GRADE: AM 11

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Chief of Innovation and Student Support Services is a visionary and systems-level leader responsible for the strategic integration and oversight of districtwide innovation, student wellness, behavioral supports, and equitable access to enrichment and engagement opportunities. This role ensures the delivery of comprehensive services that support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, while upholding high standards for behavior and school culture.
The Chief provides executive leadership to a portfolio of departments including student assessment, counseling, health services, mental wellness, strategic innovation, and student conduct. The Chief ensures that the district’s Code of Conduct, student discipline practices, and multi-tiered behavior interventions are developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and aligned with district values and legal standards.
All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate clearly and respectfully, champion student needs, and drive continuous improvement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Executive Leadership and Strategic Oversight

Provide strategic direction, cross-functional alignment, and senior-level leadership to all departments and initiatives under Innovation and Student Support Services, ensuring integration with the district’s overall mission and strategic plan.
Supervise and support the Executive Director of Innovation and Student Support Services and the Assistant Superintendent of Research, Accountability, and Testing, providing leadership coaching and performance management aligned to district goals.
Serve as a key member of the Superintendent’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to system-wide decision-making and representing student support, innovation, and engagement perspectives at the executive level.
Oversee the development and implementation of districtwide innovation strategies, student wellness programs, and behavior support systems to ensure equitable student access to academic, social-emotional, and enrichment services.
Provide leadership and accountability for student discipline systems and the implementation of the district’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring policies and practices are aligned with legal requirements and equity goals.

Student Support Systems and Whole-Child Services

Provide executive-level oversight of all student support services departments, including:
Guidance, Counseling, and Mental Health
Nursing and Health Services
Truancy and Dropout Prevention
Credit Recovery
Safe and Drug-Free Schools
Student Discipline and Code of Conduct
Ensure that school-based and districtwide behavior intervention systems are research-based, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive.
Collaborate with academic and operational departments to integrate student support services into campus instructional programs, crisis management plans, and continuous improvement cycles.

Innovation and Strategic Initiatives

Oversee districtwide innovation initiatives, including strategic projects aligned to the Superintendent’s priorities and the district’s long-range strategic plan.
Lead the district’s Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) and ensure stakeholder feedback informs the development and refinement of innovative programs.
Support and scale innovative practices, technologies, and systems that improve student engagement, accelerate achievement, and close opportunity gaps.
Collaborate with departments to redesign outdated systems and pilot new models that enhance student outcomes and operational efficiency.

Student Conduct, Behavior, and Discipline

Provide leadership and oversight of the district’s student discipline systems, ensuring all practices align with federal and state law, board policy, and equity commitments.
Supervise the Executive Director of Innovation and Student Support Services in the implementation of the district’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring clarity, fairness, and responsiveness.
Develop and oversee training for principals and other leaders on restorative practices, de-escalation techniques, due process in disciplinary matters, and the use of data to monitor equity in discipline referrals and consequences.
Analyze discipline data to identify trends, disparities, and areas for improvement, and lead system-wide efforts to reduce exclusionary discipline and increase student engagement.
Ensure appropriate collaboration with Legal, Special Education, and Equity teams to address due process, complaints, and investigations related to student discipline.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the district’s liaison with external agencies, nonprofit organizations, and state-level networks focused on innovation, student health, and mental wellness.
Foster strong partnerships with families, community stakeholders, and local organizations to expand access to wraparound services and supports.
Lead cross-functional teams and working groups to assess program effectiveness, solve complex challenges, and recommend improvements to policy and practice.

Data-Informed Decision Making and Accountability

Use data to monitor the impact and effectiveness of all programs under the Chief’s leadership, identifying gaps in service and areas for innovation or redesign.
Ensure effective systems for progress monitoring and continuous improvement across departments.
Oversee compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements related to student services, including discipline, health, mental health, and counseling.
Present data-informed updates and recommendations to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders as needed.

Operational and Fiscal Management

Develop and manage budgets for assigned departments, ensuring efficient and strategic use of resources aligned with student needs and district priorities.
Identify and secure external funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support innovation and student support initiatives.
Ensure departments maintain accurate records and documentation required for audits, compliance, and program evaluation.
WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. This position will require frequent travel within the district and occasional statewide travel.

Mental Demands:
Ability to solve problems and manage high-stakes, complex situations; ability to interpret data and research; ability to communicate across stakeholder groups with discretion and professionalism; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure; ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution
Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in K-12 education, with at least 5 years in district-level leadership.
Preferred:
Doctorate Degree in Education or a related field
Texas Mid-Management, Principal, or Superintendent Certification
Experience in large, diverse urban or suburban school districts

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
Deep knowledge of equity-centered innovation, student support systems, and whole-child frameworks
Expertise in building cross-functional teams that integrate academic, behavioral, and wellness supports
Strong understanding of accountability systems (local, state, federal) and assessment frameworks
Exceptional skill in strategic planning, systems-level thinking, and implementation science
Knowledge of state and federal compliance regulations related to health services, mental health, counseling, and student safety
Ability to lead with influence, coach senior leaders, and align departments to shared goals
Advanced ability to communicate with clarity and credibility across stakeholder groups, including the Board of Trustees, TEA, families, and the community
Experience leveraging data and research to drive policy, practice, and innovation
Ability to manage complex budgets and secure external funding aligned with strategic goals
Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and driving innovation and equity initiatives

Salary Range:

Min: $158,690

Mid: $191,194

Benefits:

How To Apply: