High School Dean of Students

High School Dean of Students

Indianapolis, IN   Administration

Description

Indianapolis, IN • Administration

Herron-Riverside High School

Title: High School Dean of Students

Job Type: Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

Campus: Herron Riverside High School

Department: Administration

Reports To: Head of School

Managing Employees: Yes

Job Description

The Dean of Students promotes and supports an effective learning environment by leading day-to-day student management and behavior interventions. The Dean reports to the Assistant Head of School and executes behavioral systems aligned to the school’s vision and Core Values.

Job Responsibilities

• Implement student discipline systems and support teacher autonomy through the Scaffolded Intervention Framework.
• Investigate student conduct concerns and ensure alignment with Universal Behavior Policies.
• Write and review corrective log entries and follow standardized protocols for behavioral documentation.
• Process required documentation related to behavioral concerns, including log entries, no contact orders, expulsion warning letters, suspensions, and expulsions.
• Counsel students to acknowledge and manage responsible personal conduct; help resolve problems that impede learning and/or participation in school activities.
• Implement proactive strategies to address emerging behavioral patterns such as bullying, engaging in sexual activity, and substance use.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Head of School to process expulsion due process notices as required by the Indiana Department of Education.
• Collaborate with counseling and the Assistant Head of School to investigate hardship, neglect, and suspected child abuse cases. Initiate referrals to community resources (e.g., court systems, law enforcement, healthcare, and child welfare services).
• Coordinate daily announcements in collaboration with the Student Life Coordinator and ensure dissemination of advisory information with counseling and college/career team.
• Respond to emergency calls and notify appropriate parties to address immediate safety concerns.
• Support and supervise student activities (e.g., arrivals/departures, parking lots, lunch periods, hall duty, extracurricular programs).
• Identify and lead Tier 1 and Tier 2 disciplinary meetings with students and parents to identify barriers to success and connect with appropriate supports.
• Communicate with families regarding student behavior, escalating complex or high-stakes concerns to the AHS.
• Collaborate with the AHS to train staff on appropriate use of classroom interventions and log entries.
• Support teachers with behavioral coaching and modeling of Tier 1 and Tier 2 strategies.
• Identify emerging student behavior trends and proactively address them with interventions and family engagement.
• Collaborate with counselors and student services to support students in crisis or hardship.
• Co-lead Summer Academy behavioral expectations and conduct code implementation.
• Participate in parent conferences and IEP meetings as requested.
• Attend and supervise extracurricular events and scheduled faculty meetings, professional development sessions, Parent Orientation, Meet the Teacher Night, Parent/Teacher Conferences, and Open Houses as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, ethical conduct, and commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Collaboratively support the policies, guidelines, and working procedures of Herron Classical Schools.
• An expectation of professional and ethical conduct and professional growth throughout the year.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Head of School or Head of School.
• This is a 190-day assignment with vacation as approved by the Head of School.

Competencies/Skills Required 

1. Leadership – Take responsibility for not only their decisions and work completed, but the decision and work of the entire organization. Inspires trust and supports others through authenticity and follow through. Maintains high ethical standards and shows consistency among principles.
2. Communication & Collaboration – Constant communication with leaders to stay attuned to organizational initiatives, fostering relationships across the organization to instill trust and communication across the departments.
3. Strategic Approach – Ability to develop a strategic plan and vision. Visualizes long-term organization’s success and works to clarify long term goals.
4. Initiative – Seeks to anticipate and respond to industry and market changes/challenges by understanding key characteristics, issues, and factors driving them. Aware of competitor’s products, services, and positions to anticipate future strategic initiatives.

Outcomes/Measures of Success 

In their first year as Dean of Students, the individual in this role can aim to accomplish several key objectives, given the criteria provided. These goals can help establish a solid foundation for their work and create a positive impact on the school community:

1. Consistent Implementation of Schoolwide Behavior Systems

• Outcome: The Universal Behavior Policies (UBPs) and Scaffolded Intervention Framework are consistently applied across classrooms.
• Measures:
• 95% of log entries are aligned with expectations (language, accuracy, escalation procedures).
• All teachers receive behavior systems training within the first 6 weeks.
• Monthly review and feedback loop established for log entry trends.

2. Timely and Accurate Student Conduct Documentation

• Outcome: Behavioral infractions are documented and followed up with clarity, consistency, and due process.
• Measures:
• 100% of suspensions and no-contact orders include required documentation within 24 hours.
• All expulsion are submitted in compliance with IDOE timelines and standards.
• Weekly audits of log entry follow-up completion (calls home, student meetings, etc.).

3. Proactive Student Support and Family Engagement

• Outcome: Students with recurring behavior concerns receive timely, personalized support and families are engaged early and respectfully.
• Measures:
• 100% of students with 16+ log entries in a month receive a Tier 2 meeting with family outreach.
• Track family calls made and escalations handled within 48 hours.

4. Strategic Supervision and School Culture Presence

• Outcome: Student spaces and transitions are actively monitored, leading to a calm and orderly environment.
• Measures:
• Spot checks indicate decreased hallway loitering or misconduct.
• Dean maintains active presence during 3+ extracurricular events per quarter.

5. Staff Partnership on Tier 1 Behavior Practices

• Outcome: Teachers are supported in developing their own capacity for proactive classroom management.
• Measures:
• 100% of new teachers receive modeling or coaching within their first 6 weeks.
• Dean co-leads 2+ ProDev sessions per year on classroom culture/log usage.
• 80% of teachers report confidence in Tier 1 interventions on culture survey.

By focusing on these objectives, the Dean of Students can establish a strong presence, address immediate needs, and set the stage for long-term success in promoting a positive and productive school environment.

Benefits of Employment at Herron Classical Schools

Competitive market wages. Full-time employees are offered benefits through Herron Classical Schools that include; medical insurance through ICHRA marketplace, dental, vision & life insurance through United HealthCare; 403b retirement contributions through T. Rowe Price, and employer match up to 5%, optional employee health savings account contributions, short-term & long-term disability, and generous paid vacation & sick days.

Herron Classical Schools Overview

Herron Classical Schools operates two high schools – Herron High School and Riverside High School – and Herron Preparatory Academy, eventually serving grades kindergarten through 8th grade. Herron Classical Schools is incredibly proud of our network and our scholars. And, based on the data shared in the US News and World Report National Public-School Rankings for 2024, the rankings we received are a testament to our work paying off. In these rankings, of which 17,655 schools throughout the nation were ranked, based on our performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well we prepare students for college, we earned the following rankings:

• Herron High School and Herron-Riverside ranked #1 and #2 Charter High Schools in Indianapolis.
• Herron High School continues to be highly ranked since our first graduating class in 2010 and is currently ranked #316 in the nation.
• Herron High School ranked #2 in the state for College Readiness.
• Herron High School placed in the top 2% of public schools nationwide in the following:
• #2 in Indianapolis/Metro Area High Schools
• #5 in Indiana High Schools
• #73 in Charter High Schools
• Herron-Riverside was ranked in the top 35% of public schools.
• A-rated by IDOE
• #2 Charter in Indy

Compensation

Negotiable depending on experience.  Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision & life insurance; health savings account contributions, short-term & long-term disability, retirement contributions, paid vacation & sick days.

Requirements

• 7 to 10 years teaching experience required, preferably in a culturally diverse high school.
• Experience leading groups and working in teams to achieve academic success.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products.
• Bachelors’ Degree required, Masters’ Degree preferred.

Diversity & Inclusion – Embracing a Culture of Respect

Diversity and inclusion are integral to Herron Classical Schools’ mission and are embedded in its Core Values. By building a culture of respect and trust through relationships with people and ideas, HCS believes that a highly intentional diversity enriches our community. HCS is committed to creating an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are embraced, respected, and valued.

Equity Statement

Herron Classical Schools, through action and in partnership with families and community, will uphold the values, policies, and practices that promote cultural competence. We are committed to eliminating biased institutional structures, hiring practices, and practices that affect student learning and achievement. We will embrace and empower students and staff in their individual identities to establish and sustain human dignity, justice, equitable treatment, and inclusiveness in the classroom and workplace. 

Non-discrimination Statement

Herron Classical Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, gender identity, disability, religion, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or any characteristic that is legally protected under applicable local, state, or federal law in the administration of its educational policies, behavior policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, food service, hiring practices, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Herron Classical Schools abides by the Indiana Civil Rights Laws (I.C. 22-9-1), Title VI and VII (Civil Rights Act of 1964), the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (Educational Amendments), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USCS § 12101,et.seq.). Complaints regarding acts of sexual discrimination or harassment in violation of Title IX requirements should be filed with Herron Classical Schools Title IX Coordinator by filling out a Report of Harassment form available from Student Services or any school administrator. Inquiries regarding compliance by Herron Classical Schools with Title IX and other civil rights laws may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, Herron Classical Schools, 110 E. 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 111 North Canal Street, Suite 1053, Chicago, IL 60606-7204.