DEPARTMENT: Student Support Services
REPORTS TO: School-Based Principal
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
WORK SCHEDULE: 210 days
LOCATION: Beacon Hill Middle School & Decatur High School
DATE REVIEWED: 1/2026

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Secondary 504 Chair is appointed annually by the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent and serves for the number of days indicated above.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Secondary 504 Chair provides district and school-based leadership for Section 504 implementation and compliance at the middle and high school levels. This role ensures fidelity of implementation, legal compliance with federal and state regulations, and consistent Section 504 practices across secondary schools within City Schools of Decatur.

The position maintains an active presence at Beacon Hill Middle School and Decatur High School and serves as a key liaison among school administrators, staff, students, families, and district leadership. The role is designed to bridge policy and practice, strengthen equitable access to accommodations, and support proactive resolution of Section 504 concerns, with support from the Coordinator of School Psychology & Section 504

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 504 Leadership & Compliance

• Serves as the Secondary Chair for Section 504 compliance and implementation for secondary schools, with support from the Coordinator of School Psychology & Section 504.
• Serves as the school-based Section 504 Chair for assigned middle and high schools, including:
  • Chairing and facilitating Section 504 eligibility and review meetings
  • Ensuring adherence to timelines, documentation, and procedural safeguards
  • Supporting the development, implementation, and monitoring of effective accommodations
    
     
• Ensures Section 504 plans are accessible to staff and implemented with fidelity.
• Maintains and updates the district Section 504 Procedures Manual.
• Provides guidance to schools regarding Section 504 eligibility, accommodations, and implementation.
• Supports early resolution and mediation of Section 504 concerns and disputes.
• Collaborates with district leadership on OCR complaints, corrective action plans, and compliance reviews.
   

Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs)

• Provides oversight, guidance, and support for Manifestation Determination Reviews involving students with Section 504 plans and students suspected of having disabilities.
• Consults with school administrators and multidisciplinary teams to ensure MDRs are conducted in compliance with IDEA and Section 504 requirements.
• Reviews documentation, timelines, and decision-making processes associated with MDRs to ensure procedural fidelity and legal defensibility.
• Participates in MDR meetings as needed, particularly for complex, high-risk, or escalated cases.
• Supports school teams in understanding the relationship between disability, behavior, and disciplinary decisions to promote equitable outcomes.

• Collaborates with the Coordinator of Psychology & Section 504 on MDR-related issues with legal, compliance, or systemic implications.

   

Fidelity of Implementation & Monitoring

• Coordinates a Section 504 Fidelity of Implementation (FOI) process for secondary schools.
• Reviews FOI data, identifies trends, and provides feedback and corrective guidance to schools.
• Conducts targeted reviews of new plans, high-risk cases, or identified compliance concerns.
• Ensures documentation reflects both procedural compliance and observed implementation.

• Provides annual summaries of fidelity and implementation trends to district leadership.

   

Professional Learning & Collaboration

• Provides district- and school-based professional learning related to:
  • Section 504 compliance and procedural requirements
  • Effective accommodations and access to instruction
  • Manifestation determination and discipline procedures
• Consults with administrators, teachers, counselors, and multidisciplinary teams to support effective Section 504 implementation.
• Collaborates with MTSS, Special Education, Student Services, and related departments to ensure alignment of supports for secondary students.

Compliance, Data, & Reporting

• Monitors Section 504 timelines and procedural compliance.
• Reviews data related to accommodation effectiveness, behavior, and access to instruction.
  Maintains accurate records for audits, legal reviews, and compliance monitoring.

• Provides documentation and data to district leadership as needed for reporting and program evaluation.

   

Operational & Resource Management

• Oversees Section 504 documentation systems and related technology.
• Coordinates with district partners regarding assistive technology and related supports as applicable.

• Maintains records related to Section 504 resources and implementation supports.

   

Other Duties

• Supports district initiatives related to student access, and Whole Child supports.
• Serves on district committees related to compliance and student support systems.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the program coordinator.

   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides functional leadership and guidance to school-based Section 504 teams at the secondary level.

   

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Required Education and Experience

• Experience with Section 504 implementation in secondary school settings.
• In-depth knowledge of Section 504, ADA, IDEA (as related to MDRs), and Georgia education regulations.

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and supporting compliance processes.

   

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in education, school psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Prior district-level or multi-school leadership experience.

• Experience supporting OCR complaint response and compliance monitoring.

   

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
• High-level written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to balance school-based presence with district-level leadership
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

• Commitment to equity, compliance, and student-centered practice

   

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent travel between secondary schools and district locations
• Ability to attend meetings outside standard school hours as needed
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in compliance with legal requirements