What to Know About Rebecca Burns' Appointment as Readington Director of Pupil Services

Rebecca Burns takes the director of pupil services role in Readington

Rebecca Burns has been appointed as the Director of Pupil Services for Readington Township Schools. This position oversees student support services, which include special education, counseling, health services, and programs that help students succeed academically and socially.

The Director of Pupil Services works with teachers, families, and outside agencies to coordinate the services each student receives. Burns will be responsible for ensuring that the district meets state and federal requirements for student support, managing the special education process, and developing programs that address student needs across the district.

This appointment reflects the district's commitment to strengthening its support systems for students. The role requires someone with deep knowledge of education law, student development, and how to build effective teams across schools.

Key Takeaways

• The Director of Pupil Services oversees special education, counseling, health services, and other student support programs across the district.
• This position requires knowledge of federal and state education laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• The director works directly with families, teachers, and outside agencies to coordinate services for individual students.
• Burns' appointment signals the district's focus on expanding and improving how it supports student success beyond the classroom.

What the Director of Pupil Services actually does

The Director of Pupil Services manages the day-to-day operations of student support across all schools in the district. This includes overseeing the special education department, which identifies students who need extra support and creates individualized education plans (IEPs) for them. The director also supervises school counselors, nurses, social workers, and other support staff.

A major part of the job is ensuring the district follows federal law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires districts to identify students with disabilities, evaluate them properly, and provide appropriate services. The director makes sure this happens correctly and on time. They also handle complaints from families and work with the state education department when issues arise.

The director also develops new programs based on what students need. This might mean creating mental health services, expanding counseling, or building programs for students who are struggling academically or socially. They work with principals, teachers, and community partners to figure out what gaps exist and how to fill them.

How this role connects to your child's school experience

If your child receives special education services, counseling, or other support through the school, the Director of Pupil Services is the person responsible for making sure those services happen. When a school evaluates your child for special education, when an IEP meeting is held, or when your child sees a counselor or nurse at school, the director's department is coordinating that work.

If you have concerns about your child's support services or believe the school is not meeting your child's needs, the Director of Pupil Services is often the right person to contact. They can explain what services are available, why certain decisions were made, and what options exist if you disagree with the school's plan.

The director also influences what kinds of support programs exist in the district. If the district decides to add mental health services, expand special education, or create new counseling programs, that decision comes from the Director of Pupil Services working with the superintendent and school board.

The qualifications and experience required

Directors of Pupil Services typically hold a master's degree in education, special education, school counseling, or a related field. They must have a New Jersey administrative certificate, which requires passing the state's principal or supervisor exam and completing approved coursework in school law and administration.

Most directors have worked in schools for several years before taking this role. Many come from backgrounds in special education, counseling, or school psychology, which gives them direct experience with the students and families they will serve. Some have been teachers or counselors; others have worked as special education coordinators or assistant directors.

The role requires someone who understands both the legal side of education (federal law, state regulations, due process) and the human side (working with families, supporting staff, understanding child development). Burns' appointment suggests the district found someone with this combination of skills and experience.

How the district's student support structure works

The Director of Pupil Services sits between the superintendent and the schools. The superintendent sets the district's overall direction; the director translates that into student support services and makes sure each school carries it out. Principals in each school work with the director's department to identify students who need help and to coordinate services.

Special education coordinators or supervisors in each school report to the Director of Pupil Services. School counselors, nurses, and social workers also work within this structure, though they may report to their principal on day-to-day matters. The director sets policy, trains staff, handles complaints, and makes sure the district is following the law.

When a parent has a concern about their child's services, they usually start with the school counselor or special education coordinator. If the issue is not resolved, they can ask to speak with the Director of Pupil Services. If they still disagree, they can file a formal complaint with the New Jersey Department of Education or request a due process hearing, which is a legal process to resolve disputes about special education.

What changes might come under new leadership

A new Director of Pupil Services often brings fresh ideas about how to support students. Burns may introduce new programs, reorganize how services are delivered, or shift focus to areas the district has not emphasized before. Common changes include expanding mental health services, improving how the district identifies students who need help, or creating new support for students in crisis.

Burns may also work to improve communication between the district and families. Some directors create parent advisory groups, hold regular information sessions, or simplify the process for families to understand their child's services. Others focus on training teachers to recognize when students need support or on building partnerships with outside agencies.

Changes usually take time. A new director typically spends the first few months learning how the district currently operates, talking to staff and families, and identifying priorities. Major changes usually roll out over a year or more.

How to contact the Director of Pupil Services

The Readington Township Schools district office can provide contact information for the Director of Pupil Services. You can reach the district through the main office phone number or the district website. Most districts list the director's office location, phone number, and email on their website under "Administration" or "Student Services."

If you have questions about your child's special education services, counseling, or other support, you can contact the director's office directly. You can also start with your child's school principal or the special education coordinator, who can direct your question to the right person or help you schedule a meeting with the director.

Many districts also hold open office hours or parent information nights where you can meet the director and ask questions. These events are usually announced through the school newsletter or the district website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Director of Pupil Services and my child's school principal?

The principal manages a single school — hiring teachers, setting the school's schedule, handling discipline, and overseeing day-to-day operations. The Director of Pupil Services manages student support services across all schools in the district. The principal and director work together, but they have different jobs.

If I disagree with my child's special education plan, who do I talk to?

Start with the special education coordinator at your child's school or the Director of Pupil Services. If you still disagree after talking with them, you can file a formal complaint with the New Jersey Department of Education or request a due process hearing, which is a legal process to resolve the dispute.

Can the Director of Pupil Services change my child's IEP?

The director does not change individual IEPs directly. Instead, the director sets policy and oversees the process. Your child's IEP is created and changed through meetings with the school team and your family. The director makes sure the school follows the law and the process is done correctly.

How long does it usually take to see changes in student support services?

A new director typically spends the first few months learning how the district works. Major changes usually take six months to a year to plan and roll out. Small improvements or new programs might happen faster, depending on what the director prioritizes.

What should I do if I have a concern about my child's support services?

Contact your child's school first — speak with the counselor, special education coordinator, or principal. If the issue is not resolved, ask to speak with the Director of Pupil Services. You can also contact the district office and ask how to file a formal concern or complaint.