New Department of Pupil Services Unifies Student Supports

As the new school year begins, Pittsford Central School District is bringing Student Services and Special Education together under a new, unified Department of Pupil Services. The new structure is designed to strengthen collaboration and provide more coordinated support for students and families. Leading the department is Dr. Lindsay Ali, the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, who looks forward to partnering with students, families, staff and the community to support the success of every student.

The new structure is designed to strengthen collaboration, reduce silos and create greater consistency and coordination across the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, health and special education supports available to students.

Bringing these areas together also creates an opportunity to look more holistically at each student. Rather than viewing special education, mental health, counseling, behavior, health services and other supports as separate systems, the Department of Pupil Services can coordinate efforts around one shared question: “What does this student need to be successful, and how can we work together to provide it?”

Supporting this work alongside Dr. Ali will be three assistant directors to provide dedicated support at the elementary and secondary levels while also strengthening services for students in specialized programs and out-of-district placements.

• Maria Hill, Assistant Director of Pupil Services – Elementary
• Theresa McDonald, Assistant Director of Pupil Services – Secondary
• Laura Hefner, Assistant Director of Pupil Services – Special Programs

A key priority will be ensuring that the Department of Pupil Services is accessible and easy for families to navigate. As the new structure takes shape, the district is committed to helping families understand how services are organized, who is available to support their child and where to turn with questions or concerns. An updated organizational chart will provide families with a clear guide to the department and its leadership structure.