School Board Appoints Executive Director of Student Services

The School Board appointed Jeffrey Carpenter as Executive Director of Student Services in the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Student Support at its meeting on Dec. 18. His appointment is effective January 6, 2026.

Carpenter brings more than two decades of experience as a student services, human resources, and labor relations leader across multiple school systems, with a proven record of strengthening systems, improving outcomes, and leading teams through significant organizational change.

Since 2019, Carpenter has served as the Director of Employee and Labor Relations for Prince George’s County Public Schools, where he has led a department supporting over 22,000 employees and managed a $2 million budget.

Prior to his work in Prince George’s County, Carpenter served as the Executive Director of Student Services for Alexandria City Public Schools, where he led the implementation of key components of the Strategic Plan, oversaw Section 504 and Title IX compliance, coordinated student disciplinary hearings, and supported the launch of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports and other restorative practices. He supervised multiple departments, managed grants and budgets, and led policy and program revisions to strengthen services for students and families.

From 2011 to 2015, Carpenter served as Director of the Office of Student Services for Arlington Public Schools, managing a $6 million budget and overseeing psychology, social work, and substance abuse counseling services. During his tenure, he implemented critical programs including McKinney-Vento supports, revised Section 504 procedures, enhanced mental health initiatives, supported the launch of major division-wide professional development, and strengthened records management, crisis response, and compliance systems.

Carpenter began his career as a School Psychologist and Special Education Supervisor in Winton Woods City Schools in Ohio, where he supervised district-wide special education services, supported the implementation of early intervention and transition programs, strengthened compliance processes, and developed programming to support students’ social-emotional needs.

Carpenter holds a Master of Education in Leadership and Administration from Xavier University, a Master of Science in School Psychology from Miami University, and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Carpenter is widely recognized for his collaborative leadership style, deep expertise in student support systems, and his commitment to equity, compliance, and continuous improvement. He brings extensive experience in building positive relationships with families, staff, and community partners, and a strong record of developing systems that enhance services for students.