By Lookout Staff

August 8, 2024 -- The School Board last Thursday approved the hiring of Dr. Francisco Dussan, the policy organization facilitator for Los Angeles public schools, as the District's new director of student services.

In his new post, Dussan will "plan, organize, manage, and direct all aspects of the Student Services Department, which include pupil records, student attendance and welfare (and) student behavior and discipline, " according to the job description. He also will oversee "restorative justice practices," health services, mental health services, school security and safety, disaster/emergency preparation and alternative education issues.

“I am eager to contribute to a district known for its dedication to student excellence and well-being," Dussan said in a statement. "Together, we will create a supportive environment where every student can succeed."

In his LAUSD post, Dussan was responsible for developing and implementing student services innovations, including telemental health services and fiscal sustainability, District officials said.

He also was charged with implementing state behavior programs and overseeing field instruction services for social work interns.

At LAUSD Dussan "conducted staff development sessions on trauma impact, psychological first aid, crisis intervention, threat assessment and suicide prevention," District officials said.

He also "has recommended policies and practices that will increase access for school-based student services."

Before assuming his current post at LAUSD, Dussan served as a psychiatric social worker at Nightingale Middle School in Los Angeles, officials said.

There, he "managed school attendance review boards, led the school-site crisis team, implemented attendance incentive programs and promoted and conducted parent engagement and parent education programs."

Prior to his work in education, Dussan was a crisis counselor for the Crisis Response Project in Los Angeles and worked as a peer specialist and facilitator in the substance abuse treatment center for the Veterans Affairs Long Beach Health Care system.

“I would like to welcome Dr. Dussan to the SMMUSD family,” District Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton said in a statement. “His demonstrated leadership and exceptional experience make him a great addition to our management team.”