Job Title: Executive Director of Special Services      Exemption Status/Test: Exempt

Reports to: Chief Academic Officer                         Pay Grade:  Professional Central 108 

Dept./School:  Special Services                            Date Revised:  08/06/2024          

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage the district’s special education program. Ensure that services are provided for special needs students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Direct the district’s psychological services program to ensure pre-referral interventions, assessment, consultation, crisis intervention, and counseling services are provided.  Work to compile program evaluation data and ensure most effective implementation of staff and intervention resources.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree

Texas Mid-management or other appropriate Texas certification

Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of federal and state special education law

Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Five years of teaching experience in special education 

Experience as an educational diagnostician or other special services professional preferred

Prior administrative experience in special education

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional and Program Management

1. Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
2. Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
3. Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
4. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
5. Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
6. Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
7. Take an active role in formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.

1. Participate in the district-level decision-making process to establish and review the district’s goals and objectives and major classroom instructional programs. Ensure that goals and objectives are developed using effective collaborative processes and problem-solving techniques.
2. Oversee special education staff development programs and provide effective activities that support instructional programs, incorporate input from teachers and principals, and are consistent with the district’s mission.

Student Management

1. Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.

Policy, Reports, and Law

1. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.
2. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget and Inventory

1. Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
2. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management

1. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the special education department.
2. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

1. Evaluate the job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
2. Ensure effective and efficient staffing ratios to meet student needs. 

Communication and Community Relations

1. Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
2. Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
3. Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
4. Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
5. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend employment decisions of special education staff

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress