Director of Special Education

About the Role

This position directs the planning, design, delivery, monitoring, and program assessment of special education services for more than 8,800 students with disabilities throughout the school division. The Director performs work under federal and state regulations, guidance, and division policies, interpreting policy independently. This role involves frequent collaboration across all organizational levels within and outside the school system to execute and explain programs and policies, and it includes directing and evaluating highly technical or professional support staff.

Responsibilities

• Guides the development and implementation of long-range and short-range plans for achieving special education goals aligned with the school division’s strategic plan, incorporating results-driven accountability for students with disabilities.
• Directs special education services for all students with disabilities, ensuring access to the core curriculum through collaboration with the Department of Curriculum Development and Support and the Department of School Leadership.
• Establishes and communicates a division-wide philosophy of least restrictive environment for students.
• Directs and evaluates the effectiveness of existing special education programs and services; ensures compliance with federal and state legislation, school board guidelines, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Facilitates research on trends and best practices to support student success through rigorous, innovative, and technological programming.
• Establishes and monitors the design and development of new and modified programs, including digital and non-digital resource accessibility.
• Collaborates with central and school administrators on student discipline to reduce exclusionary consequences.
• Facilitates and/or participates in dispute resolution with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Office for Civil Rights pertaining to students with disabilities; oversees mediation and due process procedures.
• Provides accurate and timely data to the VDOE’s State Performance Plan for evaluating student outcomes.
• Directs the implementation of federal and state grant applications and supervises the management of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants.
• Establishes staffing requirements with the Department of Human Resources and Department of Finance for all special education positions in accordance with state and local standards and student needs; assists with applicants as needed.
• Maintains open communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and community members, responding to concerns in a timely manner.
• Monitors Standards of Learning (SOL) and alternate testing in collaboration with assessment supervisors.
• Advises on the design, requirements, and equipment for special education classrooms and facilities, consulting on ADA accessibility.
• Coordinates professional development for school staff related to special education in collaboration with the Office of Professional Learning.
• Serves as staff for the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) to refine and enhance programs and services for students with disabilities.
• Ensures Medicaid reimbursement practices comply with federal, state, and local financial and accountability procedures.
• Assesses student learning on an ongoing basis and adjusts instruction to meet group/individual needs.
• Manages the budget for the Office of Special Education, including federal and state grants and local funds.
• Prepares reports for the VDOE, Office of Special Education Programs, school division, school board, and the Office of Civil Rights.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Education or a related field.
• Valid postgraduate professional license with endorsements in Exceptional Education and Administration and Supervision.
• Three to five years’ experience as a school principal or in a division-wide administrative or supervisory position.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s license (position requires driving).
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods; manual dexterity for computer and telephone use; ability to see, read, hear, and speak clearly.
• Physical agility to lift up to 25 lbs., bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk, and reach overhead.
• Comprehensive knowledge of special education statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of child growth and development, school operations, and group dynamics.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and implementing special education programs, policies, and procedures.
• Strong decision-making, problem analysis, conflict resolution, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in supervising large-scale provision of services for students with disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in Education or a related field.

Benefits

Chesterfield County Public Schools offers a wide variety of benefits to employees. Benefit offerings may differ based upon full-time and part-time employee status.

Pay

$112,172.42 - $190,693.15 per year.

Schedule

8 hours per day, 260 days per year.