Director of Special Education

About the role

The job of "Director of Special Education" implements and maintains Special Education programs and services in conformance to District, State and Federal objectives; providing written support and/or conveying information; serving as a resource to patrons, school personnel and the School Board, and maintaining adequate staffing to ensure objectives of programs and services are achieved within budget.

FLSA Status: Exempt | Department: Curriculum and Instruction | Reports to: Deputy Superintendent-Chief Academic Officer | Location: OSD Central Office | Salary Scale: District Admin B | Position Type: Full-Time

Responsibilities

• Manages fiscal resources from the General Fund and special education grants, prepares budgets and directs spending, and monitors maintenance of effort, for the purpose of fiscal efficiency in providing required services. (25%)
• Develops proposals, new programs, budgets and grants for the purpose of meeting District goals; meets monthly with Business Manager to review expenditure reports and budgeting needs; serves as the District Representative for IEP meetings when resources beyond school budgets may be considered for the purpose of efficiently managing fiscal resources while meeting special education regulations; prepares documentation and reports data to the Mississippi Department of Education for the purpose of providing written support, conveying information, and complying with Federal and State regulations; collects invoices to ensure billing is complete in a timely manner; sets staffing levels for school special education programs for the purpose of providing services with fiscal efficiency; writes/revises district Board Policy for special education as is needed or required, for the purpose of assuring program consistency and compliance with state and federal rules in all locations. (25%)
• Collaborates with District school principals and school special education teachers for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programs. (25%)
• Directs personnel for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established guidelines; evaluates District and school Special Education programs and monitors the implementation of special education and compliance with regulations in each location, for the purpose of carrying out and achieving objectives within area of responsibility; facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining Special Education programs and services of the district which achieve desired objectives; implements assigned programs and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to district and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives; sets the instructional model for special education within the district; collaborates with principals in hiring new sped teachers; supervises and evaluates District-level special education staff including psychometrist, assistant special education director, case manager, occupational therapist, and hearing-impaired teacher for the purpose of carrying out objectives within areas of responsibility; communicates information on programs, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents, the Board and other districts for the purpose of understanding of the programs; creates and ensures Semi-Annual Certification forms are completed twice per year; collaborates monthly with the department responsible for Child Find referrals to review processes and provide special education guidance as needed. (25%)
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program. (25%)
• Advises Deputy Superintendent-Chief Academic Officer regarding special education and other matters; attends professional developments; obtains guidance from the School Board attorney as needed.
• Coordinates with outside agencies to provide services to students and staff, for the purpose of offering appropriate services. (25%)
• Serves as a contact with Early Intervention Program (EIP) First Steps; serves as a contact with The Institute of Community Services Head Start Program; serves as a contact with Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services; other outside agencies as deemed appropriate.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Requirements

• Minimum Class "AA" Mississippi Teaching Certificate including Valid 486-Career Level Administrator endorsement
• Minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory or administrative role
• All employees hired by the school district must pass a criminal background and child abuse registry check

Skills

• Ability to perform diverse duties and responsibilities in a high-energy environment with the ability to respond to the changing needs and demands of the faculty, staff, and students
• Excellent written and verbal communication, public relations, and customer service skills
• Ability to learn and utilize technology
• Manage personnel and programs, communicate effectively, problem solve
• Knowledge of special education curriculum and programming, Mississippi and Federal education law and regulation, district policies
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Read, analyze, and interpret reports, government regulations, and other documents
• Respond effectively to common inquiries or complaints from community or staff

Pay

Salary Range: $86,207–$116,194 (District Admin B scale)

Schedule

Full-Time