Administrator - Director of Special Services - Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Director of Special Services –

Papillion La Vista Community Schools

2027-2028 School Year

Description: 

Provides districtwide leadership, direction, and oversight of special education programs and services to ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality educational opportunities and appropriate support to meet their individual needs. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of special education programs in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and District policies. Works collaboratively with District and building administrators, staff, families, and community agencies to promote student achievement, independence, and successful educational outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Administration, or a related field. Educational Specialist degree preferred.
• Certification: Valid Nebraska Administrative Certificate
• Experience: Minimum of five years of successful experience in special education, with demonstrated leadership, administrative, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Other Requirements: Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, program administration, instructional practices, and services for students with disabilities. Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Such alternatives or additional qualifications appropriate for the position.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates dependable and reliable attendance and fulfills the responsibilities of the position in a professional and timely manner.
• Provides districtwide leadership, direction, and oversight of the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services aligned with District goals and the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
• Ensures District compliance with applicable federal and state special education laws and regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Nebraska Rule 51, and other applicable requirements. Monitors changes in legislation, regulations, and professional practices and coordinates necessary updates to District procedures.
• Establishes and monitors procedures for the identification, referral, evaluation, eligibility determination, placement, reevaluation, and provision of special education services for students with disabilities.
• Directs the design, implementation, and compliance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring delivery of specially designed instruction, related services, and supplementary aids in the least restrictive environment.
• Provides operational leadership for specialized programs supporting students with complex behavioral, developmental, medical, low-incidence, or homebound instructional needs.
• Supervises, guides, and evaluates assigned Special Services personnel in alignment with district policies, identifying professional learning needs and facilitating targeted training and technical assistance.
• Collaborates with district leadership to develop, evaluate, and scale behavioral supports, intervention strategies, and specialized instructional practices.
• Partners with building administrators and special education teams to drive optimal staffing, service delivery models, program evaluation, and student placement decisions.
• Serves as a primary liaison to administrators, educators, families, and outside agencies to promote cross-functional collaboration and mediate concerns or disputes related to special education services.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of special education programs and services using student performance data, program evaluations, compliance information, and other relevant measures to guide continuous improvement.
• Oversees transition services and programs that prepare students with disabilities for postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and community participation, including the Young Adult Transition Program (YATP).
• Provides leadership and oversight of early childhood special education services, including collaboration with District personnel, participating agencies, and community partners to support the identification, educational programming, and developmental needs of young children with disabilities.
• Provides districtwide leadership and oversight of Section 504 procedures and accommodations to ensure compliance with applicable federal requirements and appropriate support for eligible students.
• Collaborates with the Human Resources Department and building administrators in the recruitment, selection, assignment, professional development, and retention of qualified special education personnel.
• Coordinates and supports the District’s response to special education complaints, compliance reviews, mediation, due process proceedings, and other matters involving special education requirements, in collaboration with appropriate District personnel and legal counsel.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the annual Special Services budget, including the responsible allocation and management of financial resources, specialized equipment, instructional materials, assistive technology, and other resources necessary to support student programs and services.
• Oversees the preparation, accuracy, and submission of required state and federal special education reports, applications, data collections, and funding documentation, including Medicaid-related reimbursement and administrative claiming processes.
• Ensures appropriate maintenance, security, and confidentiality of student records and special education information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and District policies.
• Collaborates with District leadership regarding facility planning, accessibility, classroom design, equipment, and other physical resources necessary to support special education programs and services.
• Serves as a resource to the Superintendent, Board of Education, District administrators, staff, and families regarding special education matters. Represents the District in appropriate local, regional, state, and national meetings, committees, professional organizations, and collaborative initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.