Executive Director of Special Education

Executive Director For Special Education

Position Summary: The Director of Special Education is responsible for implementing and maintaining age 3-21 Special Education programs and services in conformance to district, state, and federal objectives and laws; planning, designing, and implementing all phases of service provided by the Special Education staff; serving as a resource to patrons, school personnel, and the Board; and maintaining adequate staffing to ensure objectives of programs and services are achieved within budget.

Qualifications:

Current Alabama Teachers' Certification, Master's Degree or higher, with an endorsement in Special Education and Administration/Supervision preferred.

Minimum of three years' experience as a special education teacher.

Minimum of five years' experience as an administrator of supervisor in a public school setting, preferably as a special education administrator, but not required.

Essential Duties:

Provide leadership in the administration and coordination of the Special Education Program and psychological services for the benefit of the district's total education program.

Assist in the adaptation of school policies to include special education needs.

Recommend policies and programs essential to the needs of exceptional children.

Keep informed of all legal requirements governing special education.

Provide leadership in establishing new programs and develop improved understanding of existing programs.

Supervise and coordinate classroom programs for special needs population.

Evaluate existing programs as an ongoing responsibility and recommend changes and additions as needed.

Establish procedures for placement, evaluation, assignment, and re-evaluation of students with regard to the special education services program.

Develop procedures for referral, securing medical reports, psychological examination, and placement.

Supervise and coordinate home instruction for homebound or hospitalized students.

Assist in recruitment, selection, and recommendation for hiring of any special education personnel.

Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing reports, records, and other documents legally required or administratively useful.

Supervise preparation of attendance reports and similar data necessary for reimbursement of funds, collecting tuition for out-of-district students, and similar fiscal matters.

Arrange for transportation of all children placed in special classes.

Develop budget recommendations and provide expenditure control on established budgets for special education. Keep informed of the state of financial aid for special education.

Interpret the objectives and programs of the special education services to the Board, the administration, the staff, and the public at large.

Maintain a permanent inventory of equipment purchased for special education.

Establish procedures for requisitioning, ordering, and paying for special education equipment and supplies.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Performance Metrics and Evaluation

The performance of the Executive Director of Special Education will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent or designee based on demonstrated leadership, compliance, and effectiveness in delivering services aligned with district, state, and federal expectations.

Minimum key performance indicators include:

1. Compliance and Program Accountability

Maintain 100% compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and all applicable state and federal special education laws.

Ensure timely and accurate submission of all state and federal reports related to special education services (e.g., Child Count, Indicator Data, IEP compliance).

Achieve zero major audit findings in state or federal monitoring reviews annually.

2. Program Implementation and Effectiveness

Ensure eligible students with disabilities receive services in alignment with their IEPs.

Document and demonstrate improvement in student outcome data (e.g., graduation rate, discipline, and academic performance for SWDs).

Conduct annual program evaluations and implement recommended improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback.

3. Personnel Leadership and Supervision

Provide direct supervision, coaching, and evaluation for department employees, including specialists, support staff, and program coordinators.

Facilitate quarterly professional development sessions for special education personnel focused on compliance, instructional strategies, and legal updates.

Maintain at least 80% retention rate of special education staff annually, with targeted support for schools with high turnover.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Conduct monthly collaborative meetings with school administrators and special education teams to address program needs and challenges.

Provide regular updates to the Board and Superintendent on compliance status, staffing, and strategic initiatives.

Maintain high satisfaction ratings (80% or higher) from principals and teachers in annual support services surveys.

5. Fiscal Management

Ensure timely submission and approval of budgets and claims for IDEA Part B and other special education-related funds.

Identify and pursue supplemental funding opportunities to enhance special education resources.

6. Operational Efficiency

Ensure IEP meetings and evaluations are held within legally mandated timelines.

Coordinate and resolve due process and formal complaints with minimal escalation, aiming for a resolution rate of 90% or higher at the district level.

Maintain up-to-date protocols for referral, evaluation, placement, and reevaluation of students with disabilities.

How To Apply: All applicants should complete the State of Alabama on-line application and attach it to the specific job number in order to be eligible for hire. This application can be found on the website.

Special Note: The person selected for this position must agree to a background check, be fingerprinted, and pay a $46.20 fee. This is required by law.

Special Note: For employees starting work after the beginning date of the work term, the salary will be pro-rated and based on the number of contract days left in the school year, divided by the remaining months in the contract year.