Director of Special Education and 504 Services

Director of Special Education and 504 Services Providing leadership, direction, and oversight for Gonzales ISD’s Special Education and Section 504 Programs. Ensuring district compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and FERPA. Directing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support students with disabilities in achieving academic success and accessing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Supervising all related service areas, including visual and hearing impairment services, speech‑language pathology, vocational services, assessment and evaluation, and ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) processes. Qualifications Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a related field. Valid Texas administrative certification is preferred. Valid special education certification is required. Central Office administrative experience is preferred. Five years of special education/teaching experience in Special Education. Three years of administrative experience in an educational setting. Knowledge of special education programs, professional development, applicable laws and regulations. Experience in a district vertical alignment team. Demonstrated success in managing special education programs and services. Key Responsibilities Lead and direct the district’s Special Education and 504 programs to ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and applicable state and local regulations. Develop, implement, and maintain procedures for Child Find, evaluations, eligibility determinations, IEP development, placement, and service delivery. Ensure compliance with IDEA procedural safeguards, timelines, and documentation requirements across all campuses. Oversee and evaluate compliance monitoring, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement systems for Special Education and 504 services. Provide guidance and oversight for development, implementation, and monitoring of Section 504 Plans, ensuring accommodations are effective, legally compliant, and aligned with student needs. Serve as district-level coordinator for Section 504 processes, including staff training, documentation, and compliance reviews. Monitor the academic and behavioral progress of students receiving special education and Section 504 services to ensure effective implementation of IEPs and accommodation plans. Ensure systems are in place for consistent progress monitoring aligned to IEP goals, behavioral intervention plans, and district academic standards. Analyze student performance data and service delivery outcomes to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements. Provide regular reports to district leadership regarding student progress, trends, compliance indicators, and areas requiring corrective action or additional support. Support campus administrators and staff in using student progress data to drive instructional and behavioral interventions. Supervise the ARD process, including coordination of ARD meetings, eligibility decisions, IEP development, and review cycles. Ensure that evaluation and re-evaluation procedures for special education services follow best practices and legal requirements. Monitor the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of IEP and evaluation documentation and provide professional support to campus teams. Provide leadership and supervision for related services staff, including speech‑language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, vision and hearing specialists, and vocational support services. Coordinate service delivery models that support least restrictive environment access and inclusion. Collaborate with curriculum and instructional leaders to align special education instructional practices with district goals. Develop and deliver professional development on special education law, ARD best practices, inclusive instruction, data documentation, and compliance protocols. Oversee data collection and reporting systems related to special education and Section 504 data, including state performance indicators and required federal reporting. Analyze program data to inform district goals, resource allocation, and improvement strategies. Act as liaison with parents, guardians, advocacy organizations, and community partners to support student needs. Ensure clear and timely communication regarding rights, procedural safeguards, progress, and services for students receiving special education or 504 accommodations. Directly supervise assigned Special Education and 504 staff, including evaluation, goal setting, coaching, and performance management. Support hiring, professional growth, and retention strategies that build capacity and expertise across service areas. Maintain current knowledge of local, state, and federal developments in special education law and policy. Perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent. Work primarily in a standard office/school setting with frequent campus visits and occasional extended hours to meet program needs or compliance deadlines. Working Conditions Daily district-wide travel and occasional statewide travel. Frequent, prolonged, and irregular hours required. Maintain emotional control under stress. #J-18808-Ljbffr Young World Physical Education