Executive Director of Special Education

Special Education Director

Provide executive leadership and districtwide oversight for Gonzales ISD's Special Education and Section 504 programs. Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Texas Education Code, Texas Administrative Code, and TEA requirements while ensuring students with disabilities receive FAPE and high-quality, individualized services. Lead program development, compliance, instructional effectiveness, personnel, related services, ARD/IEP processes, data-driven improvement, and family engagement to promote positive student outcomes.

Education/Certification

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or related field.
• Valid Texas educator and administrative certification appropriate to the assignment in accordance with SBEC requirements.
• Campus administrator experience required.
• Texas Special Education certification required.

Experience

• Minimum five years of progressively successful experience in special education, with demonstrated administrative leadership experience.
• Experience with districtwide special education systems, ARD/IEP processes, evaluation, compliance, personnel supervision, and program management preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Texas special education requirements, TEA regulations and guidance, and the Texas Legal Framework.
• Knowledge of special education evaluation, eligibility, ARD/IEP processes, instructional practices, related services, inclusion, LRE, and transition services.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, problem-solving, personnel management, and data-analysis skills.
• Ability to interpret legal and regulatory requirements and develop effective districtwide systems and procedures.

Major Responsibilities & Duties

Executive Leadership & Compliance

1. Provide strategic leadership and direction for all district Special Education and Section 504 programs and services.
2. Ensure district compliance with IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Texas Education Code, Texas Administrative Code, TEA requirements, and Board policy.
3. Establish and monitor systems for Child Find, evaluation, eligibility, ARD/IEP development and implementation, placement, service delivery, reevaluation, discipline, and procedural safeguards.
4. Lead district responses to TEA monitoring, complaints, corrective actions, audits, and other compliance reviews.
5. Maintain current knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, TEA guidance, and best practices affecting students with disabilities.

Program & Instructional Leadership

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate a districtwide special education improvement plan aligned with district goals.
2. Promote effective specially designed instruction, inclusion, LRE, behavioral supports, and access to the general education curriculum.
3. Monitor student outcomes and the implementation of IEPs, accommodations, behavioral supports, and related services.
4. Analyze student achievement, evaluation, placement, discipline, graduation, and service-delivery data to identify trends and improvement priorities.
5. Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Chief Academic Officer and district leadership.

ARD, Evaluation & Section 504

1. Provide oversight of district ARD/IEP processes and ensure timely, individualized, and legally compliant decisions.
2. Monitor the quality and timeliness of evaluations, reevaluations, eligibility determinations, IEPs, and related documentation.
3. Coordinate districtwide Section 504 processes, including evaluation, eligibility, accommodation plans, implementation, and compliance monitoring.
4. Provide guidance and support to campus administrators and teams regarding complex special education and Section 504 matters.

Related Services & Personnel

1. Provide leadership and oversight for related services and specialized programs, including speech-language, occupational and physical therapy, visual and auditory impairment, vocational/transition, behavioral, and other services as applicable.
2. Supervise assigned Special Education and Section 504 personnel and support recruitment, retention, evaluation, professional growth, and staffing.
3. Ensure personnel assignments and service delivery comply with applicable certification, licensure, and qualification requirements.
4. Develop and coordinate professional learning related to special education law, ARD/IEP practices, evaluation, inclusive instruction, accommodations, and compliance.

Budget, Resources & Reporting

1. Develop and manage the Special Education budget and make recommendations regarding staffing, programs, contracts, equipment, and resources.
2. Ensure accurate and timely special education data collection, state and federal reporting, and compliance with applicable TEA requirements.
3. Use program and financial data to support resource allocation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Family & Community Engagement

1. Promote effective partnerships with parents, guardians, advocacy organizations, community agencies, and service providers.
2. Ensure timely and appropriate communication regarding student rights, services, progress, procedural safeguards, and dispute-resolution processes.
3. Address parent and community concerns professionally and collaboratively and coordinate with district administration and legal counsel when appropriate.

District Leadership

1. Collaborate with the Chief Academic Officer, Superintendent, campus administrators, Curriculum and Instruction, Human Resources, Finance, Counseling, Assessment, and other departments to support district priorities and student outcomes.
2. Represent Gonzales ISD with TEA, regional Education Service Center personnel, community agencies, professional organizations, and other partners.
3. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Academic Officer or Superintendent.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly and/or indirectly supervise assigned Special Education and Section 504 personnel, including administrators, coordinators, specialists, evaluators, related service providers, and support staff. Responsibilities include supervision, evaluation, coaching, professional development, staffing recommendations, and performance management.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a central-office and school environment with frequent campus visits. The position may require extended hours, including evenings or occasional weekends, to address district needs, compliance deadlines, parent meetings, professional development, and other activities. Regular use of computers, student information systems, telecommunications, and other technology is required.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated annually by the Chief Academic Officer in accordance with Gonzales ISD Board policy and administrative procedures.

This job description describes the general responsibilities and requirements of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may be modified or reassigned based on district needs.