Director of Special Education

Title:

Director of Special Education

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Under the general supervision of the Superintendent or designee, provides leadership, oversight, and compliance management for the district’s Special Education program to ensure the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and Board policy.

• Direct and administer the district’s Special Education program in compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, GaDOE regulations, and State Board of Education rules.
• Ensure district wide compliance with special education requirements, including monitoring, corrective actions, and procedural safeguards.
• Develop, maintain, and implement Special Education procedures to ensure consistent practices across schools.
• Oversee Child Find, evaluations, eligibility determinations, IEP development, placement, and service delivery.
• Coordinate and manage due process activities, including complaints, mediations, and hearings; ensure timelines and staffing requirements are met.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of special education data, including FTE and required GaDOE submissions.
• Prepare, submit, and manage the district’s Comprehensive Special Education Plan and related documentation.
• Administer and monitor state and federal special education grants and budgets in accordance with fiscal requirements.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate Special Education department staff in alignment with district evaluation systems and GaPSC standards.
• Provide guidance and professional learning to administrators and staff related to special education compliance and service delivery.
• Collaborate with school administrators, central office departments, and external agencies to support students with disabilities.
• Support recruitment, staffing recommendations, and contracted services in coordination with Human Resources.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and personnel records in accordance with state and federal law.
• Fulfill mandatory reporting requirements, including child abuse, restraint/seclusion, and compliance findings.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Superintendent and Board as requested.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent consistent with legal and professional standards.

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Use of standard administrative technology, data systems, and office equipment.

Travel to district schools, GaDOE meetings, state agencies, and professional learning activities as required.

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state special education law and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of K–12 curriculum, instruction, and service delivery for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of program evaluation, data analysis, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate staff in accordance with GaPSC leadership standards.
• Ability to prepare clear written reports, procedures, and communications.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, staff, parents, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain professional judgment and ethical conduct under GaPSC Ethics Rule 505-6-.01.

Work in office and school environments; ability to communicate effectively, travel between sites, and occasionally lift or move materials up to 20 pounds.

• Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) leadership certification or eligibility as required for district-level administration.
• Must meet requirements of O.C.G.A. 20-2-200.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to provide transportation.

• Master’s degree in Special Education and Educational Leadership from an accredited institution.
• Specialist or Doctoral degree preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in special education compliance, program management, and instructional leadership.
• Prior building or district…