Director of Special Education

The special education director is a senior leadership position serving as a cabinet officer in the organization. The director is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the district's special education program. The director plans, implements, and supervises programs to ensure the provision of quality education and support services to students with special needs as required by law.

• Plans and implements special education program goals and objectives for preschool through grade twelve while maintaining awareness of current laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to specific programs.
• Applies appropriate techniques to ensure that all students with exceptional needs are appropriately identified, assessed, and provided appropriate education programs and services designed to meet their unique needs.
• Advises and collaborates with building administrators regarding special education and other special education programs.
• Communicates information regarding programs, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents/guardians, and community members.
• Serves as the district representative/public agency representative for IEP meetings when needed.
• Monitors IEPS for compliance with Article 7 and Indiana Department of Education guidelines.
• Facilitates and/or participates in complaints, mediation, and due process with the Indiana Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights pertaining to students with disabilities.
• Conducts ongoing needs assessments, collects, and analyzes data, uses pertinent data to refine and improve the operational functions and services of special education program initiatives.
• Serves as the Indiana IEP system manager for the district (liaison between all buildings and state system).
• Recommends and manages the budget for special education programs to include applying and overseeing special education grants.
• Assists in the development of policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines related to special education.
• Oversees all reporting and compliance, including preparation and submission of all reports and data for federal, state, and district monitoring of special education.
• Supervises all activities related to Medicaid claiming and reimbursement.
• Prepares timely and accurate documentation and reports data to the Indiana Department of Education.
• Provides relevant staff development for special education personnel.
• Participates in the selection of personnel for the special education department.
• Serves as the custodian for special education records.
• Analyzes and secures contracted services and outside placements as needed and provides oversight.
• Provides clear and consistent expectations to special education staff while working collaboratively to meet the unique needs of the students.
• Coordinates district de‑escalation and restraint training annually.
• Directly supervises and evaluates assigned staff at least annually.
• Demonstrates a commitment to an overall efficient and effective special education working environment.
• Engages in ongoing professional development to keep knowledgeable of state and federal legal requirements for special education programs.
• Attends training, staff meetings, and district meetings to stay abreast of changing developments and policies.
• Maintains positive professional relationships with staff, students, parents/guardians, and administrators.
• Maintains confidentiality and a need‑to‑know policy with regards to staff and student information.
• Completes safety training and drills to remain knowledgeable of responsibilities in the event of an emergency.
• Remains knowledgeable of procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
• Complies with all district policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the superintendent.

• Valid Indiana administrator license.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in educational administration and special education or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Prior special education teaching experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations affecting special…