Chief of Special Education

DeKalb County Central United School District is committed to preparing students today for the world of tomorrow. Our mission is to develop students as critical thinkers, communicators, and collaborators who can adapt and persevere with empathy and integrity in an ever-changing world. Every member of our team is a valuable resource in this pursuit of excellence, and we are currently seeking a Chief of Special Education to join our dynamic leadership team!

The Chief of Special Education provides district-level leadership, direction, and oversight for all special education programs and services and the District's Section 504 program. They ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate educational services in accordance with federal and state law, Indiana requirements, Board policy, and District procedures.

The Chief serves as the District's primary administrator for special education and Section 504 and works collaboratively with district and building administrators, teachers, related service providers, families, and outside agencies to ensure high-quality programming, consistent practices, regulatory compliance, and positive outcomes for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership, direction, coordination, and oversight for all District special education programs, services, and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive continuum of special education services designed to meet the individual needs of students in the least restrictive environment.
• Establish district-wide procedures and expectations for the identification, evaluation, eligibility, placement, programming, and progress monitoring of students with disabilities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and recommend changes based on student needs, outcomes, compliance requirements, staffing, and best practices.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent, central office administrators, and building administrators regarding special education programming, staffing, resources, and strategic planning.
• Advise District leadership regarding special education and Section 504 laws, regulations, requirements, emerging issues, and potential areas of risk.
• Represent special education as a member of the District's administrative leadership team, as assigned.

• Ensure District compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Article 7, and other applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing students with disabilities.
• Oversee District processes related to referrals, evaluations, eligibility determinations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), reevaluations, placements, transitions, and procedural safeguards.
• Establish systems for monitoring timelines, documentation, service delivery, and other special education compliance requirements.
• Review and address areas of noncompliance and develop corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure required special education data, reports, and submissions are accurate and completed within established timelines.
• Maintain appropriate procedures for special education records and confidentiality.
• Coordinate and respond to special education complaints, due process matters, mediation, monitoring activities, and other compliance reviews in consultation with District administration and legal counsel as appropriate.

• Serve as the District-level administrator responsible for oversight and implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Develop and maintain consistent District procedures for Section 504 referrals, evaluations, eligibility determinations, accommodation plans,…