Executive Director of Special Education

Executive Director of Special Education

Gonzales ISD ADMINISTRATION OFFICE - Gonzales, Texas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Gonzales ISD

Job : 5885866

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 13, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Provide executive leadership and district wide 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.

• 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.

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

• 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 district wide systems and procedures.

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

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

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

• 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.
• Supervise assigned Special Education and Section 504 personnel and support recruitment, retention, evaluation, professional growth, and staffing.
• Ensure personnel assignments and service delivery comply with applicable certification, licensure, and qualification requirements.
• Develop and coordinate professional learning related to special education law, ARD/IEP practices, evaluation, inclusive instruction, accommodations, and compliance.

• Develop and manage the Special Education budget and make recommendations regarding staffing, programs, contracts, equipment, and resources.
• Ensure accurate and timely special education data collection, state and federal reporting, and compliance with…