Director of Scholar Services

Director of Exceptional Scholar Services

The Director of Exceptional Scholar Services is directly responsible for implementing and maintaining K-8 ESS (SPED), 504, ESS, and Intervention programs and services in conformance to Leman Academy of Excellence, State and Federal objectives; providing written support and/or conveying information; serving as a resource to scholars, families, school personnel, and the Board; and maintaining adequate staffing to ensure objectives of programs and services are achieved within budget.

This is an Executive Leadership position that reports directly to the CEO.

• Collaborate with Leman Academy of Excellence (LAE) Principals and ESS teachers to implement and maintain services and programs.
• Set staffing levels for school Exceptional Scholar Services (ESS) to provide services with fiscal efficiency.
• Direct personnel to deliver services that conform to established guidelines.
• Model and articulate federal and state special education terms, concepts, and requirements, ensuring Provision of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
• Collaborate with the CEO/CFO to develop proposals, new programs, budgets and grants to meet LAE goals.
• Evaluate LAE and school ESS programs, monitor implementation, and ensure compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
• Facilitate meetings and processes to implement and maintain ESS programs and services that achieve desired objectives.
• Implement assigned programs and/or projects to conform to LAE and state curriculum and instructional objectives.
• Prepare documentation and reports for the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to provide written support and comply with federal and state regulations.
• Communicate program information, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents, the Board, and all LAE campuses.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate LAE-level ESS staff—including speech pathologists, assistants, school psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and early intervention providers—to carry out responsibilities.
• Serve as the LAE representative for IEP meetings when resources beyond school budgets may be considered for efficient fiscal management.
• Act as the LAE liaison to the Arizona Department of Education for coordination of ESS services and manage ESS complaints.
• Coordinate with outside agencies to provide services to scholars and staff, ensuring appropriate services are offered.
• Supervise training of ESS instructional assistants.
• Write and revise LAE ESS policies to assure program consistency and compliance with state and federal rules in all locations.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding evolving ESS issues, changes in laws, case law, and educational methods for scholars with disabilities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with co‑workers, vendors, students, parents, the public, and other stakeholders.

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree.
• Valid Arizona Special Education Certification, OR related services certification/licensure.
• At least three (3) years of experience managing/overseeing a special education program.
• Thorough knowledge of laws, compliance, regulations, theories, teaching/therapy strategies, and techniques applicable to special education and related services.
• Knowledge of materials available or needed for the educational progress of special education students.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education laws and requirements.
• History of cooperative work with administration, district staff, development personnel, and teachers.
• Valid AZ Driver’s License.
• AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card / Background and Criminal History Clearance.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

• Five (5) years of experience in special education programs or a related field.
• Evidence of continued professional growth in special education or a related area.

• Self-starter with an ownership attitude.
• Strong sense of drive to meet goals.
• Shows initiative and resourcefulness.
• Performs accurate work in a timely manner.
• Meets deadlines and sets priorities.
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and punctuality.
• Works well with minimal…