FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
SUMMARY
Director of Special Education shall perform those central office duties necessary to support the overall instructional mission of the school district. Department responsibilities include special services and programs provided to students with disabilities in all district buildings, CAIU placements, alternative placements and other outside county and state agencies. Special education programs encompass all eligible disability category supports and services, school psychologists, social work, and behavior specialists. Other responsibilities include management of legal cases, Child Count, PASA state testing and the supervision of special education administrators.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, direct and support all professional and non-professional staff implementing instruction and therapeutic services to all special education
- Assist in the recruitment, interviewing and selecting of perspective special education
- Supervise and assist building principals and special education administrators in the evaluation of special education staff to assure adherence to local, state and federal guidelines and regulations
- Supervise and direct the Independent Educational Evaluation process.
- Directs, supervises and evaluates the Assistant Director of Special Education and Special Education
- Ensure compliance and adherence to directives and corrective actions set forth by the Bureau of Special Education/Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Directs and coordinates all legal matters related to special education.
- Directs and coordinates all matters related to the Office of Dispute Resolution for special education students.
- Develop budget recommendations and provide expenditure control of approved budgets for all special education
- Compile data, report and submit all appropriate special education reports required by the school district, state and federal agencies.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal mandates regarding student information and special education programing.
- Assist in the development of policy and procedures in areas that directly affect all elements of special education
- Develop programming, complete application and monitor expenditures relative to IDEA, ACCESS, special education placements and
- Establish the procedure for placement, evaluation, assignment and reevaluation of students with regard to special programs and
- Coordinate requests for instruction the home and initiate payment for instructional
- Provide technical assistance and regulatory guidance to building principals, special education administrations and special education staff regarding special education issues.
- Coordinate and advise all aspects of educational programming for students in out-of-district
- Monitor additions and changes in legislation, regulations, and guidelines related to special education.
- Complete all Child Find requirements as outlined by federal and state mandates.
- Interprets the objectives and programs of services provided by Special Education to the School Board, administrators, staff and the public at
- Oversight of staff in-service programs in conjunction with other building and district office administrators.
- Supervises, evaluates, and directs special education office administrative staff roles and responsibilities.
- Serve as a liaison with organizations having a mutual interest in promoting student welfare and professional practices.
- Plans, directs and coordinates training opportunities and resources to parents of students with disabilities.
- Belong to, attend, and participate in local, state, and national professional organizations.
- Develop, write and work toward the achievement of district and departmental goals. Perform other job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and Skills: Must be able to communicate effectively with staff, parents, students and the public. Should possess skills to develop and prepare effective written communication. Must be knowledgeable of curriculum standards; must be able to work effectively with other administrators and governmental agencies, private associations, parents and citizen groups; manage human relationships; effectively develop and manage budgets; effectively present oral and written reports.
Abilities: Ability to manage the Special Education department with varied changing demands. Exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks and directing staff. Planning, organizing and directing others. Utilize computer software programs and hardware pertinent to area. Work independently with little direction and as a team. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Education and Experience: Must have an advanced degree from an accredited college or university. Must hold a valid Pennsylvania certificate for one of the following: Supervisor of Special Education; Superintendent; Assistant Superintendent; Principal. Must possess experience in administration and supervision.
Salary Range: $103,638 - $145,094 (DOE)