Director of Special Education - Vacancy ID: 259534

Job Summary

The Director of Special Education serves as the instructional and administrative leader for the district’s special education programs and services. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations, while promoting high levels of student achievement and equitable access to services for students with disabilities. The Director provides leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programming, supervises and supports staff, and collaborates with district administration, families, and community partners to meet the diverse needs of students.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide leadership and oversight for all special education programs and services across the district.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensure procedural compliance and fidelity.

• Monitor student achievement and program effectiveness through data analysis and continuous improvement practices.

• Collaborate with the Director of Teaching & Learning and building administrators to align special education services with district curriculum and instructional initiatives.

• Provide coaching, guidance, and professional development to special education staff, related service providers, and general education staff regarding best practices and legal requirements.

• Supervise, evaluate, and support special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service staff.

• Lead and support IEP team meetings, manifestation determinations, and other required student support meetings as needed as LEA.

• Oversee special education referrals, evaluations, eligibility determinations, and reevaluations in accordance with legal timelines and requirements.

• Manage student discipline processes for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and procedural safeguards.

• Collaborate with families to support student needs and ensure meaningful parent participation in the special education process.

• Serve as the district liaison for outside agencies, service providers, and community partners related to special education services.

• Oversee and manage the special education budget, including staffing, resources, and contracted services.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting, recordkeeping, and documentation related to special education compliance and district/state requirements.

• Support dispute resolution processes, including mediation, complaints, and due process hearings, in coordination with district administration and legal counsel.

• Assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems to ensure effective and compliant special education programming.

• Participate in district leadership team meetings and strategic planning efforts.

• Lead training and implementation of inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive practices for students with disabilities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Hold or be eligible to obtain a Wisconsin DPI Director of Special Education License (#5080) at the time of hire.

• Master’s degree in special education, educational leadership, or a related field required.

• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in special education teaching, leadership, or related services.

• Valid Wisconsin educator license required.

• Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, compliance requirements, and best practices.

• Experience with IEP development, program oversight, and staff supervision preferred.

• Strong skills in leadership, communication, organization, problem-solving, and collaboration.

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.)

• Work is performed primarily in a school environment, including classrooms, offices, hallways, and common areas.

• Requires standing, walking, sitting, bending, and moving throughout the building for extended periods.

• Regular use of standard office and technology equipment.

• Frequent in-person, phone, and electronic communication with staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members.