DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Contract Work Year:  233 Days

Application Deadline:  February 28, 2021 5:00 PM

Start Date:  April 2021 (or mutually agreed upon start date no later than July 1, 2021)

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Special Programs establishes the vision guiding special education programs and services for students from kindergarten through post high school with disabilities with a focus on improving educational outcomes.  Knowledge of federal and state laws regarding the provision of services to students with disabilities is a primary responsibility for this position.  The director works closely with all staff within the department as well as coordinating with the staff from other departments and schools to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).  This is a Cabinet-level position that reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Schools.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Oregon administrator’s license or ability to obtain one prior to start date.
• A Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred.
• Must possess extensive experience in the field of special education to include classroom experience and supervisory/administrative experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

• Online Application Form
• Letter of Interest detailing candidate’s ability to successfully meet the essential duties
• Professional Resume
• Letter of Recommendation (minimum of 3)
• Transcripts

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supports implementation of best practices for inclusive education for students served by special education kindergarten through post high school.
• Supports the implementation of culturally responsive teaching practices and anti-bias education.
• Collaborates closely with special programs’ staff, district staff, community partners, and families for the purpose of strengthening the quality of special programs and to ensure the services are reflective of local needs.
• Evaluates district special education services and ensures special education is implemented in compliance with federal and state laws as well as board policies.
• Develops and leverages professional learning communities and provides professional learning development for the purpose of improving staff’s capacity to serve the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities.
• Assesses and identifies current and future special program needs and builds a multi-year plan that guides personnel, programmatic, and support services needed to achieve the goals of the plan.
• Establishes and ensures compliant procedures are implemented for the identification, service coordination, and placement for eligible students in special education.
• Provide culturally appropriate, clear and effective communication to district staff, families, and other key stakeholder groups around special education.
• Based on current and projected needs, prepares and monitors the special programs’ budgets, prepares grant applications, and solicits appropriate funds to maintain and build programs within established budgeted amounts.
• Collaborate with district instruction and curriculum department to ensure curriculum and instruction provided for students with disabilities is based on consistent evidence-based practices in all schools across grade levels.
• Facilitate a variety of high stakes meetings that may involve a range of issues for the purpose of identifying collaborative and creative solutions based on group input.
• Provides expenditure control for requisitioning and ordering equipment and materials for the special education program.
• Assists with the review and revision of board policies pertaining to special education programs and equity.
• Provides school administrators with technical assistance and help with planning and implementing effective school-based special education programs.
• Supervises, evaluates, and directs the work of special education departmental personnel to include special education supervisors and coordinators.
• Monitors outcomes and progress data, submits state and district reports that relate to special education.
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities and actively participates in equity, diversity and inclusion trainings.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS

• $115,555 - $127,582 depending upon experience (salary based on 2020-21 salary schedule with 6 steps)
• Generous monthly insurance allowance (Currently $1,493 per month)
• District provided TSA (Currently $145 per month)
• Travel, cell phone, professional dues, and expense allowance provided
• District paid HRA for eligible administrators