Special Education Cooperative Director

Position Summary: The Special Education Cooperative Director provides leadership, administration, and coordination of special education services across the Cooperative. The Director ensures programs, staffing, compliance, budgeting, and instructional practices support the individual needs of students and comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Duties and Responsibilities: Program Leadership and Compliance: Support the sponsoring districts mission, goals and objectives. Direct, manage, and evaluate special education programs and services across COOP member districts. Ensure compliance with federal and state law, KSDE requirements, and local board policies. Oversee IEP processes, placement decisions, service delivery, assessments, and progress monitoring. Monitor the Admission/Review/Dismissal (ARD/IEP) process across the Cooperative. Ensure transition services for students entering new grade levels and exiting school systems. Serve as liaison to outside agencies and community service providers. Prepare and submit required reports, documentation, audits, and state accountability measures. Staff Supervision and Personnel Management: Recommend staffing levels and assignments to meet student needs efficiently. Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate certified and classified special education staff. Support professional development, mentoring, and ongoing staff learning. Collaborate with building principals; assist in evaluation of special education staff when requested. Ensure job descriptions and personnel expectations remain current and aligned with policy. Budget and ResourceManagement: Develop, manage, and monitor the Cooperative budget, including federal and state special education funds. Ensure efficient and compliant use of IDEA and supplemental funding. Maintain inventory and recommend instructional materials, technology, and equipment. Communication and Collaboration: Facilitate Cooperative-wide communication with superintendents, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and community partners. Attend and prepare required reports for Board meetings, advisory board, superintendent meetings, and internal leadership meetings. Promote parent and community involvement; support mediation and conflict resolution. Organizational Leadership: Lead ongoing evaluation and improvement of special education programs and instructional practices. Support development of new programs aligned with student needs. Maintain collaborative working relationships with building leaders and member districts. Professional evaluation performed annually by USD 465 Superintendent. Other Duties: Performs other related duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position or as assigned by the Superintendent or Board of Education of USD 465. Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in Special Education, Administration, or related field. Kansas Director of Special Education License (or eligibility). Valid Kansas drivers license. Experience in educational leadership, personnel management, and cooperative or multi-district coordination. Physical Requirements/Mental Demands: Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. Frequent travel between buildings and member districts. Ability to maintain emotional regulation and professionalism during stressful situations. Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull light to moderate weight (up to 2550 pounds). Effective time management and organizational skills. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations. Commitment to confidentiality of sensitive information.

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