Director of Special Education

JOB GOAL: The Director of Special Education is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of birth to age 21 disability and gifted services in accordance with district, state and federal requirements; staffing; budgeting; data collection and reporting, staff development, and program implementation and evaluation for Special Education programs. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum of a masters degree or equivalent with coursework in special education, supervision, and/or instructional practice. 
• Minimum of three years successful experience working in the field of special education. 
• Current Kansas License with Special Education Director Endorsement or District Leadership. 
• Experience working with racially, culturally, linguistically and economically diverse populations. 
• All USD 383 employees must pass a background check. 

DIVERSITY: As an equal opportunity employer, USD 383 is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe there is long-term advantage to a team that reflects the diversity of our students, families, and staff. 

REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent of Schools 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Responsible for the planning, administration, and evaluation of the educational services for all students, age birth to 21, who are placed in special education programs. 
2. Manages fiscal resources from the General Fund and special education grants, prepares budgets and directs spending, and monitors maintenance of effort, for the purpose of fiscal efficiency in providing required services. 
3. Recruit, interview, and recommend the employment of licensed staff for the special education department at all levels. 
4. Primarily responsible for the supervision and the evaluation of the special education itinerant related service providers (speech, gifted, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists,) and district level support staff for the purpose of carrying out objectives within areas of responsibility.  
5. Plan and implement staff development activities for licensed and classified special education staff in coordination with Teaching and Learning. 
6. Responsible for the implementation of program compliance with Local, Federal and State guidelines. 
7. Collaborate with elementary and secondary administrators in the planning, development and coordination of special education teaching and learning matters. 
8. Supervise alternative programs & work with the building administrators to follow policies and procedures for the variety of continuum of services provided. 
9. Supervise, coordinate, and evaluate home instruction for homebound or hospitalized students receiving special education services.   
10. Keep informed of all legal requirements governing disabilities and gifted services. 
11. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development; for keeping current with developments in the education of students with disabilities and giftedness.  
12. Communicates information on programs, services, and regulations to school personnel, parents, the Board and other districts for the purpose of understanding of the programs.  
13. Determine the need for new or restructured special education programs. 
14. Supervise diagnostic activities to ensure relevant and accurate information. 
15. Function as an advocate for children with disabilities and for identified gifted students. 
16. Arrange and monitor (KSB/KSD) placements of special education students. 
17. Attend I.E.P. meetings as necessary for resolving conflicts, ensuring consistency of student placement, and observing the job performance of special education staff members. 
18. Actively participate in professional groups/committees/organizations to discuss issues concerning students with disabilities and/or exceptional children. 
19. Maintain adequate records and complete all required reports for state and federal agencies. 
20. Provide orientation and in-service to administration and staff concerning compliance and due process. 
21. Responsible for assuring the confidentiality of personally identifiable information. 
22. Receive, respond to, and investigate questions and/or complaints related to disabilities. 
23. Other duties as assigned  
24. Provides leadership in implementing the districts commitment to full compliance with state and federal agencies, including Civil Rights matters regarding special education students. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12-month contract. Salary and benefits established by the Board of Education. 

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Boards policy on evaluation of administrative personnel. 

FLSA STATUS: Exempt 

ABOUT US:  

• The mission of Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 is to prepare all students for success as lifelong learners, earners, and citizens. Our vision is to be nationally recognized for the breadth and depth of success attained by all students.  
• USD 383 serves 6,900 students from early learning through grade 12. We have 1,600 employees.  
• As an equal opportunity employer, USD 383 is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe there is a long-term advantage to a team that reflects the diversity of our students, families, and staff.  
• The Board of Education shall hire all employees based on ability and the needs of the district. Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383 is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies concerning hiring, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individuals race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. 
• This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

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