Director of Special Education

Director of Special Education 

Brown County Kansas Special Education Interlocal #615 

www.bcksei.org  

Job Goal: 

To provide leadership and oversee special educational services within Brown County, Kansas Special Education Interlocal #615. The sponsoring districts include Hiawatha, USD 415, and South Brown County, USD 430. 

Essential Functions:

Provides leadership, support, and resources to all special education staff. 

Be an advocate for all special education students while remaining focused on the goals of both districts in the Interlocal.

Determine the general direction of the special education Interlocal by conducting needs assessments on an annual basis for both districts. 

Works directly with building and district administration to monitor and deliver services provided to special education students within the Interlocal that meet state and federal requirements.

Recruits, selects, hires, trains, and evaluates special education personnel. 

Builds and maintains the best possible relationships with parents/families and the general public that balance the needs of each student and align with the needs of the districts in the Interlocal. 

Works with parents to understand the special education programs and services that align with the state plan for special education.

Attends and participates in all meetings of the special education board. 

Prepares and submits to the Interlocal board recommendations relative to all matters requiring board action. 

Manage budgets and funding, including grants and allocations for special education, that ensures fiscal responsibility.

Approve all requisitions and expenditures from the Interlocal special education budget. 

Oversees student special education records, personnel records, and transportation.

Assists staff members in every way to complete their duties successfully. 

Holds annual in-service meetings for both certified and classified Interlocal staff. 

Studies and reviews with all staff all legal guides and procedures required in special education. 

Establishes procedures for referral and evaluation of students and coordinates eligibility processes. 

Maintains proficiency in working with IEP (Individualized Education Plan) processes, compliance requirements, and assessment protocols. 

Familiarity with inclusive practices, specialized programs, self-contained classrooms, resource services, and transition programs. 

Work with families and community agencies to support transition planning, vocational training and postsecondary opportunities. 

Attends IEP meetings as requested and assists with writing of IEPs for all special education students whenever necessary. 

Is familiar with federal guidelines for special education as stated in the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA )and Section 504. 

Completes all required state and federal reports for the Interlocal, including applications for federal grants, accurately and on time.

Attends all appropriate local, state, regional and federal meetings and/or trainings concerning special education and may participate in professional learning opportunities as requested and approved by the board. 

Be professionally active in the special education community and access professional organizations. 

Seeks to build a positive image for special education in the community. 

Qualifications:

Valid Kansas professional teaching license 

License with endorsement in District Leadership, Special Education Director or District Administration with special education endorsement per KSDE State Categorical Aid Reimbursement Guide 

Master's Degree in Special Education or School Administration. 

Prior experience as a special education teacher or an administrator in a school district.

Knowledge of Kansas and federal special education laws and regulations. 

Knowledge and experience with school finance and budgets. 

Knowledge of special education and special education services.

Professional judgment, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication are a must. 

KSDE Licensed Personnel Details: Reimbursement for KSDE licensed personnel follows requirements that can be found in the Licensed Personnel Guide (https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/TLA/LPR/Licensed-Personnel-Guide%20Final%20as%20of%2012-19-2024.pdf?ver=2024-12-19-133536-730). 

Interested persons who have questions about this position should contact Amy Larson via phone 785-742-7108 or email alarson@bcksei.org.  Due date for applications is March 21, 2025.

Evaluation:  Conducted annually by the Interlocal Board of Education

Employer Information:  Brown County Kansas Special Education Interlocal #615 is a special education Interlocal providing services to Hiawatha, USD 415 and South Brown County, USD 430. Brown County Special Education is based in Hiawatha, KS. Hiawatha and Horton are within driving distance of St. Joseph, MO; Kansas City, KS; Lawrence, KS; Topeka, KS; and Omaha, NE.

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