Logo
Waco Independent School District

Executive Director - Special Education

Waco Independent School District, Waco, Texas, United States, 76796


Position Type:Administrative/Ex Director - Special Education

Date Posted:11/11/2024

Location:Special Education OfficeJob Title:

Executive Director - Special EducationWage/Hour Status:

Exempt/At-WillReports To:

Assistant Superintendent - Curriculum & InstructionPay Grade/Days:

108/226Dept./School:

Administration Bldg.Date Revised:

November 2024

Primary Purpose:Direct the district's special education program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students. Work to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:Education/Certification:Master's degree in educational administrationMid-Management or Principal Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:Ability to evaluate special education programsWillingness to be accountable for special education student outcomesStrong understanding of special education curricular needs to align instructional programs and improve student achievementStrong understanding of accountability and ow to design systems to improve student achievement, ensure correct coding, and how ARD decisions impact acdoutability at all levelsAbility to identify, design and implement professional development to addres the needs of special education staffKnowledge of technologies available for use in special education servicesAbility to coordinate district special education functions and be accountable for successAbility to manage budget and personnelAbility to interpret policy, procedures, and dataSuperior organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skillsKnowledge of federal and state special education lawUnderstanding of the individual needs of special needs studentsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsStrong leadership skillsStrong organizational and time management skillsStrong investigation and research skillsAbility to meet established deadlinesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsHigh degree of computer proficiency including the District's Information System, Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Experience:Five years of experience in special educationTwo or more years of administrative experience (preferred)Two years or more years of supervisory level experienceExperience working in a Title 1 School DistrictT-TESS appraiser (preferred)

Major Responsibilities and Duties:1. Plan, direct and manage a comprehensive system of special education programs and services to meet students needs.2. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education programs more effective.3. Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.4. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping general and special education teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.5. Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.6. Manage the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.7. Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.8. Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.9. Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.10. Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.11. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.12. Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.14. Ensure that special education department provides service and support to campuses.15. Demonstrate support for the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.16. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.17. Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education.18. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.19. Serve as a district representative at all hearings, mediations, and other matters involving litigation.20. Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.21. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.22. Approve and forward purchase orders for special education department to accounting department.23. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.24. Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.25. Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.26. Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.27. Serve as the district monitor of all areas of special education compliance.28. Articulate the district's mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.29. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Special Education StaffDirector of Special Education Instruction, Director of Special Education Compliance, Coordinator of Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, Coordinator of District Behavior Intervention, Special Education Administrative Assistant, and Non-Campus Professional Staff

Working Condition:Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions. Tight timeline pressures; hectic pace; working on several projects at once; working with diverse population. Frequent district wide travel and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Note:

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Non-Discrimination Statement