Director of Gifted and Talented, 504 and Community School Services 2026-2027

Job Title: Director of Gifted & Talented, 504 & Community School Services Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education Pay Grade: AD 7

Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership Initiated Date: Aug.2026

WHO WE ARE

La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. With a strong 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley, our vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - reflects our urgent focus on student outcomes.

Our work is rooted in five district priorities:

• Customer Service
• Trust & Transparency
• High-Quality Instruction
• Excellence in Leadership
• Integrity & Accountability

We are committed to ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction in every classroom. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) plays a critical role in ensuring early identification, timely intervention, and equitable access to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a strategic, compliance-driven, and student-centered leader to serve as the Director of Gifted & Talented, 504 & Home School Services. This leader provides districtwide oversight of Gifted & Talented programming, Section 504 services, and Home School Services to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and alignment with district instructional priorities.

The Director ensures equitable identification and service delivery for advanced learners, students with disabilities under Section 504, and students receiving homebound or home school services. This role strengthens campus implementation, builds staff capacity, and ensures systems are in place to support student access, instructional rigor, and compliance.

The ideal candidate has a demonstrated record of strengthening student support systems, maintaining regulatory compliance, and improving access and outcomes for diverse student populations.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a districtwide vision for Gifted & Talented, Section 504, and Home School Services aligned to district academic priorities.
• Establish clear expectations for identification, service delivery, compliance, and program implementation.
• Collaborate with Academic Services, Special Education, Student Services, and campus leadership to ensure alignment of services.
• Ensure equitable access to services for all eligible students.
• Use data and continuous improvement cycles to strengthen program effectiveness and student outcomes.

2. Gifted & Talented Program Oversight

• Ensure compliance with Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students.

• Oversee equitable identification and screening processes for Gifted & Talented services.

• Monitor campus implementation of Gifted & Talented instructional services.

• Ensure appropriate differentiation and instructional supports for advanced learners.

• Develop program standards, procedures, and implementation guidance.

3. Section 504 Compliance & Service Delivery

• Ensure district compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• Oversee identification, eligibility, and service delivery processes for students eligible under Section 504.

• Monitor campus implementation of accommodations and service plans.

• Provide guidance to campus 504 coordinators and administrators.

• Ensure accurate documentation, compliance, and regulatory reporting.

4. Home School and Homebound Services Oversight

• Oversee district homebound and home school services to ensure continuity of instruction.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for homebound services.

• Monitor instructional quality and service delivery for students receiving homebound instruction.

• Develop procedures and systems for homebound service implementation.

• Support campuses in implementing appropriate instructional supports for homebound students.

• 5. Data Monitoring, Accountability & Reporting

• Develop and maintain tracking systems for Gifted & Talented, Section 504, and homebound services.

• Monitor student participation, service delivery, and program effectiveness.

• Analyze trends and identify areas for program improvement.

• Provide executive-level summaries and reports to district leadership.

• Ensure accurate and timely submission of required state and federal reports.

6. Campus Support & Capacity Building

• Provide coaching and support to campus administrators and campus coordinators.
• Support campuses in implementing program requirements with fidelity.
• Assist campuses in resolving complex student service and compliance issues.
• Develop and disseminate program procedures and guidance.
• Ensure consistency of implementation across campuses.

7. Professional Learning & Staff Development

• Develop and deliver professional learning related to Gifted & Talented, Section 504, and homebound services.
• Build campus capacity to support diverse student needs.
• Provide training on identification, service delivery, compliance, and instructional supports.
• Support administration in strengthening program implementation.

8. Policy, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure alignment with federal, state, and district policies and regulations.
• Develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for program implementation.
• Monitor compliance and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Stay informed of regulatory changes and proactively adjust district systems.
• Strengthen systems to improve student access and program effectiveness.

9. Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree required

• Master's degree preferred

• Valid Texas educator certification required

• Principal or leadership certification preferred

• Gifted & Talented certification preferred

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Experience

• 5+ years of successful experience in education
• Experience supporting Gifted & Talented, Section 504, or student support services required
• Campus or district leadership experience preferred
• Experience analyzing program compliance and student data
• Experience supporting diverse student populations

Special Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of Gifted & Talented program requirements and best practices
• Knowledge of Section 504 regulations and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of homebound and alternative instructional services
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate across departments and campuses
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and educational data systems

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both office and campus environments. Frequent campus visits required.

May require light lifting (under 20 pounds). Frequent sitting, standing, walking, computer use, and presentations.

Position Working Days: 226 days