Administrative Skills, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Budget Management, Budgeting, Communication Skills, Community Relations, Conflict Resolution, Education Regulations, Educational Administration, Employee Relations, Expense Tracking, Facilities Management, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Control, Interpersonal Skills, Maintain Compliance, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Management, Peripheral Hardware, Policy Implementation, Procedure Implementation, Program Evaluation, Project/Program Management, Record Keeping, Regulatory Compliance, Special Education, Special Needs, State Laws and Regulations, Student Conduct, Training Program, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum
Position: Executive Director of Special Programs
Department: Special Programs
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Immediate Supervisor(s): Superintendent
Pay Grade: Per DISD Compensation Manual
Days Employed: Per DISD Compensation Manual
POSITION SUMMARY:
- Direct and manage the district''s special education program to ensure the provision of needed services for students with special needs
- Provide individualized programs to meet the needs of all students with special needs while ensuring compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
- Master''s degree in educational administration
- Texas mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate
- Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Knowledge of federal and state special education law
- Understanding of the individual needs of students with special needs
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of special needs students and their parents
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage budget and personnel
- Ability to interpret data and implement policy and procedures
- Skill in conflict resolution with administrators, parents, teachers, and staff
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years teaching experience
- Minimum of 3 years campus administrator experience (preferred)
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Program Management:
- Direct and manage the district''s special education, dyslexia, and school health programs
- Oversee the development and implementation of special education curriculum and instructional programs
- Monitor the effectiveness of special education programs through systematic evaluation
- Ensure compliance with federal/state laws and regulations regarding special education
- Manage student record-keeping system, ensuring confidentiality and compliance
- Monitor the participation of special education students in the state assessment system
Personnel Management:
Select, train, supervise, and evaluate special education staff
Prepare and review job descriptions for the special programs department
Conference regularly with staff to discuss performance and develop improvement
objectives
- Make recommendations for staff placement, transfer, retention, and dismissal
Fiscal and Facilities Management:
- Develop and administer the special education budget
- Prepare applications and reports for federal/state funds
- Monitor program expenditures and maintain fiscal control
- Work with administrators to design facilities meeting special education needs
- Monitor ADA compliance and accessibility requirements
Student Services:
- Oversee ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal) process district-wide
- Ensure effective implementation of student behavior management systems
- Coordinate transition services for special education students
- Monitor implementation of IEPs and student progress
Communication and Community Relations:
- Serve as district liaison to community agencies
- Maintain professional relationships with staff, parents, and the community
- Represent the district professionally in special education matters
- Demonstrate openness and effective communication with stakeholders
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
- Maintain emotional control under stress
- Frequent district-wide and occasional state-wide travel
- Occasional prolonged and irregular hours
- Standard office environment with computer and peripherals
- Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
- Perform additional duties as assigned *
D
Dickinson Independent School District