Executive Director, Special Education (2025-2026 School Year)

Description

Job Title: Executive Director - Special Education

Position Function: Responsible for the administration and delivery of services for low incident students with disabilities and special day schools, and for systems of planning, budgeting, organizing, assignment, program leadership, and program evaluation.

Employee Punctuality And Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position
  
  

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with WPS guidelines for equipment use

Travel: In and out of district travel may be required

Physical And Mental Demands

• Overtime work required as needed
• Must be available to work beyond the regular work day; Must be able to work long irregular hours under pressure
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and policies concerning Special Education
• Principles and practices of Special Education administration and implementation of programs and legislation impacting special needs student population
• Ability to communicate exceptionally both verbally and written with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of effectively giving and obtaining highly confidential information, and frequently involving influencing and advising others on matters of significance
• Ability to maintain professional discretion and confidentiality in order to comply with instructions, procedures, standards, policies, laws, and theories that are obtained within the organization
• While supervising others, has ability to build and maintain effective holistic relationships with those encountered in the course of work; delegating responsibility and achieving results through subordinates and/or contract personnel
• Proficient time management skills, good judgment, problem solving, and analytical abilities in order to effectively meet deadlines
• Advanced computer proficiency and the ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, which may be determined and validated by testing
• Ability to solve complex problems using research, analyzing, and previous precedent for similar problems
• Ability to provide the highest level customer service with a diverse range of people, including the proper handling of emotional situations and needs
• Displays eagerness and the ability to learn new methods, procedures, and techniques
• Ability to plan and organize effectively to achieve greater results
• Ability to assess operational, program, staffing, and fiscal needs
• Gives the highest priority to achieving accuracy
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving each of them
  
  

Interrelations

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
• Works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education to complete day to day tasks
• Works with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service
  
  

Qualifications

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Serves as the District administrator for the special day schools
• Provides leadership in the implementation of these programs in Special Education/Support Services, including staffing, equipping, placement, transportation, programming, etc.
• Provides leadership in compliance auditing of all Individual Education Plans for students
• Communicates and coordinates placement into special day schools from other programs
• Responsible for overall budget for the special day school programs
• Oversees special day school curriculum and textbook adoptions
• Oversees the professional development for special day school staff
• Supervises the Principals of special day schools, including evaluating, training, mentoring and developing their skills
• Supervises District In-Take Center
• Plans, examines, analyzes, evaluates, and supervises Special Education Managers/Principals; prepares reports and records for management team; evaluates current procedures, practices and precedents for accomplishing activities and functions relative to special education
• Represents USD 259 in contacts with local, state, and federal agencies in matters pertaining to the Special Education/Support Services Division
• Serves as a consultant to parents, teachers and administrators in matters pertaining to educating children
• Serves as liaison with community and governmental agencies as it relates to special education funding, legislation, and community involvement
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of Special Education instructional practices within the classroom, Tier II and Tier III interventions, and all other programs involving Special Education students
• Collaborates with ESOL and Federal Programs to ensure effective coordination of ESOL, Federal Programs and Special Education programs
• Prepares periodic budget estimates and reports; reviews financial reports to ensure efficiency and quality control
• Oversees the construction/remodeling and outfitting of all ID/SMD suites at building sites to ensure appropriate space, materials and functionality
• Works with Universities, Teachers and Principals to promote Special Education endorsement
• Oversees and monitors Special Education endorsement plans and Forgivable Loans
• Participates in the recruitment, selection, and assignment of Special Education Low Incidence licensed staff
• Prepares and provides all necessary reports regarding Special Education students and Programs timely and accurately
• Maintains a file of current Special Education resources and effective research practices
• Participates in the analysis of Special Education student data and recommend strategies to improve Special Education student achievement
• Researches, develops, and implements innovative and cost effective programs for special needs children
• Researches and secures grant-related funding for innovative intervention programs to be implemented in the special day schools and special programs
• Communicates and shares latest Special Education research and trends for Special Education programs and instruction
  
  

Qualification Profile

• Master's Degree in Special Education required
• Doctorate Degree in Special Education preferred
• Kansas Building Level Administrative License required
• Kansas District Level Administrative License required, or able to obtain within 24 months of hire
• Minimum of five years teaching experience or building leadership experience in Special Education; priority will be given to candidates with direct experience in special day schools
• Minimum of five years experience in district level administration of Special Education programs and experience with curriculum, instruction, and assessment
• Ten years experience performing supervisory responsibilities or highly responsible work relating to tasks assigned to this position
• Must have knowledge in literacy development for Pre-K-12th grade
  
  

FLSA Status: Exempt