Dr. Taulton/Sarah Noel
Primary Purpose: Direct and manage the district's special education program to ensure appropriate services and individualized education plans are provided for all eligible students. Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Instructional and Program Management
1. Direct and support campus-based 504 administrators, LSSPs, school nurses, general education teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents in meeting the educational needs of students eligible under Section 504.
2. Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs aligned with district goals. Ensure curriculum is continuously reviewed and responsive to student needs.
3. Develop and implement an effective special education referral process. Ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management are completed in a timely manner.
4. Monitor the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process district-wide. Participate in ARD committee meetings as needed to ensure appropriate student placement, consistency with district procedures, and systematic evaluation of student progress.
5. Use evaluative data, including student achievement data, to assess program effectiveness and implement changes as warranted.
6. Ensure that adequate time, resources, materials, and technology are available to support educational goals. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
7. Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
8. Take an active role in developing and implementing contracts for students receiving special education services outside the district.
Student Management
9. Demonstrate support for district student management policies and behavioral expectations as they relate to the special education program.
10. Maintain open lines of communication by facilitating conferences with parents, students, and teachers regarding significant student concerns.
Policy, Reports, and Law
11. Implement policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy. Recommend improvements to policies and procedures as appropriate.
12. Compile, maintain, and submit all required reports, records, and other documentation accurately and on time.
Budget and Inventory
13. Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented program needs. Ensure cost-effective operations and responsible use of funds.
14. Prepare cost estimates and budget projections grounded in documented program requirements.
15. Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment; recommend replacement or disposal of equipment as needed.
Personnel Management
16. Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions for positions within the special education department.
17. Develop training opportunities and improvement plans to promote exemplary performance across the department.
18. Evaluate employee job performance to ensure effectiveness and accountability.
19. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; make recommendations regarding assignments, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Communication and Community Relations
20. Build and maintain professional relationships and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
21. Serve as the district's liaison to community agencies providing services to students; inform parents and students of available resources.
22. Communicate the district's mission and goals for special education to the broader community and cultivate community support.
23. Demonstrate awareness of district and community needs; initiate activities to address those needs.
24. Employ effective strategies to encourage meaningful parent and community involvement.
25. Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of special education support staff.
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting.
Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse.
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds).
Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel.
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.
Regular attendance in accordance with District policy is required and expected.
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
