Position: Director of Special Programs

Department: Educational Services

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Immediate Supervisor(s): Deputy Superintendent for Educational Services       

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 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:

1. Direct and manage the district's special education, dyslexia, and school health programs
2. Oversee the development and implementation of special education curriculum and instructional programs
3. Monitor the effectiveness of special education programs through systematic evaluation
4. Ensure compliance with federal/state laws and regulations regarding special education
5. Manage student record-keeping system, ensuring confidentiality and compliance
6. Monitor the participation of special education students in the state assessment system

Personnel Management:

    7. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate special education staff

    8. Prepare and review job descriptions for special programs department

    9. Conference regularly with staff to discuss performance and develop improvement 

        objectives

   10. Make recommendations for staff placement, transfer, retention, and dismissal

Fiscal and Facilities Management:

11. Develop and administer special education budget
12. Prepare applications and reports for federal/state funds
13. Monitor program expenditures and maintain fiscal control
14. Work with administrators to design facilities meeting special education needs
15. Monitor ADA compliance and accessibility requirements

Student Services:

16. Oversee ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal) process district-wide
17. Ensure effective implementation of student behavior management systems
18. Coordinate transition services for special education students
19. Monitor implementation of IEPs and student progress

Communication and Community Relations:

20. Serve as district liaison to community agencies
21. Maintain professional relationships with staff, parents, and community
22. Represent the district professionally in special education matters
23. Demonstrate openness and effective communication with stakeholders

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Administration or Director of Data Quality and Student Information Systems.

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)