Director of Special Education

Position Type: Administration Date Posted: 3/10/2026 Location: Administration DSD Closing Date: 03/23/2026 Director of Special Education General Description: The Director of Special Education is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services to ensure equitable access, compliance, and positive outcomes for students with disabilities. The Director of Special Education works closely with district leadership, building administrators, educators, families, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support inclusive practices and maintain compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Key Responsibilities and Duties: I. Planning & Preparing Guide the development and implementation of long-range and short-range plans for achieving special education goals and objectives in alignment with the school district's Special Education Plan. Develop, maintain and submit the Special Education Plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and assist PDE and Bureau of Special Education with cyclical monitoring. Monitor the development and implementation of all aspects of the special education program process. Provide accurate and timely data to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's State Performance Plan for evaluating outcomes for students with disabilities. Assist with screening, interviewing and hiring special education applicants. Perform other duties as assigned by the superintendent. II. Educational Environment Direct special education services for all students with disabilities and ensure that students have access to the school district's core curriculum. Oversee the Extended School Year (ESY) program. Assume responsibility for Child Find activities including the coordination of all schools' referral activities and preschool screenings. Maintain open lines of communication regarding special education with all interested parties; respond to concerns of parents, teachers, building and central office administrators, and community members. Maintain a permanent inventory of equipment available to students with disabilities from PDE and all equipment and materials purchased by the school district for special education. III. Delivery of Service Establish and communicate a district-wide philosophy of least restrictive environment for serving special needs students. Facilitate and/or participate in all matters of dispute resolution with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Office for Dispute Resolution, pertaining to students with disabilities; manage mediation and due process procedures. Coordinate the implementation of federal and state grant applications and manage appropriate IDEA grants. Monitor laws and regulations pertaining to special education and develop written policies and procedures to follow legal requirements and monitor compliance with School Board Policies. Work with the School Board to develop required policy changes. Maintain accurate database and files of former and current students served in special education. Maintain an accurate route sheet for all special education transportation routes. Advise on the design, furnishings, and equipment for special education classrooms and facilities. IV. Professional Development Collaborate with school administrators and central office administrators regarding the discipline of students with disabilities. Serve as a member of the District Safety Team. Participate in Transportation meetings. Facilitate and act as LEA for IEP and Evaluation meetings when needed. Review federal and state legislation/regulations related to special education; identify and share the impact of changes on the school division. Facilitate research regarding trends and best practices to support appropriate recommendations for student success through rigorous, innovative, and technological programming. Plan, implement and facilitate professional development/in-services for school staff assigned the responsibility of delivering and overseeing the special education services/process in their buildings, and engage all new staff members in effective induction procedures and facilitate continued professional development. Serve as the school district resource in all matters concerning special education. Work Experience Requirements: Appropriate certification as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Special Education Teaching Experience Preferred: Master's Degree in Education Experience as a supervisor of special education in a K-12 environment K- I2 administrative experience FLSA Status: Exempt

Created: 2026-03-13