Reports to: Area Superintendent of Academic Programs

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Compensation Plan: Professional/Administrators

Pay Grade: 08

Minimum Salary: $118,531

Duty Days: 230 days per year

Primary Purpose:

Assists in coordinating logistics, supports, and services that promote the effective evaluation and implementation of student Individualized Education Plans (IEP) districtwide; establishes collaborative structures in partnership with campus administration, staff, parents, and students to ensure there are no barriers to students' access to service and support. The director advises and supports the department on key issues related to critical cases, campus needs/requirements, staffing recommendations, and student support regarding daily district operations.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Master's degree
• Valid Texas Teaching Certificate; special education (preferred)
• Valid Texas Administrative Certificate

Experience

• Five (5) years of teaching and administrative experience; campus administrative experience (preferred)
• Experience in directing a special populations program (preferred)

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Strong record of self-starting and taking initiative.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in technology skills.
• Participate and support the development of an effective team in the department.
• Proficiency in leading, planning, organizing, and conducting effective professional development at a district level.
• Skills in coaching, mentoring, building teams, and problem-solving.
• Ability to analyze problems, issues, and concerns and formulate appropriate solutions.
• Ability to interact effectively with students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Understanding of school district organizations, operations, and administrative policies. Knowledge of federal and state Special Education law.
• Knowledge of instructional technology.
• Knowledge of MDRS, CCMR, X-Logs and SHARS billing.
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data.
• Ability to manage budget and personnel.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional and Program Management

• Advises and supports special education department and area superintendents on key issues related to critical cases, campus needs/requirements, district staffing recommendations, and student support regarding daily operations.
• Manages logistics, supports and services that promote the effective evaluation and implementation of student Individualized Education Plans (IEP) districtwide.
• Establishes collaborative structures in partnership with campus administration to ensure there are no barriers to students’ access to service and support.
• Implements the monitoring process to assure quality and compliance with state and federal standards, including PEIMS, Child Find, Results Driven Accountability (RDA), and TEA Compliance Audit Reports.
• Leads or participates in work sessions to develop/implement a professional development plan that supports special education/504 compliance requirements and best practices in academic, social, emotional, and behavioral health.
• Monitors the special education referral process districtwide.
• Monitors the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.
• Supervises the qualification and transition services for special population students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Facilitates the Residential Facility (RF) program.
• Oversees the department’s Strategic Support Plan (SSP), cyclical review, and self-evaluation.
• Oversees the development and necessary updates to the operating procedures.

Student Management

• Ensures that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make staffing more effective.
• Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with all key stakeholders.
• Collaborates with the department of transportation to facilitate transportation for students in special populations.

Policy, Report, and Law

• Implements the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special populations in an ethical and positive manner.
• Maintains professional competency by staying abreast of current trends in evidenced-based interventions, behavior and mental health, community resources, ethics, and 504/special education laws.

Personnel Management

• Directs and oversees special education staff in the management of daily operational issues and assists in solving related issues.
• Develops training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the special populations area. Evaluates job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Plans the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing education goals.
• Participates in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and makes sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations

• Articulates the district’s mission and goals in the area of special populations to district stakeholders.
• Demonstrates awareness of district-community needs.
• Participates in professional organizations.
• Ensures all MOUs are updated and submitted to the Board for approval.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises coordinators, district-level specialists and support staff.

Other Related Duties:

• Fosters a positive, collaborative culture with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participates in professional development, department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent districtwide travel and occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

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.

Appointment:

The appointment of this position will be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Superintendent of Schools based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.

THE DENTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER