Job Title: Director of Special Programs

Exemption/Status/Test: Exempt/Executive* or Administrator in an Educational Establishment

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent Date Revised: January 2021

Dept./School: Federal Programs Days of Employment: 226

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage the district’s federal/special programs and support services. Ensure that services for individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all identified students. Warrant compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements. Oversee district testing processes.

Qualifications:

Education - Master’s degree in Education Related Field

Certification - Special Education, Administrator

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of federal, state, and local educational programs, including but not limited to Special Education, Section 504, Bilingual/ESL, Migrant, Immigrant, Homeless, Gifted and Talented, Dyslexia, Speech, At-Risk, Homebound, and other special programs.

Maintains regular, open communication with appropriate district and contract staff regarding individual needs, services, and supports for learners with special needs.

Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of special program students, their parents, and campus/district administration.

Ability to recommend and implement policy and procedures.

Ability to interpret data, including evaluations, referrals, reports, records, and other documents legally required or administratively useful for special programs.

Ability to manage budget and personnel.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Experience:

5 years teaching/education experience

3 years of leadership experience at the campus/district level

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• 
  Instructional and Program Management

• Oversee the development and delivery of special programs curriculum and instruction to achieve district goals and increased student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Direct the design, development, and implementation of special programs referral processes and ensures that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Assist counselors in scheduling classes for special program students.
• Maintain current state assessment test lists; referral lists and referrals for related services evaluation; maintain communication among assessment, service providers, and related service providers.
• Align and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal of all special program students across the district with resources and processes in order to support organizational effectiveness consistent with the district’s vision and goals.
• Participate in special program committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district policies and procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings, including student achievement data, to gauge special programs effectiveness. Recommend policy and program changes when warranted.
• Ensure the necessary time, resources, materials, technology, and transportation are effectively utilized to support and accomplish educational goals.
• Oversee the development of new innovative instructional programs for students with disabilities.
• Direct Child Find and other services with local/county agencies for special program students to develop individual transition plans (ITPs) when entering and exiting public schools.
• Coordinate and monitor home instruction for homebound or hospitalized students.
• Participate in the drafting of project proposals and reports, including the writing and development of program goals, objectives, waivers, and budget for federal/special funding of programs including preparing and submitting standard applications and/or waivers for federal funds to Texas Education Agency (TEA).
• Provide consistent support to campuses and departments by attending campus meetings (i.e. Section 504, ARD, LPAC) and visiting campuses regularly.
• Respond to issues/complaints of students, parents, district staff, and others in a timely, constructive manner.
• Attend appropriate professional meetings and conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

B) Student Management

• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behaviors related to special programs.

• Oversee end of year procedures for student folder exchanges, summer testing, etc.
• Monitor input of accurate district-level PEIMS-related data entry relating to special programs.
• Make recommendations for revisions to Student Attendance Accounting Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, program implementation manuals, procedural guidelines, and/or operational frameworks.

C) Policy, Reports, and Law

• Ensure that schools are in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements outlined in statute, education code, administrative code, and local board policy for all special programs. Provide sound recommendations for continuous program improvement and compliance.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

D) Budget and Inventory

• Assist in the development of special program budgets based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are efficiently managed.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment purchased with district special program funds and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Approve supplementary supplies, materials, tests, texts, online programs, and equipment used by special programs personnel.
• Monitor grant-funded programs and their expenditures to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines to ensure special programs are managed efficiently and cost effective.

E) Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions as needed.
• Facilitate recruitment, selection, and recommendations for hiring special programs personnel.
• Assist with training, supervision, and evaluation of special programs staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

F) Communication and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.

• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and communicate with parents and students regarding available services.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special programs to the school board and community and solicit support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

G) Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Daily supervision of special programs staff.
• Evaluate and recommend the employment or dismissal of special programs 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 (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent district-wide travel; occasional statewide travel

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

• To meet the executive exemption test, the primary duty must be management and the employee must supervise at least two full-time employees.

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.