Executive Director of Special Education

TITLE:  Executive Director of Special Education

REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent of Instruction and Leadership Services 

SUPERVISES: Administrators, Certificated and Classified Staff 

TERM: 261 Days 

SALARY: In accordance with Berkeley County Pay Scale according to degree level with years of experience with Executive Director index. 

FLSA: Exempt Employee 

OVERVIEW: 

The Executive Director of Special Education provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the district’s special education programs and services, supporting nearly 1,500 students with diverse learning needs. This role ensures that all programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), West Virginia Policy 2419, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Working collaboratively with district leaders, school administrators, educators, and families, the Executive Director ensures that students receive high-quality, individualized educational opportunities that promote academic success and personal growth. This position is responsible for program development, compliance monitoring, professional learning, and resource management to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all eligible students. 

By fostering collaborative partnerships and implementing best practices in special education, the Executive Director plays a key role in enhancing instructional effectiveness, improving student outcomes, and ensuring equitable access to services that support the success of all learners. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERRED EXPERIENCE 

• Meet all West Virginia Code requirements and hold or be eligible for Administrative Certification and Special Education Certification. 

• Master’s degree required.  

• Minimum of five (5) years of school-based or district administrative, supervisory, and leadership experience. 

• Documented direct teaching experience with special education populations is required.  

• Documented experience working with or implementing Special Education/504 Programs. 

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with district leadership, school administrators, and stakeholders to support the Superintendent’s vision and implement Board of Education policies. 

• Documented ability to lead and support data-driven decision-making to improve student achievement, instructional effectiveness, and school performance, specifically for special education students, preferred. 

• Experience with strategic planning, leading large scale organizational change and evidence of professional development work around meeting the needs of all students.  

• Strong background and a high degree of knowledge regarding IDEA and ADA. 

• Comprehensive knowledge of special education laws, policies, and best practices. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

Instructional & Organizational Knowledge 

• Expertise in federal, state, and local regulations governing special education, including IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and WV Policy 2419. 

• Strong knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and Section 504 Plans. 

• Familiarity with evidence-based instructional strategies, intervention models, and best practices for supporting students with disabilities. 

• Understanding of assessment tools, data analysis methods, and progress monitoring systems to improve student outcomes and ensure compliance. 

• Knowledge of mental health resources, behavioral interventions, social-emotional learning (SEL), and crisis intervention strategies to support students with disabilities. 

• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate special education policies, procedures, and instructional programs to ensure alignment with district goals. 

Leadership & Management Skills 

• Ability to provide strategic leadership and oversight of special education services, ensuring they align with the district’s mission, instructional initiatives, and equity goals. 

• Strong skills in program development, resource allocation, and grant management to support special education programs. 

• Ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-quality special education staff, ensuring appropriate staffing levels and professional growth. 

• Demonstrated ability to coach and support principals, educators, and support staff in implementing inclusive practices and effective intervention strategies. 

• Capacity to lead change management initiatives, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to improve student outcomes. 

Professional Learning & Staff Development 

• Knowledge of adult learning principles, coaching models, and professional development best practices to train administrators, teachers, and related service providers. 

• Ability to design, implement, and assess professional learning programs that enhance instructional quality and compliance with special education regulations. 

• Skilled in mentoring and supporting school-based teams to improve collaboration and service delivery for students with disabilities. 

Compliance & Accountability 

• Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and district policies related to special education. 

• Experience in developing and maintaining accurate records, preparing reports, and conducting program evaluations for compliance and continuous improvement. 

• Strong skills in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and mediation to address parent concerns, staffing issues, and compliance challenges effectively. 

Communication & Community Engagement 

• Strong oral and written communication skills to engage families, educators, community organizations, and policymakers in supporting students with disabilities. 

• Ability to develop partnerships with local agencies, businesses, and higher education institutions to expand support services and opportunities. 

• Experience in facilitating parent engagement initiatives, advisory committees, and community outreach programs to improve collaboration and student success. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Leadership & Strategic Planning 

• Provides administrative and programmatic leadership to ensure district compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and WV Policy 2419. 

• Develops and implements district-wide special education policies and procedures, ensuring all students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). 

• Oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of IEPs and Section 504 Plans, ensuring they align with student needs and legal requirements. 

• Advises the Superintendent and School Board on special education policies, initiatives, and emerging trends affecting student learning and services. 

• Conducts program evaluations, data analysis, and progress monitoring to assess the effectiveness of special education services and drive continuous improvement. 

Professional Learning & Staff Development 

• Designs and delivers professional development programs for teachers, administrators, and related service providers to enhance instructional effectiveness and compliance. 

• Provides training and ongoing guidance to school and district administrators on legal responsibilities, instructional strategies, and behavioral support for students with disabilities. 

• Assists in the selection, training, and evaluation of special education staff, ensuring all employees meet certification and professional development requirements. 

Compliance, Budgeting & Administrative Oversight 

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including procedural safeguards and student rights. 

• Oversees the district’s Child Find activities to ensure students with disabilities are properly identified, evaluated, and served in a timely manner. 

• Collaborates with the Finance Department to develop and manage the special education budget, blending federal, state, local, and grant funding to optimize services. 

• Supervises the Medicaid billing process, program evaluations, and audits to maximize funding and maintain compliance with reimbursement requirements. 

• Develops and oversees contracts with external agencies and service providers, ensuring compliance with district policies and IDEA regulations. 

• Ensures accurate data collection, reporting, and timely submission of state and federal compliance reports related to special education programs. 

Student Services & Program Development 

• Oversees district-wide behavioral support services, mental health initiatives, and crisis intervention strategies for students with disabilities. 

• Ensures equitable access to assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and specialized instructional materials to support student learning. 

• Collaborates with school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to implement tiered intervention supports for students at risk. 

• Works with the Transportation Department to ensure appropriate specialized transportation services for students with disabilities. 

Family & Community Engagement 

• Establishes and maintains a Special Education Advisory Committee, engaging parents, educators, and community stakeholders in program improvement efforts. 

• Responds to and resolves parent concerns, complaints, and due process issues in compliance with legal and district guidelines. 

• Works with private school administrators to ensure equitable access to services for students with disabilities attending non-public schools. 

• Collaborates with state and local agencies to align resources, prevent duplication of services, and expand support for students with disabilities. 

Other Duties 

• Keeps abreast of legislative changes, research, and emerging trends in special education, advocating for best practices and continuous improvement. 

• At the direction of the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent, attend all board of education meetings.   

• Ability to work frequent nights, weekends, and holidays, as required (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.). 

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent to support student success and district goals. 

DISCLAIMER 

The preceding job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.