Director of Special Education and Student Support Services

The Douglas Public Schools is actively seeking a detail oriented, dynamic, forward-thinking, student-centered, and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of Special Education and Student Support Services Douglas is a welcoming and supportive community located 30 minutes south of Worcester, conveniently accessible from Route 146. With a PreK-12 student population of approximately 1,200, the district’s mission is to ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of students. Douglas Public Schools fosters a collaborative and congenial work environment with strong relationships among staff, the town, and the broader community, including a supportive and engaged school committee. The ideal candidate will serve as a key leader within the district, working collaboratively with all school Principals to support the needs of students with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, and those requiring individualized support. In partnership with the Superintendent, educators, and support staff, this leader will play a central role in the development, enrichment, and continual refinement of special education programs that respond to emerging student needs. This position is responsible for implementing special education policies in alignment with directives from the Douglas Public Schools, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and federal regulations. The candidate will lead the development and evaluation of district policies and programs to ensure they are inclusive, effective, and aligned with student needs. Oversight of staff and contracted service providers delivering services outlined in students’ Individual Education Programs (IEPs) is a critical component of the role. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong fiscal awareness, ensuring that special education programming is both cost-effective and impactful. The role includes managing out-of-district placements to balance student needs with district budgetary considerations. As a subject matter expert, this individual will be deeply familiar with district policies, state laws, and federal regulations surrounding special education and homelessness, and will serve as the district’s primary resource on matters involving individualized student support. This position also represents the district at special education hearings, mediations, and arbitration sessions. The candidate will support the recruitment, hiring, and placement of special education staff, and will collaborate with building Principals to supervise, evaluate, and recommend personnel decisions, including professional teacher status and contract renewals. Additional responsibilities include managing compliance and reporting for special education, homelessness, and health services, as well as writing, administering, and monitoring relevant entitlement grants.