Director of Exceptional Student Services

Closing Date :   February 7, 2025  at 4 : 00 pm (MST)

POSITION SUMMARY

Plans, coordinates, manages, and directs the delivery of Marana Unified School District special education programs; administers program grants; maintains program regulatory compliance; communicates with parents regarding special education services; and supervises assigned personnel.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of primary duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position-specific duties.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with District school principals and school special education staff to implement and maintain high-quality services and / or programs
• Serves as a principal for off-site and satellite special education programs
• Sets staffing levels for school special education programs to provide services with fiscal efficiency
• Oversees and coordinates Marana Unified School District (MUSD) special education services, including program delivery, crisis management, regulatory compliance, and grant administration, consulting with the district’s legal team as needed
• Collaborates with school-based administrators and central office administrators regarding the discipline, needs, and supports for students with disabilities
• Provides oversight for alternate assessment, extended school year, special education census, Medicaid, and Child Find functions
• Monitors and ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations, standards, and guidelines governing the delivery of special education services
• Directs and participates in developing, implementing, administering, and reviewing program policies and procedures; revises program policies and / or forms as required
• Prepares and administers departmental budget; processes purchase orders; monitors and authorizes program expenditure
• Develops proposals, new programs, budgets, and grants to meet District goals
• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the performance of Exceptional Student Services personnel; ensures staff compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements - including coordinating with colleges and universities and connecting with student teachers, contract companies, and job fairs held around the state
• Coordinates with District departments and outside agencies regarding the delivery of special education services
• Attends and participates in psychologist, speech / language pathologist, occupational and physical therapist, administrative, and / or  committee meetings
• Facilitates and / or participates in all matters of dispute resolution with the Arizona Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights about students with disabilities; manages mediation and due process procedures; and serves as the District’s 504 Coordinator
• Communicates with parents and provides information regarding special education services; facilitates the resolution of program issues; provides crisis management assistance; and develops relationships with parents, parent groups, and advocates.
• Leads the District Threat Assessment Team and Child Study Team processes
• Coordinates within and outside the department to facilitate parent education events
• Leads districtwide meetings to discuss special education support and develop problem-solving teams to engage in continuous improvement and lead change
• Develops and provides professional learning for teachers, support staff, and related service providers
• Prepares and maintains a variety of program records, reports, and documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge of :

• Principles and practices of special education program administration
• Regulations and standards governing special education services
• Grant administration principles and practices
• Program records, reports, and documentation
• Processes for preparing and administering budgets
• Supervisory principles, practices, and methods

Required Skill in :

• Directing and coordinating the delivery of the District’s special education services
• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulations governing program operations
• Administering grants and allocating grant funding
• Preparing and maintaining program records, reports, and documentation
• Responding to program inquiries and communicating with parents
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority

Education and Experience :

• Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field
• Significant experience as a teacher and administrator working with students with disabilities (ages 3 to 21 years inclusive)
• Minimum of five years of direct development of IEPs and implementation through service delivery
• Minimum of five years of administrative / supervisory experience involving exceptional learner processes and instructional programming
• Experience as a building-level administrator is preferred
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Licenses and Certifications :

• Special Education Certification preferred
• Administrative Certification (minimum of Supervisor Certificate) required; Principal Certificate preferred
• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License

Salary :

93,522.00 - $101,302.00 (based on 24-25 hiring schedule)

• 12 Month Contracted Position - Administrative Position

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability or any individual by reason of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin, is prohibited.  Efforts will be made in recruitment and employment to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons.

Salary : $93,522 - $101,302