Director of Special Education

The Pittsfield Public Schools is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Director of Special Education to lead our special education department. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a strong background in special education, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students. The Director will be responsible for the overall administration, supervision, and evaluation of special education programs and services within the district. Salary: Regionally competitive salary and benefits package Primary responsibilities include: Leadership and Administration: -Provide strategic direction and leadership for all special education programs and services. -Develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. -Collaborate with district and school administrators to align special education services with the district’s educational goals and objectives. Program Development and Evaluation: -Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to meet the diverse needs of students. -Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs and services, making adjustments as necessary to improve student outcomes. -Stay current with best practices, research, and trends in special education to inform program development. Staff Supervision and Professional Development: -Recruit, hire, train, and supervise special education staff, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers. -Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure staff are well-equipped to meet the needs of students. -Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to support staff growth and development. Collaboration and Communication: -Foster strong relationships with parents, guardians, and community stakeholders to support student success. -Work closely with general education staff to promote inclusive practices and ensure students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum. -Serve as a liaison between the school district and external agencies, organizations, and partners involved in special education services. Compliance and Reporting: -Ensure all special education programs and services comply with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and other relevant laws and regulations. -Prepare and submit required reports to local, state, and federal agencies. -Manage the special education budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support student needs. Grant Writing and Coordination: -Identify potential grant opportunities from federal, state, and private sources to support and enhance special education programs. -Write and submit grant proposals, ensuring they align with the district’s goals and comply with funding requirements. -Coordinate the implementation and management of awarded grants, including budget oversight, reporting, and compliance with grant stipulations. -Collaborate with district administrators, special education staff, and external partners to gather necessary data and information for grant applications. -Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of grant-funded programs, providing reports and documentation as required by funding agencies. Budget Oversight: -Develop and manage the special education budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources to meet the needs of students with disabilities. -Allocate funds for personnel, programs, materials, and services in alignment with district priorities and student requirements. -Monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with district, state, and federal financial policies and regulations. -Prepare and present budget reports to district leadership, the school committee, and other stakeholders as needed. -Work collaboratively with the district’s business office to ensure accurate accounting and financial reporting for special education programs. -Seek additional funding sources and cost-saving measures to support and sustain special education initiatives.