Director of Special Education

Bismarck School District•Bismarck, AR

About The Position

The Director of Special Education provides leadership, supervision, and compliance oversight for the district’s special education programs and related services. This role ensures students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and applicable state rules. The Director supports high-quality instruction, effective service delivery, and collaborative problem-solving with staff and families.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education
Valid state certification/licensure in Special Education Administration (as required by the state/district).
Minimum of X years of successful experience in special education (teaching and/or leadership experience preferred).
Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, FAPE, LRE, evaluation procedures, IEP development/implementation, and related services.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.

Nice To Haves

Special education administration certification/endorsement.
Experience supervising staff and managing budgets/contracts.
Experience with compliance monitoring, audits, and dispute resolution.
Background in inclusive practices, MTSS, and behavioral support systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education services and programming across the district.
Promote inclusive practices and effective instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
Support campus leaders and teachers with evidence-based interventions, progress monitoring, and specially designed instruction.
Provide leadership for IEP implementation and service delivery, ensuring fidelity to plans and goals.
Ensure district-wide compliance with IDEA, state special education regulations, Section 504/ADA (as applicable), and district policies.
Oversee IEP processes, timelines, procedural safeguards, evaluation/re-evaluation procedures, and required documentation.
Support dispute prevention and resolution; coordinate responses to complaints, due process, and corrective actions as needed.
Maintain systems for record-keeping, audit readiness, and monitoring of compliance indicators.
Oversee referral, evaluation, and eligibility determination processes in collaboration with evaluators and campus teams.
Use student and program data to guide decisions, improve outcomes, and ensure appropriate placement and services.
Ensure accurate special education reporting and state submissions, including timely and complete documentation.
Supervise and support special education staff as assigned (e.g., SPED teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, evaluators).
Assist with recruitment, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance evaluation of special education personnel.
Plan and deliver professional learning for teachers and administrators on IEP implementation, accommodations/modifications, and compliance practices.
Develop and manage the special education department budget.
Coordinate the use of state and federal special education funds and ensure allowable spending practices.
Manage contracts and partnerships (e.g., OT/PT, speech services, outside placements), including monitoring performance and compliance.
Collaborate on assistive technology and specialized instructional materials to meet student needs.
Partner with principals and district leaders to align programming and supports for students with disabilities.
Foster positive relationships with families through clear communication, collaboration, and responsiveness.
Coordinate transition planning and services (early childhood transition, secondary transition to postsecondary education/employment, and related supports).