Director of Student Services and Special Education

Oxford Public Schools•Oxford, MA

50d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of Student Services and Special Education is responsible for the coordination of all student support and special education services and programs, 504 services/programs, Preschool program, Accommodation Plans, ELL services/programs, McKinney-Vento services, Nursing, Guidance staff, home/hospital services, special education district transportation, and special education district grant management, in accordance with state and federal law.

Requirements

Master's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a related area is required.
A valid Massachusetts Department of Education Special Education Administrator's Certificate is required.
Professional verification of a minimum of five years of successful experience in Special Education is required.
Working knowledge of state and federal laws and administrative regulations relating to Special Education and student services, policies, rules and regulations, and education theories and practices.
Skill and ability to maintain open lines of communication with the Superintendent and Central Office staff regarding special education issues; communicate effectively; establish and maintain positive working relationships; plan, organize, and coordinate the management functions of the Special Education Program and student support services; attend selected school functions and meetings; and utilize a collaborative leadership style.

Nice To Haves

Professional endorsements of exemplary leadership behavior and demonstrated ability to serve as a positive role model for students and staff is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Effectively works with the Superintendent to develop and monitor district policy and administrative regulations related to student growth and achievement.
Uses strategic initiatives and district performance data to identify appropriate professional development opportunities for staff within the department.
Supervises, evaluates, and coordinates the Special Education Programs including special Education transportation, 504 services, ELL Program, McKinney-Vento services, Nursing, Guidance staff, home/hospital services, and regular education supports including supervising the maintenance of the central record-keeping system.
Plans, supervises, and evaluates all Special Education, ELL, and student support staff on an ongoing basis to include program development, instructional methodology, and student assessments.
Works with the building administration, faculty, staff, and parent body to develop distinctive special education programs for the District.
Evaluates existing programs in relation to stated objectives for improvement and efficiency, and to identify new program needs.
Ensures that the team process is actively and effectively implemented in accordance with state and federal regulations; works with teams to find the best combinations of educational and other services for students in need of any services.
Creates annual operating budget for the Student Services Department with input from building principals, as needed; monitors budget throughout fiscal year.
Submits annually a statement of goals and a multi-year educational plan for the Student Services and Special Education Department prior to September 1st of each school year.
Establishes an array of intervention models and programs for students who are at-risk and low achieving as well as those who are in need of tutoring and additional support
Assists in the recruitment of Special Education, ELL, and all support personnel, and evaluates staff in pertinent areas.
Assists in the adaptation of school policies to include special education, 504, ESL, and other related student services needs.
Assists building principals in the coordination of special education, and student support services and collaborates with regular educational programs in each school.
Assists officers of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, and meets with members on a regular basis; meets with School Committee; serves as member of Executive Administrative Council.
Attends School Committee evening meetings, as requested.
Participates in meetings with faculty and/or administrators, as directed by Superintendent.
Works with District Technology Director to determine needs/budget for hardware and software necessary for students served by the Student Services and Special Education Department.
Collaborates with Superintendent or designee and building administers to schedule and assign faculty and students.
Encourages participatory decision making that includes faculty, staff, students, and the school community.
Administers and monitors special education and student supports to assure compliance with established curriculum standards and requirements. Directs the development of curriculum standards to meet student needs, as well as the development, scheduling and implementation of services.
Oversees the submissions of Medicaid and Circuit Breaker reimbursements and manages all aspects of state and federal entitlement grants.
Manages development, preparation, and submission of required local, state, and federal reports.
Oversees grants to ensure that the fiscal plan for the district is aligned with the educational plan. Submits program documentation for approval, applies for grants, submits budgets and financial reports and prepares and submits program reports to agencies.
Promotes and maintains equitable treatment and inclusion of all students.
Maintains clear and effective communication with the Superintendent, Central Office staff, building administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, and school community.
Keeps Superintendent informed on a regular basis of the activities and incidents of the Student Services and Special Education Department.
Represents the district and serves as a liaison between the district and educational partner agencies.
Performs duties and responsibilities faithfully and effectively in accordance with the policies of the School Committee, directives of the Superintendent of Schools, School Improvement Plans, District Improvement Plan, regulations and requirements of grants or mandated programs, and the Director's performance evaluation and objectives.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.