TASA Career Center

Waco ISD - Executive Director - Special Education

Job Details

Region: 12
School District/Employer: Waco ISD
District Category/Employer: Central Office
Position: Executive Director
Assignment Level: Level
  • Alternative School
  • Early Childhood
  • Elementary
  • High School
  • Middle School
Area
  • Special Education
Job Title: Executive Director - Special Education
School: Waco ISD
Campus Description:
Date Posted: 11/19/2024
Deadline: Until Filled
Openings: 1
Commitment: Full Time
Description/Notes: Primary Purpose:       
Direct the district's special education program to ensure the provision of needed services for special needs students.  Work to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.
Qualifications: Education/Certification:
Master's degree in educational administration
Mid-Management or Principal Certification

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to evaluate special education programs
Willingness to be accountable for special education student outcomes
Strong understanding of special education curricular needs to align instructional programs and improve student achievement
Strong understanding of accountability and how to design systems to improve student achievement, ensure correct coding, and how ARD decisions impact accountability at all levels
Ability to identify, design, and implement professional development to address the needs of special education staff
Knowledge of technologies available for use in special education services
Ability to coordinate district special education functions and be accountable for success
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
Superior organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of federal and state special education law
Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Strong leadership skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Strong investigation and research skills
Ability to meet established deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High degree of computer proficiency including the District’s Information System, Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint
 
Experience:
Five years of experience in special education
Two or more years of administrative experience (preferred)
Two years or more years of supervisory-level experience
Experience working in a Title 1 School District 
T-TESS appraiser (preferred)
 
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
1.         Plan, direct and manage a comprehensive system of special education programs and services to meet students' needs.
2.         Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis and that the findings are used to make special education programs more effective.
3.         Ensure the use of technology in the teaching-learning process.
4.         Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping general and special education teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
5.         Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
6.         Manage the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
7.         Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide.
8.         Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
9.         Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
10.       Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
11.       Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness.
12.       Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
14.       Ensure that the special education department provides service and support to campuses.
15.       Demonstrate support for the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to the special education program.
16.       Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
17.       Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of special education.
18.       Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
19.       Serve as a district representative at all hearings, mediations, and other matters involving litigation.
20.       Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
21.       Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
22.       Approve and forward purchase orders for special education department to the accounting department.
23.       Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the special education department.
24.       Evaluate the job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
25.       Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
26.       Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
27.       Serve as the district monitor of all areas of special education compliance.
28.       Articulate the district's mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
29.       Perform other duties as assigned.
 
Supervisory Responsibilities: Special Education Staff                     
            Director of Special Education Instruction, Director of Special Education Compliance, Coordinator of Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, Coordinator of District Behavior Intervention, Special Education Administrative Assistant, and Non-Campus Professional Staff
 
Working Condition:               
            Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions. Tight timeline pressures; hectic pace; working on several projects at once; working with diverse population. Frequent district wide travel and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Note:  This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment.  The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.
Salary Range: Pay Grade/Days:  108/226
Minimum $101,610 - Maximum $140,319
Benefits: https://www.wacoisd.org/departments/benefits-risk-management-leave/overview
How To Apply: https://www.applitrack.com/wacoisd/onlineapp/_application.aspx?posJobCodes=2300&posFirstChoice=Administrative&posSpecialty=Ex%20Director%20-%20Special%20Education

Contact Person:

Name: Daniel Lopez
Email: daniel.lopez@wacoisd.org
Address: P.O. Box 27
City: Waco
State: TX
Zip: 76703-0027
Phone: (254) 777-5881
Fax: (254) 755-9690