Director of Center Programs

Kent ISD

Salary Position – Grade 10

Full-Time, 260 Days

This position has been restructured from prior, no longer responsible for all Kent ISD center programs. The Director is responsible for oversight of only the center programs designated above. The Director will provide program leadership in coordination with building leadership and staff ensuring a supportive learning environment for students, including curriculum and high-quality instruction, data driven program improvement, compliance monitoring, planning for professional development, and working with families and community agencies. The Director of Center Programs is also responsible for ensuring the training, compliance, and coordination of special education services at each building in collaboration with member district administrators.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master’s degree from an accredited college/university with particular emphasis on administration, management, curriculum, and special education with preference given to individuals with previous administrative experience.
2. Valid Michigan teacher’s or professional certification or special education approval, Michigan Administrator’s endorsement and approval or eligibility for approval as Director – Special Education by the Michigan Department of Education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Knowledgeable of Michigan and Federal statutes applicable to Special Education in order to effectively interpret such rules and regulations promulgated by the Michigan Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Understanding of how federal, state, ISD and LEA levels of regulatory authority interact.
3. Must possess exceptional organizational and supervisory skills, with effective time management that prioritizes needs accordingly.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with district leaders, supervisor, colleagues, subordinates, local/state/national education representatives and regulatory/funding agencies, constituent districts and the public-at-large.
5. Ability to effectively engage teams of stakeholders in the continuous improvement process, developing and implementing clear and consistent systems and protocols, and monitor the progress and outcomes.
6. Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in use data management systems to drive quality service delivery.
7. Demonstrated experience effectively managing multiple projects and initiatives to effective and timely implementation.
8. Ability to coordinate, plan and deliver a variety of presentations, professional development and training.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of effective hiring practices and the ability to implement the district’s process for personnel selection.
10. Evidence of effective experience supporting, developing, supervising and evaluating building and program leaders that leads to quality outcomes.
11. Experience with aligning Michigan standards to the instructional needs of students with disabilities.
12. Knowledge and understanding of systems that support effective instruction and the ability to customize those systems within each center program.
13. Strong problem-solving and dispute resolution skills.
14. Demonstrated commitment to examining the impact of education inequities in student achievement outcomes as it aligns with race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
15. Ability to effectively utilize a range of technology devices and applications.
16. Demonstrated customer service, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
17. High degree of creativity, flexibility and accountability in order to achieve defined objectives.
18. Ability to drive between buildings, local school districts and community sites.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. At the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, responsible for leadership, coordination and compliance of all aspects of the designated center programs above.
2. Uses a working knowledge of effective instruction in establishing school processes and routines that engage teachers/staff in regular monitoring of student progress and evaluation, adaptation, and improvement of instructional strategies which meet the individualized needs of students.
3. Effectively support and supervise program administrators, facilitating processes focused program administration on ensuring quality of programming that meets the need and expectations of staff and parents in the education process.
4. Provide leadership and oversight of the continuous improvement process, identifying key measures and data that serve as indicators for success in the continuous improvement process
5. Work in concert with building leaders to ensure the proper training and development of all program staff, including proper documentation and record keeping.
6. Oversee the selection, allocation and assignment of program staff in direct collaboration with Human Resources. Accurately prepare and oversee all aspects of the budget, seeking the most strategic utilization of funding resources
7. Provide coaching and support to administrators and district leaders.
8. Working in collaboration with Human Resources on the administration and application of all applicable employment contracts.
9. Works with staff to develop meaningful lEP’s and programming to support increased student growth and achievement for students with disabilities.
10. Trains staff to lead collaborative inquiry, assists colleagues in developing evidence-based goals and strategies, and disseminates successful improvement work.
11. Works with staff to deepen student and school data analysis to evaluate and revise school improvement goals and strategies.
12. Provides staff training and support to use the school’s data system for collecting, analyzing and interpreting multiple forms of data for progress and performance monitoring.
13. Attends IEP’s as determined for the purpose of facilitating process.
14. Serves as a liaison between vocational and community contacts and transition programs.
15. Works collaboratively with staff, young adults, parents, administrators, employers, and agency representatives.
16. Assists administrators in the coordination of community and work-based learning opportunities.
17. Assists in the development of system guidelines, programs, and procedures.
18. Analyzes, interprets and communicates information concerning special education laws, rules, regulations, procedures, policies and practices.
19. Responsible for the leadership and administration of effective programs and services that lead to strong outcomes while ensuring compliance with all Board policy, as well as local, state and federal laws.
20. Collaborate with other ISD departments and programs to enhance the opportunities and resources accessible to center program students and staff.
21. Complete and submit accurate compliance reporting as required by grants, state or other requirements
22. Attend and/or serve on pertinent committees at the county, regional and/or state level, as approved
23. Regularly attends a range of meetings, as required.
24. Maintains regular and consistent employee attendance
25. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Salary: Non-Union Professional salary schedule; Grade 10 Commensurate with experience

260 days per year, 8 hours per day

Benefits: Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick and vacation days; State of Michigan School Employment retirement program; student loan forgiveness may be available through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible Federal student loans.