Staunton City Schools is seeking applicants for a Director of Special Education opening for the 2024-25 school year.

Anticipated start date July 2024.

12-Month Contract (240 days).

Hiring Range: $90,000-$111,000 DOQ/DOE.

Open Until Filled.

Full Benefits.

POST OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, employment reference check, and receipt of the Child Abuse and Neglect Training Certificate.

Staunton City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and is fully committed to the principles and practices of equal employment.

STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

Position is responsible for organizing and supervising the identification of needs for all disabled students in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines in collaboration with the Executive Director of Student Services. The position assists with the planning, administering, and directing the division’s special education programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

• Develops, directs, and implements policies, practices, plans, procedures, and activities for special education in accordance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Assists in developing and conducting division-wide staff development for special and general education instructional staff;
• Supports student services staff;
• Supports principals in implementing special education programs and services;
• Coordinates division-wide activities and events that promote academic and behavioral gains for students with disabilities;
• Interprets state and federal regulations and local policies governing special education and ensures compliance;
• Ensures that accurate data is collected for the December 1 count and state special education performance indicators;
• Assists the Executive Director of Student Services in the development and administration of the division’s annual plan for special education;
• Assists the Executive Director of Student Services in the preparation and administration of the special education budget, grant applications and the soliciting of funds to provide financial support for programs;
• Collaborates with the Executive Director of Student Services to approve all purchasing from both local and federal dollars, sets and amends the budgets, and manage the finances of the department;
• Collaborates with the testing coordinators to manage the alternative testing program for students with disabilities;
• Monitors compliance with state and federal regulations and is responsible for maintenance and reporting on the state compliance and performance indicators and any related corrective actions;
• Serves as the division liaison to VDOE office of Dispute Resolution;
• Consults with building administrators regarding special education legal and regulatory issues, staffing, instruction, discipline, compliance and parents’ concerns;
• Responds to the concerns of parents, administrators, and teachers in a timely manner;
• Collaborates with the Executive Director of Student Services to supervise and evaluate the work of special education department personnel;
• Assists the human resources department with interviewing and recommending qualified candidates for special education instructional positions;
• Serves as the central office contact and liaison with parents and community regarding special education programming;
• Coordinates and facilitates parent advisory groups and committees related to special education;
• Collaborates with other program directors and division leaders to affect student achievement and teacher effectiveness;
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities and;
• Performs other duties assigned by the Executive Director of Student Services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge of: the principles and practices of identification and diagnosis of disabling conditions; the laws, regulations affecting identification and education of disabled students and; the knowledge of methods and alternatives for delivering services to disabled students. Knowledge of the organization and operations of a public-school system. Ability to: direct work of subordinates; initiate, design, and develop new programs and procedures; communicate effectively with parents and staff in order to mediate disputes and explain school system policies and program and; manage fiscal, physical, and human resources to successfully assist in the function of the special education department and establish and maintain successful working relationships with staff, students, and citizens. Sound knowledge of research-based practices to support Tier III interventions in the area of literacy, math and behavioral supports. Comprehensive knowledge of: the principles and practices of school administration and current educational trends as applied to programs for students with disabilities; the methodology, procedures, and practices of a variety of special education disabilities and; the laws and regulations governing special education, including an emphasis on compliance. Experience with meditation, and responding to state complaints. Excellent interviewing, supervision, data collection, and report writing skills. Good organizational, human relations and communication skills. Effective time management skills. Demonstrated leadership qualities.

QUALIFICATONS/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must possess a Master’s degree with a special education endorsement(s) and hold or be eligible to hold a Virginia Postgraduate Professional License in Administration and Supervision. Considerable special education teaching experience and progressively more responsible special education related direct supervisory experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Candidate must possess strong organizational skills. Must be able to provide own transportation to school-related functions and schools throughout the division. Candidate must possess good moral character.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

Duties are typically performed in school settings including offices, conference centers, and classrooms. Frequent walking, standing, stooping, lifting, up to approximately 20 pounds, and occasional lifting of equipment and materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds may be required. Other limited physical activities are required. Frequent operation of a vehicle and office equipment is required. Regular and frequent contact is made at all organizational levels for the purpose of developing and achieving organizational goals and missions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work. Regular contact with students with special needs is a requirement. Contact with staff members, community agencies, and parents is required. Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required. Frequent contact with parents and staff by phone and in person may be necessary.

ADA:

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Director of Special Education will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Division Superintendent. Staunton City Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.

EVALUATION:

The Division Superintendent will evaluate performance on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.

Approved by: Division Superintendent and Chief Human Resources Officer

Date: 2023