2026-2027 Director of Special Services

WESTSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

909 South 76th Street

Omaha, NE 68114

Position Title: Director of Special Services

Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning 

Primary Location: District Office - ABC Building 

Position Summary: Westside Community Schools is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to join our team as the Director of Special Services. This key leadership role serves as the chief administrator of the district’s special education program, serving in both a leadership and management capacity. The Director is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering programs for students with disabilities under NDE Rule 51 and Section 504. The successful candidate will foster a positive environment for students and staff, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and collaborate with the administrative team to meet the district's educational goals.

Education Level, Experience, and Certification(s):

• Master's degree required; Ed.D. or Ph.D. preferred.
• Must possess a Nebraska Administrative Certificate and Special Education Endorsement at all times during employment with such endorsements as required by NDE Rules 10 and 51.
• Ideal candidates will demonstrate deep knowledge of special education curriculum design, effective instructional strategies for students with varying needs, and reliable systems for assessing student progress and program effectiveness.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA and Section 504 requirements, disability education-related statutes, due process procedures, and federal and state regulations governing the provision of special education services is required.
• A minimum of five years of successful experience in special education programming is required.
• Prior administrative or supervisory experience is required.

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Leadership & Program Management

• Program Administration: Serve as the educational leader and chief administrator of the district’s special education programming and services (Birth to 21), ensuring that services comply with Board policy, as well as federal and state laws.
• Curriculum Evaluation: Evaluate curricula, teaching methods, and programs to determine effectiveness and efficiency, implementing changes as appropriate to meet student needs.
• Policy Development: Set educational standards and goals; recommend and implement policies and procedures to maintain accreditation and achieve District objectives.
• Strategic Planning: Collect and analyze survey data and demographic trends to forecast enrollment patterns and curriculum change needs.

Services to Students & Assessment

• IEP and 504 Oversight: Provide leadership and oversight for the development and implementation of IEPs and Section 504 Plans; participate in MDT, IEP, and team meetings as needed; and ensure that all identified accommodations, services, and supports are delivered with fidelity and in full compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Assessment Compliance: Ensure completion of student assessments in accordance with Board policy and state/federal laws, initiating program changes based on assessment results.
• Medicaid Coordination: Responsible for assisting eligible students and their parents in accessing information about Medicaid services, including health and mental health services.
• Recruitment and Supervision: Work collaboratively with Human Resources to establish parameters for recruiting and interviewing prospective employees, and provide direct supervision and evaluation of special education administrative and support staff.
• Staff Development: In collaboration with the District’s Director of Learning and Development, recommend and implement staff training and professional development for the special education program.
• Evaluation: Conduct observations and evaluations of special education staff in accordance with legal requirements and Board policy, implementing improvement plans when necessary.

Financial & Property Management

• Budgeting: Recommend budget priorities and administer the adopted budget in accordance with legal requirements.
• Funding Sources: Provides fiscal leadership and oversight for all special education funding streams, including IDEA grants, state allocations, and supplemental resources, ensuring compliant budgeting, monitoring, and expenditure of funds. 
• External Funding & Reimbursement Management: Prepare and submit grant proposals and reimbursement requests to utilize required allocations and leverage funding sources beyond state and local tax revenues.
• Resource Management: Maintain a current inventory of educational materials and equipment, and recommend facility needs to Senior Leadership. 

Community Engagement and Coordination

• School/Community Relations: Represent the school before the public and maintain a program of public relations to keep the community informed of special education activities and successes.
• Parent Involvement: Develop strategies to promote parental involvement in their children’s education and maintain a positive, professional rapport with students and parents.
• Agency Collaboration: Maintain open lines of communication and cooperative working relationships with other government agencies and community organizations to advance the interests of the school district.

Internal candidates seeking consideration must submit an updated resume along with a formal Letter of Interest detailing their relevant experience, demonstrated competencies, and alignment with the essential functions of the position. Letters of Interest must be submitted to Dr. Andrea Haynes at haynes.andrea@westside66.net by Sunday, December 28, 2025, to be included in the review process.

Application Procedure: Apply online

Westside Community Schools is an EEO employer.