What are the responsibilities and job description for the Out-of-District Coordinator – .5 Position position at Bellingham Public Schools?
BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BELLINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS
TITLE: Out-of-District Coordinator – .5 Position Bellingham Public Schools
SCHEDULE: 130 Days over a 12 month period (including some summer days)
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Out-of-District Special Education Coordinator to lead our Out of District Special Education Department.
The ideal candidate is an innovative compassionate leader with expertise in special education. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are essential to advocate for students and build collaborative partnerships.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions and duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Student Placement & Case Management:
• Coordinate and oversee the placement of students in out-of-district special education programs based on their
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and unique needs.
• Act as a liaison between families, school districts, and out-of-district programs to ensure seamless communication and
collaboration.
• Monitor student progress and ensure appropriate educational and therapeutic services are being provided.
• Conduct regular visits to out-of-district placements to assess student success and program effectiveness.
Compliance & Special Education Regulations:
• Ensure adherence to all federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for student placements, evaluations, and IEP reviews.
• Coordinate annual reviews, re-evaluations, and progress monitoring meetings in collaboration with sending districts and
program staff.
• Ensure students receive services in the least restrictive environment while addressing their individual needs.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Work closely with school districts, families, and outside providers to develop appropriate placement decisions and transition
plans.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to address concerns and provide updates on student progress.
• Facilitate IEP and team meetings with district representatives, school personnel, and external program providers.
• Advocate students’ needs and ensure proper resources and support are in place for success.
• Complete program monitoring requirements.
Budget & Program Oversight:
• Assist in managing tuition agreements, contracts, and financial responsibilities for out-of-district placements.
• Track and report on the cost-effectiveness of placements and services.
• Research and evaluate specialized programs to ensure high-quality, evidence-based educational and therapeutic
interventions.
• Coordinate/assist with student transportation.
Transition Planning & Student Support:
• Develop and oversee transition plans for students returning to in-district programs or aging out of special education
services.
• Work with vocational and post-secondary programs to support students with life skills, job readiness, and independent
living.
• Provide guidance on reintegration strategies for students transitioning between educational settings.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive for every task or responsibility.
SKILLS/ABILITY:
Candidates should have evidence of instructional leadership potential that includes the following:
- Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate methods for communication, interaction, and intervention with students and families.
- Knowledge of culturally responsive teaching practices and the ability to develop a culturally proficient environment forstudents, staff, families, and guests.
- Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy.
- Understanding of differentiated instruction based on student learning styles.Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and conflicting time constraints.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation and ongoing professional reflection about leadership, performance, and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a high degree of diplomacy in responding to and resolving issues in ahighly professional manner.
- Must follow Bellingham School Committee Policies and District Procedures.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Must hold DESE Licensure as a Special Education Administrator
2. Must hold DESE Licensure as SEI Administrator Endorsement
3. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
4. Demonstrated leadership experience.
START DATE: ASAP
CLASSIFICATION: Singleton
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
2. This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent(s)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
OUR MISSION:
The Bellingham Public School District’s enrollment is approximately 1,930 students and an organizational staff of 400 employees. The district is split into the following building grade levels: DiPietro Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3), Stall Brook Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3) Bellingham Memorial School (grades 4-7) and Bellingham High School (grades 8-12), and Keough Memorial Academy (grades 7-12) is our therapeutic day school for students with special needs.
Our core mission is to foster an environment in which students and staff have opportunities to reach their full potential. The Bellingham School District is committed to providing a challenging and academically motivating education where all students, staff and families accept responsibility for education within their schools.
The School Committee and the Administrative Team support the District Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan. Our goal is to always reach for our vision: The Bellingham Public Schools, in collaboration with students, their families, and the community, will provide a safe learning environment, where the unique strengths of every learner are enhanced and celebrated. We will work together to build a shared sense of pride in the Bellingham Public Schools by amplifying academic excellence, increasing communication, cultivating a positive climate, improving social and emotional well-being, and enhancing technology use and implementation.
Salary : $42,000 - $52,000