Special Services Director (2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

Director of Special Education Services
Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Director of Special Education Services
LOCATION: Coupeville School District
DATE POSTED: 12/09/2025
JOB NUMBER: 809
HOURS/DAYS: 8.0 / 220
SALARY (DOQ):  
START:  07.01.2026

Department: Special Services
Supervisor: Superintendent
Association: None
Directs: Certificated Instructional and Classified Staff assigned to work with the Special Services Department. 


General Description: The Special Services Director manages multiple programs and services for students, as assigned by the superintendent and in accordance with Board policy and procedures, and state and federal rules and regulations. The programs include Special Education, EL, Highly Capable, District Assessment Coordinator, Paraeducator Certificate Program and District 504 Coordinator.
The Director of Special Education Services performs administrative duties, including the supervision and evaluation of district level staff, coordination of special services instructional programs, maintains responsibility for other administrative duties as assigned, and promotes the educational development of each student. This person will also work with building administration to articulate the district's strategic plan and provide visionary leadership necessary to attain goals. 
 
Essential Job Functions:

• Actively incorporates the district’s educational philosophy and Strategic Vision into special services programs and operation.
• Develop and implement plans to integrate special services programs into the district’s basic education program.
• Provide leadership to principals and special services staff and evaluate and assess programs and instructional activities. 
• Coordinate with school principals and collaborating education and community agencies to maintain coherence of the special services programs.
• Plan and/or provide staff development activities to improve services for students with special services.
• Attend district, educational service district and state meetings related to student services programs and Coupeville School District students.
• Ensure that all special programs conform to federal and state mandates and district guidelines, including timely response to application and reporting requirements.
• Keep the superintendent informed on a regular basis of program status, and recommend to the superintendent any changes that need to be made to special services programs.
• Coordinate with special services staff and the district office to develop and manage multiple budgets in conformance with budget allocations, district fiscal procedures, and state and federal funding restrictions, and manage these budgets throughout the fiscal year.
• Review student files for special education eligibility and approve placement.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of programs files and records in conformance with legal requirements. 
• Participates in personnel functions (e.g. recruitment, hiring, evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, matching staff to student needs and ensuring that objectives of special services programs are achieved within budget. 
• Provide leadership for building teams, when necessary. 
• Evaluates special education programs and curricula for the purpose of providing FAPE to each eligible student.
• Integrate service delivery model with other curriculum and instructional programs; serve as an advocate for the interests of students with disabilities.
• Communicate effectively with parents, staff, and fellow administrators. 
• Monitor effectiveness and compliance of special education programs; ensure continuity of service, instruction, and training. 
• Assure expenditures of approved budgets are in conformance with budget allocations, district fiscal procedures, and state and federal fund source restrictions. 
• Oversee determination of student eligibility and out-of-district placements, contractual agreements and agency-related services, within all areas of responsibility. 
• Supervise and evaluate program staff 
• Assists with presentation of information on programs, services, regulations, etc. for the purpose of serving as a resource to parents, school personnel, or the Board of Directors.  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Washington State administrative credentials or a Washington State teaching certificate with special education or similar endorsement.
• Experience working with students, parents, staff, and administration in the area of special education student and program needs.
• Demonstrated strengths and skills in written and oral communication, community relations, and educational leadership.
• Demonstrated skills in program development and evaluation, staff development, fiscal management (including grants management), and human relations.
• Demonstrated managerial skills (planning, organizing, delegating, communicating and working well with others).
• Working knowledge of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, its programs and requirements, and of Washington State regulations concerning special services.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret governmental regulations, forms, plans, and reports specific to school administration. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff, students, and parents. 
• Knowledge and skills in improving student achievement on state and national learning goals.
• Advocacy for acceptance of services for children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.
• A personal philosophy of teamwork and professionalism.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience and the ability to make reasoned decisions.
• Experience in preparing and successfully presenting information to public audiences.
• A helpful, calm, friendly, and polite manner when interacting with parents, the public, and school staff.
• Appropriate discretion concerning students, staff, and confidential or privileged information.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum five (5) years successful teaching experience preferred 
• Successful Building Administrator experience preferred 
• Master's Degree or Higher 
• Special Education Endorsement 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

• Administrative Certificate- Washington State Certificate 
• Teaching Certificate-Washington State Certificate
• Washington State Driver's License 

Working Conditions:

• Works in an office, frequently seated in a chair and using a computer.
• Travels within the district and to out of district locations in routine job functions.
• Uses a computer for multiple functions.
• Bends, twists, and lifts up to 20 pounds when accessing records and office supplies.
• Occasionally exposed to high decibel alarm systems during drills or an actual emergency.
• Uses a telephone to communicate.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work to be performed by someone in this position. It does not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
 
 
Application Procedure:
Apply online at http://coupeville.k12.wa.us/staff-jobs/
Current employees apply as Internal Applicant
All others apply as External Applicant
 
Candidates of Diversity Are Strongly Encouraged to Apply:
 
Coupeville School District welcomes, values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce.  Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This is in alignment with our CSD Equity Commitment Statement: “Whether about race, religion, language, immigration status, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, or ability, or a combination of these, we know that students deserve to be honored and respected for who they are. Coupeville Schools is committed to providing a safe, equitable, and inclusive working and learning community for all.” 

Coupeville School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The board designates the superintendent to serve as the district’s coordinator regarding: Title IX; Section 504/ADA; Civil Rights Compliance and to handle questions and investigate any complaints communicated to the district of alleged discrimination. Superintendent, 501 S Main, Coupeville, WA, 98239, phone: 360.678.2404.