Director of SPED/Student Services

Oakridge School District No. 76

47997 W. 1st Street

Oakridge, OR 97463

Licensed Vacancy Posting 26-41

Position: Director of SPED/Student Services (1.0 FTE)

Compensation: $106,825 - $120,232 (215 days)

Reports to: Superintendent
Location:  Oakridge School District

Starting Date:  August 4, 2026 (Approximate)

Oakridge School District Misson/Vision

Candidates will possess the following qualifications that support our district vision.
To cultivate an environment that ensures students succeed
"All students have the skills to be critical thinkers, responsible and ethical citizens,
who continuously purse knowledte and contribute positively to their world"

Job Summary

The Director of Special Education (SPED) coordinates programs and resources for student with special needs.  This includes needs that might be academic, behavioral/emotional, or physical/medical.  Programs or resources that are coordinated out of the Student Services Department include:  Special Education, Talented and Gifted program, Resources for Homeless Students, School Nurses, Behavior Specialists, Testing Specialists, Family Services and Alternative Education (tutoring).

The Director of Student Services leads the planning, development, and implementation of all PK-12 grants and initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks.  Other duties as assigned.

1. Collaborates with principals and district level administrators regarding the delivery and framework of instruction to special education students and integration with the general education learning environment.
2. Keeps the Superintendent and Administrators informed of Special Education changes, needs, activities, and problems.
3. Discusses Special Education programs, personnel and students with building administrators.
4. Submits program documentation for approval, applies for grants, submits budgets and financial reports and prepares and submits program reports to agencies.
5. Collaborates when necessary with special education and other school staff to develop and implement individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
6. Develops and maintains individual records of all children receiving special services or enrolled in special classes.
7. Makes provision for being available to students and parents regarding Special Education, Title 1, and related programs outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so.
8. Responds to issues and problems of students and parents regarding special education and student services. Works with complainants, school principals, medical professionals and other necessary staff to resolve issues and problems.
9. Assists in recruitment, selection, and recommendation for hiring of special education and student services personnel. Plans, supervises, advises, assists, trains, and evaluates department licensed, classified and/or support staff.
10. Monitors staff caseloads and student progress.
11. Responsible for ensuring that staffing is planned and implemented as they relate to students with special needs.
12. Surveys the district’s needs for student services and prepares reports, proposals, and recommendations for approval and/or funding.
13. Serves as the District 504 Coordinator, District Testing Coordinator, and TAG Coordinator.
14. Serves as the point of contact for Title IX and Foster Care.
15. Experience and understanding of Trauma Informed Practices, Alternative Education and K12 Behavior Systems.
16. Maintains a cooperative relationship with fellow staff members, students, and the general public.
17. Adheres to and enforces district, state, and federal laws, policies, procedures, and regulations.
18. Responds to parents regarding the evaluation and placement of their children.
19. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal guidelines in relation to Special Education. Keeps abreast of changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field.
20. Keeps informed of all legal requirements governing special education.
21. Plans staff in-service training activities.
22. Implements and enforces board policies and administrative regulations and assists in the formulation of policies and procedures as directed by the Superintendent.
23. Assists in the adaptation of school policies to include special education needs.
24. Attends and participates in district administrative meetings and board meetings.
25. Professionally represents the school and the District in interactions with parents, community, staff, and students.
26. Maintains appropriate certifications and training as required.
27. Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Possess a valid Oregon Administrator License.
2. Master’s degree in special education, educational administration or related field.
3. Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible and highly successful special education leadership experience preferred.
4. Strong knowledge of special education programs, curriculum, assessment, instructional practices, and intervention strategies.
5. Experience providing services under and training in the IDEA, Section 504 and the ADA.
6. Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing with staff, parents and the public in English.  Ability to work individually and in partnerships with a minimum of direction.  Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.  Ability to demonstrate interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.  Ability to deal with students and parents in often difficult circumstances.  Work well with others from diverse cultures and backgrounds.  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations.
7. Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of current special education laws, practices and current trends with emphasis on special education.  Thorough knowledge of response-to-intervention, learning disabilities and the education of students with disabilities. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk; stand; sit; use hands for the fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, ability to adjust focus and peripheral vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, but occasionally high depending upon student population and activities.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions.  Employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens.

Employer Website:  www.oakridge.k12.or.us   

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and work schedule to be determined by the Superintendent or designee and will be based on the operational needs of the district.  Annual contract days are approximately 215 days, depending on needs of the district and as assigned by the Superintendent. 

Application Requirements:

Complete an on-line application at oakridge.k12.or.us, under Job Opportunities.  Include (1) Cover Letter; (2) Resume; (3) List of at least 3 professional references.

Internal Applicants please send a Letter of Interest to Cathy Korth, Human Resources – cathy.korth@oakridge.k12.or.us

Thank you for your interest in the Oakridge School District.

NOTE: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time, as it deems advisable.

     If you have questions, please call the District Office at 541-782-2813, Ext 375.

   Closing date: In-District  Open until filled  Out-of- District  Open until filled

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Oakridge School District is committed to being an antiracist, Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment, selection, and employment without regard to race, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, religion, veteran or military status, or any other category protected under the law. OSD is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment procedures for individuals experiencing a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 541-782-2813. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Oakridge School District is a Drug-Free/Smoke-Free Workplace

Oakridge School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position held or desired. Oakridge School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, marital status, and age in admission to or employment in its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the Title IX coordinator or to the Office of Civil Rights.  Designated Title IV Coordinator:  Joseph Brissette, Oakridge School District Office.  47997 W. 1^st St, Oakridge, OR  97463 or call at (541)782-2231.  Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 (Title 20 U.S.C. Sections 1681-1688). Equal Opportunity Employer                                                                                                                                                          Post: 6/2/2026

Salary : $106,825 - $120,232