Director of Special Education

Job Title: Director of Special Education

Reports To: Executive Director of Diverse Learners & Whole Child Supports

Contract Length: 252 Days

Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt

Department: Department of Diverse Learners & Whole Child Supports

Last Updated: February 2026

Reynoldsburg City Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. At Reynoldsburg, our educators embody the principles outlined in Our Portrait of an Educator, inspiring students to innovate, collaborate, and excel. For more information, visit https://www.reyn.org/about-rcs/mission-vision-values.

Primary Job Function:

The Reynoldsburg City Schools’ Director of Special Education is responsible for providing visionary leadership and expertise in the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive special education programs and services for students with disabilities (SWD) in grades PreK-12. This role oversees special education programming, related service providers, and school psychologists, ensuring all services align with OPES standards and the district's MTSS framework.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education & Licensure: Master’s degree in Education or related field; must hold a valid Ohio Administrative license (Principal or Admin Specialist) and a Special Education license (or equivalent).
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years in Special Education or Educational Administration.
• Compliance: Valid Ohio driver’s license and ability to pass BCI/FBI background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid Ohio Superintendent license.
• Experience working with a wide range of diverse student populations.
• Proven ability to present information professionally and facilitate complex conflict resolution.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Primary functions may include the following duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions within this classification.

Strategic Leadership and Vision (OPES Standards)

• Directs operations and activities involved in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Special Education Department while modeling the district's philosophy for inclusive education.
• Serves as a thought leader to enhance innovative service models and researches new programs that support whole-child learning and align with the district's mission and vision.

Legal and Compliance Leadership

• Collaborates with the Executive Director on district-wide legal matters including mediation, due process, and state complaints while ensuring strict adherence to IDEA, Section 504, and Ohio Operating Standards.
• Directs internal monitoring processes to ensure procedural integrity and serves as the principal liaison with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) regarding audits and investigations.

Program Development and Oversight

• Provides oversight of PreK-12 Special Education programs, including determining appropriate programming and referral processes for related service providers, school psychologists, and school nurses.
• Facilitates the investigation of current research and trends to support student success through rigorous, innovative, and technological programming.

Data Analysis and Program Evaluation

• Collects and reviews data to determine program effectiveness, identifies areas for improvement, and ensures accurate and timely data reporting to EMIS.
• Analyzes the current state of programs to make evidence-based recommendations for improving services and student outcomes.

Professional Development and Staff Support

• Provides and directs ongoing professional development for faculty and administrators concerning special education instruction, curriculum, and regulatory requirements.
• Engages staff in designing solutions for high levels of employee engagement and provides crisis management support across all areas of special education.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Communication

• Coordinates non-public school services, Child Find activities, and secondary transition services in collaboration with building administrators and district leadership.
• Develops relationships with internal and external stakeholders to secure additional resources and maintain effective communication regarding student placements and supports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state special education laws (IDEA, Section 504) and Ohio Operating Standards.
• Ohio Principal Evaluation System (OPES) and MTSS frameworks.
• EMIS reporting requirements and special education funding models.

Skilled in:

• Conflict resolution and mediation between families and school personnel.
• Strategic planning and organizational system design using design thinking principles.
• Professional facilitation and presentation to diverse audiences.

Ability to:

• Interpret complex legal documents and provide expert guidance to district staff.
• Manage large-scale budgets and departmental operations effectively.
• Foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS: 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in keeping with law.

Physical Demands – While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee is required to sit or stand and move around for extended periods of time. While performing the duties of this job the employee must be able to push, pull, lift and carry over 25 pounds on occasion.

Working Conditions – The employee in this position may experience occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue. The employee may also be required to interact with unruly children.

Driving Requirement – This position may require driving to various school sites or events.

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the employee’s supervisor and or appointing authority.