What are the responsibilities and job description for the District LEA Special Education Director position at District?
Position Title: LEA Director– Special Education & Section 504
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Superintendent, the LEA Director serves as the district’s designated Local Education Agency (LEA) representative for Special Education and oversees the district’s Section 504 program. This position ensures compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Arkansas Department of Education regulations, and provides leadership to ensure all eligible students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
The LEA Director holds decision-making authority regarding identification, evaluation, placement, service delivery, staffing, and allocation of resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
Compliance and Legal Oversight
- Serve as the district’s LEA representative at IEP meetings with authority to commit district resources
- Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and Arkansas Special Education Rules and Regulations
- Oversee development, implementation, and monitoring of IEPs and Section 504 Plans to ensure services are delivered as written
- Ensure procedural safeguards are provided and documented for all eligible students
- Monitor and enforce compliance timelines for referrals, evaluations, eligibility, reevaluations, and annual reviews
- Conduct internal monitoring to identify and correct noncompliance in a timely manner
- Coordinate due process hearings, mediation, and responses to state complaints
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of all required state and federal data and reports
Program Leadership and Accountability
- Oversee implementation of special education and Section 504 programs across the district
- Supervise and evaluate special education staff, paraprofessionals, and related service providers
- Ensure appropriate service delivery models aligned to student needs and LRE requirements
- Monitor fidelity of implementation for IEPs, behavior plans, and accommodations
- Use data (achievement, behavior, compliance indicators) to guide program improvement
- Coordinate Extended School Year (ESY) services in compliance with legal requirements
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain clear, consistent communication with families regarding rights, services, and student progress
- Support principals and staff in implementing inclusive practices and intervention systems
- Provide ongoing professional development on compliance, instruction, and best practices
- Serve as liaison with education cooperatives, outside agencies, and service providers
Operational and Fiscal Management
- Assist in development and oversight of the special education budget and use of federal funds
- Ensure appropriate allocation of staffing and resources to meet student needs
- Oversee contracts, transportation, equipment, and related service provisions
- Participate in district leadership and continuous improvement planning
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain current knowledge of legal requirements and best practices in special education and Section 504
- Ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of all student information
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent
Education, Experience, and Competencies
- Arkansas Administrator Licensure required
- Special Education certification required
- Minimum of five (3) years of successful experience in special education preferred
- Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, FAPE, and LRE requirements
- Strong leadership, organization, and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to manage complex compliance, legal, and personnel matters
This job description is intended to ensure compliance, program effectiveness, and improved outcomes for students with disabilities and is not an exhaustive list of all duties.