Executive Director of Special Education (2025-2026)

Job Title: Executive Director of Special Education Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Funding Source: Local

Pay Grade: AD 10

Department/School: Special Education

Function: Educational Services

Reports to: Chief Academic Officer

HR Date Approved: September 2016

HR Date Revised: August 2024

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SUMMARY:

Responsible for the overall management of the District’s Special Education function. Lead the strategic planning and implementation of Special Education programs. Ensure that the development and delivery of Special Education programs are effective and efficient, incorporate District goals, and support student achievement.

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.
• Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.
• Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.

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MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Instructional and Program Management

• Oversee the development and delivery of Special Education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate District goals and support student achievement.
• Oversee the development and implementation of effective Special Education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge Special Education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
• Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support the accomplishment of educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
• Oversee transition services for Special Education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Take an active role in formulating and implementing contracts for Special Education students receiving services outside of the District.

Student Management

• Demonstrate support for the District’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to the Special Education program.

Budget and Inventory

• Develop and administer the Special Education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely.
• Oversee the maintenance of current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management

• Prepare recommendations for review and revisions of job descriptions in the Special Education Department.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations related to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Articulate the District’s mission and goals in the area of Special Education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of District-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of Special Education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve the program.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.
• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s Degree
• Valid Texas Principal Certification
• Valid Texas Special Education Teacher Certification (preferred)
• Doctorate (preferred)

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience as a campus administrator or other relevant Central Administration leadership position

• Three (3) years of experience as a Special Education classroom teacher (preferred)

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SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal and state Special Education law
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff.

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MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Tools/Equipment Used:

• Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals

Posture:

• Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:

• Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting:

• Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment:

• May work prolonged or irregular hours
• Work to be completed on-site from assigned school or building
• No remote work
• Frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands:

• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; prolonged or irregular hours

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INTENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit, or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.