Coordinator, Special Programs

Position:  Coordinator, Special Programs

This position will start July 1, 2026.
 

Primary Purpose 

Provide leadership and coordination for the district’s special education program in assigned areas, with a strong emphasis on evaluation, eligibility, ARD committee processes, compliance, and related services. Support campuses in implementing special education services in accordance with federal and state law, Texas Education Agency guidance, and district procedures. Assist with the coordination and oversight of Section 504 processes and support campuses in developing legally compliant and educationally appropriate services for students with disabilities. 

Qualifications: 

Education/Certification 

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university required 

• Valid Texas credential in a closely related field required, such as School Psychologist, Educational Diagnostician, Speech-Language Pathology, or another evaluation-related/licensed field, as appropriate 

Special Knowledge/Skills 

• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, and Texas special education rules and procedures 

• Knowledge of Texas ARD committee requirements, evaluation procedures, eligibility determination, reevaluation requirements, prior written notice, and procedural safeguards 

• Knowledge of Section 504 referral, evaluation, eligibility, accommodation plan development, manifestation determination, and procedural requirements 

• Knowledge of disability categories, interpretation of assessment data, and the relationship between evaluation results and instructional planning 

• Knowledge of IEP development, PLAAFPs, measurable annual goals, accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention planning, transition planning, and least restrictive environment requirements 

• Strong organizational, communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills 

• Ability to interpret legal requirements and apply them to campus-based decisions 

• Ability to lead meetings, train staff, and support parents and administrators through complex student support processes 

Experience 

• Minimum of three years of successful experience in special education or related services required 

• Public education evaluation experience strongly preferred 

• Experience conducting, reviewing, interpreting, or supporting psychoeducational or educational evaluations strongly preferred 

• Experience supporting ARD committees, eligibility decisions, reevaluations, and special education compliance preferred 

• Experience with Section 504 processes, accommodation planning, and compliance preferred 

• Leadership experience with campus administrators, teachers, and parents in a public-school setting preferred 

Major Responsibilities and Duties 

Program Leadership and Coordination 

• Assist in coordinating the consistent implementation of the district’s special education program across assigned campuses or areas 

• Support district and campus staff in providing appropriate services to students with disabilities in accordance with law and district expectations 

• Promote consistent implementation of district procedures related to referral, evaluation, eligibility, IEP development, service delivery, and progress monitoring 

• Assist with problem-solving related to student programming, service delivery, staffing, and campus concerns 

• Support the design and implementation of initiatives that improve inclusive practices, instructional quality, evaluation quality, and student outcomes 

• Assist with coordination of district Section 504 processes and support campuses in maintaining consistent practices 

Evaluation and Eligibility Support 

• Provide technical assistance for initial evaluations, reevaluations, review of existing data, and eligibility determination 

• Review evaluation reports and related documentation for quality, completeness, legal compliance, and educational relevance 

• Assist staff in interpreting evaluation data and translating findings into appropriate recommendations for supports and services 

• Support multidisciplinary teams and campus staff in making data-based decisions regarding referral, evaluation, and continued eligibility 

• Serve as a resource regarding disability criteria, adverse educational impact, educational need, and specially designed instruction 

ARD Committee / IEP Support 

• Attend ARD committee meetings as assigned to support legally compliant and student-centered decision-making 

• Provide guidance regarding ARD committee procedures, documentation, timelines, notice requirements, and deliberations 

• Assist campus staff in developing high-quality IEPs that include appropriate present levels, goals, services, accommodations, behavior supports, and transition components 

• Support campuses in addressing disagreement, parent participation, translated communication needs, and required ARD procedures 

Section 504 Responsibilities 

• Provide guidance and support to campus administrators and staff regarding Section 504 referral, evaluation, eligibility, re-evaluation, and accommodation plan procedures 

• Assist campuses in developing legally compliant Section 504 plans that appropriately address student needs in the educational setting 

• Support campus staff with Section 504 meeting procedures, documentation, parent notices, and manifestation determination requirements 

• Review Section 504 records and documentation to promote compliance, consistency, and quality across campuses 

• Assist in resolving parent concerns related to Section 504 identification, accommodations, and implementation 

• Provide training and technical assistance to campus 504 coordinators, administrators, counselors, teachers, and other relevant staff regarding Section 504 requirements and best practices 

• Support alignment between Section 504, general education intervention supports, and special education referral processes when appropriate 

Compliance and Procedural Oversight 

• Monitor compliance with federal and Texas laws, rules, and local procedures governing special education and Section 504 

• Assist with complaints, due process matters, monitoring activities, corrective actions, record reviews, and internal audits as assigned 

• Support implementation of procedural safeguards, informed consent requirements, notice requirements, and timelines for evaluation and service processes 

• Support compliance related to transition, graduation options, summary of performance, and continued services as applicable 

• Monitor and analyze compliance data, evaluation timelines, ARD timelines, 504 timelines, service data, and program implementation data 

• Assist with required reports, audits, submissions, and district documentation related to special education and Section 504 

• Use data to identify trends, needs, training priorities, and program improvement opportunities 

Campus and Staff Support 

• Provide coaching, training, and technical assistance to principals, assistant principals, teachers, evaluation staff, paraprofessionals, counselors, and related service personnel 

• Provide guidance and coaching to support clarity between evaluation results, classroom supports, accommodations, services, and progress monitoring for all stakeholders. 

Parent and Community Relations 

• Respond to parent concerns and questions in a timely, professional, and solution-oriented manner 

• Provide resources and supports to assist families in understanding  evaluation results, ARD processes, Section 504 procedures, procedural safeguards, and available supports 

• Implement and monitor systems to facilitate productive communication among parents, campuses, and special programs staff 

• Coordinate with outside providers, agencies, and community partners as appropriate and in accordance with district procedures 

Other 

• Maintain confidentiality of student, staff, and district information 

• Stay current on changes in state and federal requirements related to special education and Section 504 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

May provide functional supervision and support to evaluation staff, campus-based special education staff, 504 coordinators, related service providers, or other special programs personnel, as assigned. 

Equipment Used 

Computer, copier, printer, telephone, and standard office equipment. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/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 mouse; occasional reaching   
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Frequent districtwide travel and statewide travel; occasion prolonged and irregular hours.

Mental Demands: Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, and procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Apply:

Apply online at lpisd.org, attaching a resume and letter of interest. Three references must be received as a part of the application process; these references must include a reference from your current building principal or supervisor.

Salary:

Professional Pay Grade 5, 12-Duty Months

• Minimum       $82,543/Annual
• Midpoint        $94,508/Annual

The district contributes $400/monthly to the cost of "employee-only" health insurance, which is $175/monthly greater than the state required amount of $225/monthly.

Salary : $82,543 - $106,473