OVERVIEWThe Gloucester Public Schools is seeking a Director of Special Education to continue the work underway tostrengthen our instructional practices, assessment and evaluation processes, and in-district programs. As we movetoward more inclusive practices and better connecting general education and special education, the district needs adirector who fully understands high quality special education instructional practices, including ABA practices, aswell as all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader whohas experience working effectively with principals, educators, and parents.Every day matters and everybody belongs in the Gloucester Public Schools. The Gloucester Public Schools servenearly 2,900 students in the historic coastal city of Gloucester on Cape Ann in Massachusetts.
The district boasts adiverse student body and values how families who come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures create therichness and vitality that exist in our school communities.In the Gloucester Public Schools: Our educators and staff care about their students, who they are, where they come from, and who they can become; Our educators get to know their students because they know that when students are connected to a teacher, a class, or their school, students are better able to do their best work; We work together to get better every day; Making our schools extraordinary is about the work we do every day with each other to hone our craft, strengthen our instruction, engage students, and deepen student learning; We aim to be extraordinary because we can be, and because our children, the children of the great city of Gloucester, deserve it and should expect it from their schools.Our district includes a high school serving grades 9 through 12; a middle school for grades 6 through 8; four GradesK through 5 elementary schools; a preschool; and a high school alternative program.Our Strategic Plan for Ongoing Improvement has four priorities: 1. Deepen Student Belonging and Engagement in School2. Strengthen Instruction and Better Connect General and Special Education3. Strengthen Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Support4.
Strengthen Special Education Through Improved Coordination of Services and Specialized InstructionGENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Special Education is responsible for designing, implementing and evaluating services for studentswith disabilities, consistent with state and federal mandates and the districts principle that all children can learn athigh levels. The Director collaborates closely with the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, andAssessment, the Director of Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning, school based special education programleaders, and special education administrators to ensure quality service delivery and access to the general educationprogram in the least restrictive setting. The Director of Special Education is responsible for the development,placement, implementation and evaluation of programs and services for students with disabilities and shallarticulate a clear vision for success.SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs all duties of Director of Special Education as defined by Chapter 766 regulations (M.G.L.c.71B 603 CMR 28.00, 313.0) and ensures district compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations. Exercises general supervision over the screening, referral, evaluation, and placement for all students in need of specialized instruction and services and ensures decision making is based on close analysis of student level data.
Works collaboratively with principals and district office administrators to provide leadership, professional development, and support for integrating special education services and programs with general education. Ensures that students with special needs have full access to the curriculum outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core Standards. Evaluates district and school Special Education programs and monitors the implementation of special education to ensure effective practice and compliance with regulations using a data-based approach to planning and decision making. Oversees students placed out-of-district, ensuring least restrictive placements, and developing cost effective in-district alternatives when feasible and appropriate.
The Director shares the responsibility with school-based Special Education administrators to attend out-of-district meetings and maintain necessary imelines. Manages fiscal resources from the General Fund and state and federal special education entitlement grants, prepares budgets and direct spending, and monitors maintenance of effort, for the purpose of fiscal efficiency and providing required services. Coordinates all Special Education Programs and related programs including: summer ESY programs, homeschool application and approval process, and Safety Care Training. Direct the Medicaid Administrative Claiming process and direct billing of Medicaid-eligible special education services provided by the district, for the purpose of gaining fiscal resources.
Assumes responsibility in legal proceedings and court hearings on any matter pertaining to Special Education. Oversees problem solving, conflict resolution and dispute resolution procedures including negotiation, mediation, and BSEA proceedings Consults with the Director of Transportation, principals, and families to identify students who receive Special Education transportation for students placed in and out of the district. Assists school administrators in the recruitment, selection, supervision, and evaluation of staff. Sets staffing levels for special education programs for the purpose of providing services with fiscal efficiency and fidelity to services required by IEPs.
In collaboration with legal counsel, oversees problem solving, conflict resolution and dispute resolution procedures including negotiation, mediation and Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) proceedings. Ensure effective communication and collaboration with families, including support for the district-wide Special Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC).Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive ofevery task or responsibility