Director of Special Education

Position Title:Director of Special Education Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Professional
Reports to:Executive Director of Student & Staff Services Salary Range: District Salary Scale
Dept./School:Sunnyvale ISD Date: April 21 2026
Length of Work Year: 12 months School Year: 2026-2027

Primary Purpose:
Direct and manage the districts special education program. Ensure that services are provided for special needs students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state federal and local requirements.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Masters degree in Education Education Administration or related educational field
Certified T-TESS Appraiser preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:
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

Experience:
Three years teaching experience in special education
Administrator experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional and Program Management
the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
and implement an 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.
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.
and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
that the necessary time resources materials and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.

Student Management
support for the districts student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.

Policy Reports and Law
the policies established by federal and state law State Board of Education rule and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.
maintain and file all reports records and other documents required.
serve on district behavioral threat assessment and safe and supportive schools team.
district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget and Inventory
and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management
review and revise job descriptions in special education department.
train supervise and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment retention discipline and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations
and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals teachers staff parents and community members.
as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
the districts mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise evaluate and recommend the hiring and firing of special education support staff.

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 twisting
Motion: Repetitive hand motions frequent keyboarding and use of mouse
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Application Procedures:
District Employees: Complete online application through Frontline Applitrack ( and Complete District Transfer form and submit to Human Resources
Outside Applicants: Complete online application through Frontline Applitrack ( and address questions to:

Amy Tutle Executive Director of Student & Staff Services
417 E. Tripp Road
Sunnyvale TX 75182