Executive Director of Special Education 2026-2027

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Executive Director for Special Education is a critical leadership role that directly affects the acceleration if improved student outcomes for student receiving special education services. Directs monitors and strengthens programs and ensures all services are implemented within federal state and local regulations. Responsible for program management including the supervision of staff in assigned areas.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Masters degree from an accredited university
• SBEC Special Education (EC-12) required
• Valid Texas Principal Certification preferred
• Valid Texas Drivers License
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong instructional and operational leadership
• Knowledge of administration techniques and programs that serve students receiving Special Education
• Knowledge of the state and federal requirements and laws as they relate to the evaluation identification and services for Special Education and Section 504; a thorough understanding of curriculum and instruction and other student-related
• Ability to use computer technology in administrative and educational settings; excellent organizational
• Demonstrated oral and written communication
• Problem-solving and consensus-building
• The ability to delegate responsibilities effectively is of critical

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience in Special Education.
• Minimum of three (3) years of administrative experience at campus or district level.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities skills efforts or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

• Create a vision in the community of the role of Special Education in ensuring success for every child and provide leadership in developing a collaborative culture within the Department of Special Education.
• Oversee 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.
• Develop 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.
• 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 accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
• Direct 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.
• Demonstrate support for the districts student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education programs.
• Implement 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.
• Compile maintain and file all reports records and other documents required.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Prepare review and revise job descriptions in special education department.
• Select train supervise and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment retention discipline and dismissal.
• 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 districts 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.
• Must complete designated district technology proficiencies each year
• Requires a basic knowledge of technology/computer skills
• Ability to use personal computer to access district programs emails and other resources
• Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Ensure compliance with the Texas Educators Code of Ethics
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise evaluate and recommend the hiring of special education support staff.*

Equipment Used:

• Office equipment personal computer and peripherals
• Communication equipment radio communication equipment cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) interpret policies and procedures reason read understand verbal instructions analyze differentiate coordinate compile and instruct
• Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands

• Frequent: Sitting standing walking climbing stairs and/or ramps balancing stooping kneeling crouching crawling pulling pushing reaching repetitive hand motions hearing speaking clearly visual acuity distinguishing colors driving traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting moderate 15-44 pounds; carrying moderate 15-44 pounds

Environmental Factors

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold) humidity extremes noise low or intense illumination vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases bacteria insects mold fungi etc.) work outside work around moving objects or vehicles work on uneven surfaces work alone work prolonged or irregular hours.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race color national origin age religion sex marital or veteran status the presence of a medical condition disability or any other legally protected status.

Required Experience:

Director