26-27 #49 - Director of Special Education

Position Details

Director of Special Education Reports to: Superintendent Assignment: 260 days/year; Act 93 Position 2026/2027 Salary Range: $113,970 - $148,165 FLSA Status: Exempt Position Purpose This position is responsible for the overall leadership and operation of Special Education programs in the school district. Work as the liaison between district employees, students, parents, and community for special education programs. Provides management of department objectives within the educational mission of the school district and ensures compliance with federal and state laws and district policies. Essential Job Functions: Special Education Leadership 1. Serve as one of the primary administrators of the school district, leading the district in special education programming that ensures student success. 2. Develop and maintain programs necessary for instruction of diverse learners so all students receive a free and appropriate public education. 3. Oversee and evaluate the school district special education program and make recommendations for its continuous improvement. 4. Coordinate and collaborate with special education administrators and staff on the needs and student service delivery models that best serve the district. 5. Serve as a resource to district staff, agency personnel, and parents in matters pertaining to special education regulations and programming. 6. Supervise and coordinate state and federal reporting for all special education programs. 7. Coordinate the transition of early intervention students into school-age programming. 8. Oversee and allocate related services from contracted providers. 9. Engage with academic administrators and staff to connect regular education systems of support with special education where appropriate. 10. Assist principals and administrators to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning and the effectiveness of the academic program. 11. Serve as a Local Education Agency representative as needed. 12. Collaborate with the Superintendent and other district leaders to provide visionary leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs and practices that promote student success. 13. Collaborate with the Superintendent regarding all special education legal matters. Professional Development 1. Lead and support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of professional development programs for special education staff. 2. Attend meetings of CAIU, external agencies, consortium, and various professional organizations as well as keep informed of current educational trends by attending various conferences, seminars and relevant professional development activities. Personnel 1. Nurture and sustain a culture of collaboration, trust, learning and high expectations. 2. Assist in the district hiring process to ensure that quality employees are being recruited, hired, trained and retained in special education. 3. Supervise personnel as assigned. Budget and Finance 1. Develops a fiscally responsible annual building budget that serves the needs of students, staff and programs. Develops, manages and maintains the system of internal accounting for the department according to approved Business Office practices. 2. Reviews and approves requisitions for special education curriculum materials, supplies and equipment. 3. Responsible for completion of district, federal and state reporting including grant submissions connected to special education. Community Relations 1. Maintain positive public relations and open communication with parents and the community. 2. Serve as a district and school ambassador by attending a variety of public meetings, including, but not limited to, school activities, board meetings, district meetings and other special events. Additional Duties Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent. Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. Equipment Used Standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier, and telephone. Travel Requirements Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles and behavioral management methods. Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision. Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans. Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding special education, students, and staff. Knowledge of school law and student discipline. Ability to use various software tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, and various web-based applications. Ability to organize and coordinate work. Ability to develop and implement projects. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents. Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints. Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. Confidentiality and attention to detail essential. Qualifications Profile Certification/License PA Supervisor of Special Education Certification or Principal's Certification or Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation. Education Minimum of a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university. Experience Minimum of five (5) years administrative experiences in a multi-state public educational setting, including building-level administration. Successful administrative experience in special education preferred. Supervision Received and Exercised This position is directly responsible to the Superintendent. Supervises assigned personnel. Physical / Mental/ Environmental Activities: Sitting 80%, walking/standing 20%, occasional lifting required up to 25 lbs Vision: Normal; Close vision, color vision and ability to focus Mental Demands: Ability to interpret, analyze, problem solve; detailed written and verbal communications Environment: Office environment with moderate noise level Employee must be able to accomplish the performance responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their Supervisor of any and all reasonable accommodation requests. Northern York County School District is an equal opportunity employer.