Job Description

ST. CROIX RIVER EDUCATION DISTRICT

Director of Special Education Job Description

MISSION

Through data-based decision making, meaningful collaboration, and implementation of innovative, evidence-based practices, the St. Croix River Education District will be a leader in maximizing outcomes for all learners.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Special Education provides ongoing leadership, coordination, and oversight of the provision of special education services in compliance with state and federal special education laws. The Director of Special Education is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities have access to free and appropriate education programs in the least restrictive environment. Furthermore, the Director of Special Education defines and champions change initiatives, organizational strategies, and effective practices aligned with the mission of SCRED.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Professional Learning
   1. Develop the vision for the professional learning program in collaboration with the SCRED Services Coordination Team to ensure alignment with SCRED goals and messaging across service areas.
   2. Facilitate professional learning in alignment with SCREDs vision, using effective adult learning strategies on a variety of topics, including due process, special education programming, section 504, and MTSS implementation.
   3. Convey consistent messaging across SCRED and its member districts to provide clear guidance and critical updates and promote ongoing professional learning.
   4. Direct the creation of resources and guidance to enhance professional learning and/or provide guidance to member district staff.
   5. Facilitate and/or participate in various stakeholder meetings, work groups, and networking opportunities.
2. Consultation
   1. Provide comprehensive and consistent technical assistance on legal and regulatory compliance in the areas of special education, Section 504, and MTSS.
   2. Consult with Special Services Supervisors and/or school teams regarding challenging student cases and parental disagreements.
   3. Serve as the lead liaison between SCRED, its member districts, and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
   4. Lead teams through, and participate in, alternative dispute resolution activities with the MDE, as appropriate.
3. Administrative Processes
   1. Administer the Total Special Education System (TSES) for SCRED and each of its member districts.
   2. Develop and maintain special education guidelines related to various special education processes.
   3. Implement the Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process (CIMP) cycle.
   4. Oversee the implementation of procedures related to child find and child count.
   5. Ensure proper data collection for the Special Education Data Reporting Application (SEDRA) for SCRED and its member districts.
   6. Lead SCRED and its member districts through the States special education compliance monitoring processes.
   7. Respond to complaints and due process hearing requests filed with the MDE.
   8. Ensure the implementation of Extended School Year programs in collaboration with Special Services Supervisors and district administrators.
4. System-level Coordination
   1. Facilitate SCREDs Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), on behalf of all stakeholders.
   2. Develop, direct, and provide ongoing leadership, coordination, and oversight of special services programming across SCRED and its member districts.
   3. Oversee SCRED student programs.
   4. Support the implementation of MTSS within district(s) of assignment to meet the needs of all students.
   5. Ensure the implementation of Extended School Year (ESY) programs in collaboration with Special Services Supervisors and district administrators.
   6. Direct the evaluation of special services programming and student outcomes as part of a continuous improvement process.
5. Business Functions
   1. Recruit, select, supervise, and evaluate the performance of designated education district positions.
   2. Anticipate member district needs and create ongoing feedback mechanisms; identify and champion opportunities for the development and implementation of services.
   3. Communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders including board members, community members, and other educational partners.
   4. Assist the Executive Director and Business Manager in the preparation and monitoring of the SCRED budget, including making recommendations for staff and services based on stakeholder needs.
   5. Maintain accurate records for the schools, including state reports, student records, and personnel records.
   6. Monitor and coordinate Minnesota Health Care Program (MHCP) processes.
6. Other duties
   1. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education & Training Work Experience
   1. Minimum: Masters Degree in Special Education or Related Field; Completion of Educational Administrative Licensure Program.
   2. Preferred: Education Specialist in Special Education or Related Field.
   3. Preferred: Three or more years working in administration within an education consortium or at the central office level, including experience in special education.
2. Licensure/Certification
   1. Minimum: Director of Special Education License.
3. Personal Skills
   1. Ability to lead collaborative work.
   2. Strategic planning and direction.
   3. A passion and willingness to learn.
   4. Strong oral and written communication skills.
   5. Adaptability based on changing needs.
   6. Solutions-focused problem-solving skills.
   7. Ability to negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts.

Additional Information

Supervision
Reports to the Executive Director

Physical Demands
Travel within and occasionally outside of the SCRED member districts.
Frequent computer use including long periods without movement.
Occasional prolonged standing due to facilitation of professional learning.

The information contained in this Job Description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assigned. The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met or will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Education District and employee and is subject to change by the Education District as the needs and requirements of the position change.

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