Job Description:
Purpose of position

The Director of Special Education and Pupil Services is a key member of an LEA’s executive administrative team, responsible for the leadership, coordination, and evaluation of special education, student and pupil services programs and services. This position ensures the effective development, implementation, and supervision of high-quality programs that address the academic, behavioral, emotional, and health-related needs of all students, including those with disabilities. The Director leads initiatives to enhance school climate, student achievement, and legal compliance, while fostering collaboration among internal and external stakeholders.
 
Essential Functions

• Provide visionary leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating K–12 special education and pupil services programming, including, mental health, nursing, counselors, social worker, and behavior support.
• Support noncurricular initiatives of a district to assure effective and efficient delivery to supportive services to students, families, and community.
• Support safety and crisis coordination for emergency response initiatives with county and other stakeholders and organizations.
• Using a continuous improvement model, design and execute action plans aligned with strategic priorities and continuous improvement goals, monitor the effectiveness of all education programming, and provide guidance on necessary programmatic changes and expectations to ensure increased student achievement and social-emotional learning for students.
• Collaborate with the cabinet, school leaders, and staff to align programming with the district’s mission, vision, and improvement goals.
• Supervise and support the special education and pupils administrator and other direct reports, providing feedback that fosters professional growth and program excellence.
• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of evidence-based practices and curriculum across all programs serving students with and without disabilities.
• Evaluate and ensure the effectiveness of behavioral and discipline practices district-wide; regularly analyze data to inform strategies that promote safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments.
• Oversee the coordination of Central Registration, home school registration, and ensure data quality for PIMS and state-mandated reporting.
• Ensure all guidance departments work collaboratively to develop post-secondary plans for students with disabilities and provide college and career readiness activities beginning in earlier years of schooling.
• Serve as a key resource and liaison to families and community partners, addressing parent concerns with an emphasis on responsiveness, transparency, and customer service.
• Collaborate with school principals to review and revise student discipline handbooks annually; ensure compliance with Chapters 14, 15, 16, and all federal and state laws.
• Develop and manage the special education and pupil services budget; recommend special education staffing and caseload allocations to meet student needs in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
• Coordinate the design and submission of Extended School Year (ESY) proposals and lead summer programming planning for eligible students.
• Ensure adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements, including IDEA, Section 504, Title IX, and PA School Code.
• Champion staff development by embedding high-quality, job-embedded professional learning and coaching into all areas of responsibility, supporting improved instructional practices and compliance across the district.
• Facilitate consistent communication with staff through team meetings, individual coaching, and walkthroughs, ensuring shared ownership of goals and expectations.
• Contribute to comprehensive planning, district improvement plans, and school-level planning efforts, emphasizing data use and inclusive practices.
• Oversee report preparation and submission of data for federal, state, and district monitoring of education programs.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
• Confidentiality and Ethical Standard Uphold the confidentiality of privileged information.