Executive Director of Special Education

Job Description: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Job Title:

Executive Director of Special Education

Duty Days:

226

Reports to:

Assistant Superintendent of Learning

Pay Grade:

Admin 5

Dept/School:

Special Education

Pay Schedule:

Administrative Pay Scale

Wage/Hour:

Exempt

Date Revised:

2026

Primary Purpose

Direct and manage the district's special education program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students. Provide districtwide executive leadership, strategic oversight, and long-range planning to ensure the delivery of free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all eligible students. Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements and alignment of special education services with district goals and board priorities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master's degree in Special Education

Valid Texas Special Education Teacher Certification

Valid Texas Principal Certification, 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:

3 years teaching experience in special education

3 years' experience in special education evaluation

3 years' experience in administration level position, preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional and Program Management

• Direct and manage special education programs and services to meet students' needs across the district.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis through districtwide data systems and monitoring protocols, and that the findings are used to make programmatic and strategic improvements.
• Oversee districtwide systems, resources, and supports that enhance instructional delivery and service effectiveness.
• Serve as the district's senior authority for special education compliance, including TEA monitoring, corrective action plans, state complaints, mediation, and due process hearings.
• Interpret federal and state special education law and recommend district policy, procedures, and staffing models to executive leadership.
• Develop, manage, and oversee the districtwide special education budget, including staffing formulas, contracted services, and resource allocation.
• Supervise and provide strategic direction to directors, coordinators, and district-level special education leadership staff.
• Acts as the district designee and decision maker for special education compliance determinations.
• Represents the district in high risk or escalated legal and regulatory matters related to special education.

Student Management

• Direct and manage the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education programs.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Enforce implementation of 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.
• Oversee the compilation, maintenance, and filing of all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Oversight of the district behavioral threat assessment and safe and supportive schools' team.
• Oversight and implementation of district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget and Inventory

• 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.

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.