Director of Special Education

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANTICIPATED POSITION

DISTRICT

POSITION:Director of Special Education

The Ludlow Public School District is anticipating looking for a dynamic and innovative person to work collaboratively with LPS staff, families, students, and communities as the Director of Special Education starting July 1, 2026.

The Director of Special Education:Develops and coordinates system-wide special education to meet the needs of students in an educationally and fiscally responsible manner;

Is accountable for overall direction, coordination and evaluation of all units assigned to Special Education, including Out of District placement and Alternative Programs, in accordance with local, state and federal mandates to maximize students' ability to learn and function effectively;

Engages with all staff throughout the district, as well as parent communication and community/agency outreach

RESPONSIBILITIES:Function as a contributing leader in the central office team to advocate for high expectations for all students through a myriad of effective programs, services and curriculum that maximize student potential in a cost-effective manner

Provide purpose, technical direction and advice to administrators, building principals and instructional staff as they relate to the issues of federal and state grants and legal compliance with mandated regulations and laws

Work collaboratively with all constituencies including district and building administrators, staff, Parents Advisory Council, parents and outside agencies

Supervise, coordinate and evaluate programs to support the system's vision and to provide clear direction and establish consistent procedural practices

Develop best practices for the provision of seamless services on a proactive basis

Respond daily to resolve issues and crises and allocate required resources to insure district's compliance with state and federal regulations and open communication with various constituencies

Respond directly to parents, advocates or legal counsel on disputed matters which require resolution outside of building-based operations

Analyze and report on the status of the budgets within all departmental units, implement and monitor a system for controlling expenditures

Seek, apply for and administer state and federal grants related to Special Education

Coordinate a comprehensive special education program to prepare all students to successfully take the MCAS and perform at the highest possible level

Submit program documentation and statistical reports as required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including but not limited to, federal grants allocations and entitlements. This includes, but not limited to, all Special Education Indicators, the Conditions of Assistance: IDEA Part B Funding Certifications, Circuit Breaker submissions, Equitable Services planning for privately placed and homeschool students and Tier Focus Monitoring activities.

Design, implement and evaluate procedures for pre-referral, referral, placement, assignment and reappraisal of students receiving pupil personnel services.

Attend and participate in local, regional and state meetings as designated representative of the district and communicate salient information to responsible constituencies. Work effectively with collaboratives in which we maintain membership as well as all other local collaboratives that will assist our students.

Plan staff development and training programs for each specialized unit in the area of responsibility

Oversee Medicaid Reimbursement

Oversee Special Education Transportation

Develop and maintain complete and cumulative individual records of all children receiving services through special education as required by state and federal regulations. Interpret the programs and objectives of areas of responsibility to the Superintendent, School Committee, staff and public

Occasional night work required; attendance at School Committee meetings when required by the Superintendent.

Coordinate and oversee McKinney-Vento process

Responsible for Home/Hospital tutoring

Perform related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:To be considered for the position, candidates must have the following:A Massachusetts Educator License as a Special Education AdministratorA Master's Degree in Education or a related fieldA minimum of five years teaching/related service experienceA minimum of three years as a special education administrator/related experience

REPORTS TO:Superintendent of Schools

SALARY:$125,000-$135,000 per yearPersonal Service Contract

STARTING DATE:July 1, 2026