Director of Special Education

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid New Jersey certification as Principal or School Administrator.
• Minimum of three years of successful leadership experience in special education.
• Experience serving on a Child Study Team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and case law governing special education programs and services.
• Strong background in program development, compliance monitoring and collaborative leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with administrators, faculty, families and outside agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Services and Program Coordination

• Oversee programs and placements for students receiving specialized services, including out-of-district and residential placements when necessary.
• Coordinate services and supports with Child Study Teams, administrators, and outside agencies.
• Work collaboratively with school leaders to ensure students receive appropriate services in the least restrictive environment.
• Support district efforts to strengthen systems of intervention and support for students experiencing academic or behavioral challenges.

Program Development and Strategic Planning

• Analyze district data related to special education identification rates, program utilization, and out-of-district placements to identify trends and emerging student needs.
• Identify opportunities to expand or develop in-district special education programs that increase the district’s capacity to serve students in the least restrictive environment while reducing reliance on out-of-district placements when appropriate.
• Collaborate with building administrators to plan staffing, space, and resources necessary to implement new or expanded programs designed to meet the evolving needs of students with disabilities.
• Develop and maintain systems for monitoring program effectiveness, including the use of data dashboards and outcome measures that track student progress and program performance.
• Promote and support the expansion of inclusive practices within general education classrooms, working collaboratively with curriculum leaders and school administrators to strengthen access to grade-level instruction for students with disabilities.
• Use program evaluation findings to recommend adjustments to services, staffing models, and program structures that improve outcomes for students.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure district compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing special education.
• Monitor timelines and procedural safeguards related to identification, evaluation, placement, and services for students with disabilities.
• Oversee preparation for state and federal monitoring reviews and coordinate corrective action plans when necessary.
• Maintain awareness of legislative and regulatory changes affecting special education and advise district leadership accordingly.

Budget and Resource Management

• Analyze program needs and assist in the development and management of the special education budget.
• Identify opportunities for state and federal funding to support special education initiatives.
• Oversee the preparation, implementation, and reporting requirements for applicable state and federal grants.

Health Services Leadership

• Oversee the district’s health services program for students in preschool through grade 12.
• Supervise and evaluate school nurses in collaboration with building administrators to ensure consistent implementation of district health protocols and student support practices.
• Coordinate with school administrators and health staff to ensure appropriate medical supports are in place for students with health-related needs that impact school participation.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations governing school health services, student health records, and medical procedures in schools.
• Support the development and implementation of districtwide health procedures, training, and communication related to student wellness and safety.
• Serve as a resource to school leaders regarding health-related student needs and emerging public health guidance.

Collaboration and Community Partnerships

• Work cooperatively with building administrators in the development, staffing, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs.
• Collaborate with central office administrators to support district professional learning initiatives related to inclusive practices and special education services.
• Serve as a liaison to community organizations and outside agencies that provide services to students with disabilities.
• Support the development of family engagement opportunities to help parents better understand special education services and supports available in the district.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Contract Terms:  Twelve months.

You MUST fill out the ONLINE APPLICATION to be considered for this position.  We DO NOT ACCEPT paper resumes, paper applications, faxes or emails.

Please complete application at: www.applitrack.com/msdk12/onlineapp

• Upload resume
• Upload All New Jersey Certificate(s)
• Upload All Transcripts (Undergraduate & Graduate) 

The Morris School District offers a competitive salary and benefits package.  We are an equal opportunity employer/AA

Salary: In accordance with the established Morris School District  Salary Guide currently ranging from $140k- $180k.
Benefits:  Full-time employees are eligible for medical, prescription, and dental benefits. Sick, personal and bereavement day allotments are included.

Effective September 1, 2011, The New Jersey First Act implemented May 17, 2011, requires all employees of a school district to reside in the state of New Jersey. Employees of the Morris School District hired after the effective date who do not reside in the State of New Jersey at the time of hire have one year from the effective date of employment to relocate their primary residence to New Jersey. Employees of the school district hired prior to the September 1, 2011 effective date of this Act are grandfathered and are not required to relocate to New Jersey.