Director of Special Services Position Available In York, Maine

Director of Special Services Kittery School District Kittery, ME 03904

Posting:

Director of Special ServicesLocation:

Kittery School District, Kittery, MainePosition Type:

Full-time, PermanentStart Date:

July 1, 2025The Superintendent of the Kittery School District (Kittery, Maine) invites dynamic and innovative candidates to apply for the position of Director of Special Services. The position begins July 1, 2025.Kittery, Maine, with a population of 10,000, is Maine’s oldest town. It is located about 50 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts at the southernmost tip of Maine. Kittery is home to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, a state-of-the-art submarine overhaul and maintenance complex. With a picturesque coastline, a rich history, and a robust retail outlet presence, Kittery is a growing residential community with a small town atmosphere. Kittery’s Foreside area is evolving into a popular meeting place for dining and socializing, and its proximity to Portsmouth, New Hampshire offers even greater opportunities for the arts, recreation, and fun!

The Kittery School District serves roughly 1,000 students in three schools: Mitchell Primary School (PK

• Grade 3), Shapleigh School (Grades 4
• 8), and R. W. Traip Academy (Grades 9
• 12).

The Kittery School District is committed to ensuring all students realize their potential as individuals and global citizens. Our schools are safe and engaging environments where students and families feel known and heard. We collaborate and creatively utilize the resources and talents in our community in order to provide personalized learning experiences that prepare students to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Primary ResponsibilitiesThe Special Services Director will be responsible for the organization and administration of special education and related services to students with disabilities The Director ensures that educational services are provided according to local policy, state regulations, and federal regulations. The Director will work as a member of the leadership team in coordination and support of Special Education services throughout the Kittery School District and will work cooperatively with school leadership, instructional faculty, and families to ensure all receive a high-quality education in accordance with student IEPs as well as Maine and Federal requirements. The director will develop and manage the Special Education strategy, the plan, its implementation, and a calendar in order to coordinate Special Education services. In addition, the Director will ensure the Kittery School District’s Special Education program maintains high quality, specially designed instruction across all schools. The Director will design and lead budgeting recommendations and funding distribution among the three schools, maintain information on state funding, and control expenditure budgets for Special Education. The Director will monitor the procedures for the operation of special education programs throughout the School District and ensure compliance with IDEA. The director, in collaboration with building administrators, supervises and evaluates Special Education staff to ensure the highest level of performance and compliance. The director will formulate procedures and practices for new or existing Special Education programs and service delivery (e.g. inclusion model, pull out, etc.), and ensure that all records are effectively maintained and that timelines are consistently met. The Director shall prepare all local, state, and federal reports or other documents as required, chair IEP meetings as necessary, and assume a leadership role in recruiting, hiring, supporting, developing, and evaluating Special Education faculty and staff. In addition, the Director will manage service providers (Education Specialists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical therapists, Psychologists, etc.), and provide leadership to develop collaborative partnerships among special education staff and general education teachers in each District school. Finally, the Director will provide orientation programs for new staff concerning special education services and Section 504. Providing professional development and individual training to special education staff, school Leaders, and general education teachers will also fall within the scope of the Director’s position. This will include research-based interventions, data analysis, and assessment modifications. The new Director of Special Services will join a dedicated District Leadership team composed of an experienced superintendent of schools and curriculum director along with building level principals and assistant principals. The District’s Central Office houses district-level administration as well as Human Resources, Curriculum & Instruction, Special Services, and the Finance Department. The ability to multi-task and manage several responsibilities is critical. Strong written and oral communication skills are also essential for this position. The Director must have the ability to facilitate tactful and supportive communication among staff, students, and parents in order to evaluate situations, solve problems, and resolve conflicts.

A candidate’s application materials must include the following: a cover letter describing qualifications, professional experience, and reasons for interest in the positioncurrent resume3 recent letters of referenceverification of Maine DOE certification 030 (Administrator of Special Education)A completed online application The Kittery School Committee offers a regionally competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please visit the District’s website to learn more about our schools: https://www.kitteryschools.com/For more information, please contact: humanresources@kitteryschools.comKittery Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Kittery Schools ensure equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Kittery Schools has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certified employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact the Department of Human Resources.