Director of Special Education & Student Services

Director of Special Education & Student Services Langley, WA Job Details Full-time $160,000 - $200,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Employee assistance program Vision insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Working with individuals with developmental disabilities Teamwork Fiscal management Working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders Teaching Certification Hiring Working with students Crisis management Special Education Certification School administrator certification Full Job Description Director of Special Education and Student Services South Whidbey School District No. 206 Position Overview The Director of Special Education and Student Services provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all programs serving students with disabilities and diverse learning needs birth through 22. For the 2026-2027 school year, this role is primarily focused (100%) on Special Education to address system supports and recommendations outlined in the district's program review. Following this period, the role transitions to a split

FTE:

• 0.6

FTE:

Dedicated to Special Education leadership. • 0.4

FTE:

Dedicated to student services, program oversight, and specific school-based leadership support as defined by the Superintendent. Core Responsibilities & Essential FunctionsSpecial Education Leadership (Primary Focus) •

Systemic Growth:

Lead the district's effort to ensure students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) access rich, challenging, and inspiring learning opportunities. Collaborate with parents, staff, and outside agencies to support clear communication, resolution of concerns and ensure individual student programs are implemented appropriately and in compliance with procedural safeguards, in coordination with school leadership. •

Compliance & Due Process:

Assure strict compliance with federal, state, and local laws (IDEA, WAC). Ensure legally compliant administration of special education services, including oversight of due process, OSPI complaints, legal coordination, out-of-district placements, and extended school year services. •

Instructional Support:

Use data and research-based practices to design the implementation and continuous improvement of programs and materials that provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). •

Staff Development:

Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate certificated and classified special education staff. Provide leadership in the writing of legally compliant evaluations, IEPs, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP). •

Transition Planning:

Plan and lead the implementation of effective student transitions between preK, elementary and secondary programs, focusing on communication, transparency, and continuity of services. •

Fiscal Management:

Lead and assist with budget planning and program staffing to maximize resources and student services. Student Services & Administrative Support •

Program Oversight:

Assist in overseeing student services and supports as identified by organizational needs and the Superintendent. •

School-Based Support:

Provide designated leadership support to specific schools as identified by organizational needs and the Superintendent. •

Crisis Management:

Provide leadership, training and support for the reporting of incidents regarding child safety and substance abuse to maintain and proactively foster a positive and safe learning environment. Desired Skills & Expertise •

Collaborative Leadership:

Serve as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet, collaborating with colleagues to align services with student learning goals. •

Communication:

Ability to formulate and communicate a clear vision for exceptional needs and maintain effective relationships within a multicultural community. •

Conflict Resolution:

Proven ability to manage conflict, resolve problems, and deal professionally with distraught or angry individuals. •

Fiscal Management:

Assist with budget planning and program staffing to maximize resources. Minimum Qualifications •

Certification:

Valid Washington State Administrator Certificate. •

Education Credentials:

Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate or Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate. •

Experience:

Demonstrated experience and leadership working with students and families with special needs (e.g., autism, behavior disorders). •

Clearances:

Successful Washington State Patrol and FBI fingerprint clearance. •

Mobility:

Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of mobility. Work Environment •

Setting:

A variety of school, management, and community settings requiring flexibility and evening meetings. •

Physical Demands:

Must be able to handle constant interruptions, meet inflexible deadlines, and perform physical tasks such as standing for long periods, bending, or kneeling. •

Health & Safety:

Exposure to infectious diseases and high-stress environments involving conflict resolution is possible. The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assigned. The South Whidbey School District #206 (SWSD) does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance, Title IX, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator - Principal John Patton , 360-221-4300, . Section 504/ADA Coordinator - Superintendent Becky Clifford , 360-221-6100, , 5675 Maxwelton Road, Langley, WA 98260. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: https://www.sw.wednet.edu/resources/title-ix SWSD Title IX training is available to all employees and is linked on our website here.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$160,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person