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Director of Special Education

Ames Community School District
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Join Ames Community School District, where your journey matters! ACSD promotes an educational environment that is racially, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse to broaden students' academic experience and to enrich our District. We are focused on creating and supporting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion within the organizational culture and in our community.

We are seeking a Director of Special Education for the 2021-2022 school year.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Ames Community School District is to ensure that all learners develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and personal esteem necessary to grow in and shape a changing society.


SUMMARY
The Director of Special Education is responsible for implementing and maintaining Pre-K-12 Special Education and Section 504 programs and services in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements while serving as a subject matter expert and leader to the school community. The Director ensures equitable practices for students with a focus on eliminating systems and structures of segregation. The Director aligns the District’s special services, programs, plans, and actions to the district special education service delivery plan and ensures compliance with federal and state laws and school board policies. The Director is a member of the District’s Leadership Cabinet and works closely with district leaders and principals to integrate general and special education services. The Director also serves as the District’s representative at many meetings, functions, and discussions with parents, community agencies, and state officials concerning special education and related issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Implements Special Education and Section 504 policy, program, and procedural recommendations to the Board and administrative staff consistent with the District’s purpose and priorities.
  • Provides professional development leadership for administrators, special education teachers, and educational associates in collaboration with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
  • Assists building administrators in the development of special education rosters in accordance with the District’s Caseload Determination Document as a part of the Ames Service Delivery Plan.
  • Collaborates with building administrators in the implementation and delivery of comprehensive PK-12 special education program.
  • Supports administrators in supervising district-level special education staff.
  • Serves as principal/lead administrator for Beloit.
  • Serves as the District liaison for school nurses.
  • Manages the District’s special education fiscal resources responsibly and effectively, implements and controls departmental budget; ensures all functions and programs are performed within established budget parameters.
  • Coordinates special education site accreditation reviews (state and federal).
  • Responsible for compiling and maintaining all reports, records, and other documents legally required or administratively useful.
  • Serves as the Section 504 Compliance Officer.
  • Serves as alternate Level 1 investigator for child abuse allegations.
  • Serves as an advocate for Critical Consciousness.
  • Plans and administers a system for providing support, technical assistance, consultation, professional development, and supervision to all Special Education staff.
  • Oversees District Medicaid claims process.
  • Develops and maintains effective communication with staff and parents.
  • Develops and maintains complete and cumulative records of all children receiving special services or enrolled in special classes.
  • Develops and maintains a strong special education partnership with Heartland AEA and their regional administrators.
  • Selects and hires special education staff in compliance with District processes, ensuring appropriate certification and qualifications.
  • Supervises and evaluates direct reports.
  • Supports the coordination of student transportation services related to special programs.
  • Supports the coordination of busing services.
  • Serves as a liaison to parents in resolving concerns in a timely manner.
  • Keeps the Superintendent apprised of all relevant matters.
  • Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, school personnel, and outside agencies associated with the school.
  • Advocates for the needs of children.
  • Monitors special education student enrollments and staffing numbers.
  • Determines the type and location of district special education programs.
  • Recommends Board Policies related to areas of responsibility and cooperatively develops administrative guidelines as needed.
  • Works with parents, as needed, to provide FAPE to all special education students.
  • Maintains professional growth through graduate work, professional organizations, seminars, and reading-related professional literature.
  • Attends all board meetings to serve as a resource person to the Superintendency and the Board.  
  • Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s Degree in Special Education.
  • Iowa Administrator license with an endorsement for Director of Special Education or PK-12 Principal/PK-12 Special Education Supervisor, or alternative endorsement as accepted by the Iowa BOEE.
  • Evaluator Approval licensure.
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in the field of Special Education preferred.
  • Special Education Certification preferred.
  • Teaching experience in a special education program preferred.
  • Successful experience as a building level administrator preferred.
  • Computer competency required. Experience with multiple forms of technology is preferred.
  • Flexibility to quickly adapt to changing work environments and assignments as needed.
  • Ability to pass a background check required.


Compensation:
$127,000 plus competitive benefits package

The successful candidate will exhibit:
  • Knowledge of the Code of Iowa and Board Policy.
  • Extensive knowledge of federal and state 504 and special education rules and regulations.
  • Knowledge of current educational issues and their impact on the educational program.
  • Ability to create high expectations for students, faculty, staff, and the community.
  • Trained and knowledgeable in the area of equity and critical consciousness.
  • Excellent problem analysis and problem-solving skills can seek out relevant data, analyze complex information, and determine essential elements of a situation.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with District employees, the general public, and outside agencies.
  • Ability to take direction from the Superintendent and the Board of Education.
  • Use conflict resolution skills and can maintain respect when dealing with persons of differing opinions.
  • Ability to stay current with new student services and the need to help students be successful in school.
  • Ability to stay current with school finance, budget, and accounting practices.
  • Knowledge of Instructional Leadership and building-level management.
  • Consideration of the impact on the district as a whole when making decisions. Has effective professional oral and written communication skills with all stakeholders, including, but not limited to, colleagues, policy-makers, community members, and parents.
  • Self-direction and can prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously, so tasks are completed in a reasonable manner.
  • Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and human rights.
  • Knowledge of processes to address cultural diversity and associated issues related to student performance and instructional methodology.
  • Knowledge of processes and procedures to address the effective implementation of least restrictive environment requirements including implementing the district’s special education service delivery plan.
  • Knowledge and application of the Board of Educational Examiners Code of Ethics.
  • Knowledge and application of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards.

Closing Date:
January 20, 2021

Required Application Materials:
  • Three (3) current reference letters
  • Administrative certificate 
  • College transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable with application)
  • Resume
  • Letter of Introduction


All employees of the Ames Community School District must pass a background check. ACSD is an E-Verify employer.

To learn more about the Ames Community School District, visit our websites:
It is the policy of the Ames Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Kristin Johnson, Human Resources Director, kristin.johnson@ames.k12.ia.us, District Offices, 2005 24th St. Ames, IA 50010, (515) 268-6610.