Executive Director of Special Education

Hitchcock ISD - Executive Director of Special Education

Campus Description: HISD is a small community located 15 miles north of Galveston and 40 miles south of downtown Houston. The Hitchcock Independent School District is located within Galveston County. It has four campuses in addition to Kids First Head Start. Enrollment is approximately 1,891 students in grades Pre‑kindergarten through 12th grade. The student population is 38% African American, 36.3% Hispanic, 21.2% White and 3.7% multiracial. There is an overall rate of 82.8% for economically disadvantaged.

Primary Purpose: Direct and manage the district’s special education program. Ensure services are provided for special needs students, and individualized education plans meet the needs of all students. Warrant compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements.

Qualifications:

Education / Certification

• Master’s degree
• Principal Certification (Preferred)

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Knowledge of federal and state special education law
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience

• 3 years teaching experience in special education
• 3 years experience in leadership roles

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional and Program Management

• Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
• Ensure that necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support educational goals are available. Encourage and support innovative instructional programs.
• Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Take an active role in formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.

Student Management

• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy in special education.
• Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• May serve on district behavioral threat assessment and safe and supportive schools team.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Budget and Inventory

• Develop and administer the special education budget and ensure operations are cost effective and funds managed wisely.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of special education support staff.

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors

• Tools / Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboard and mouse use.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel.
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.
• Note: To meet the executive exemption test, the primary duty must be management and the employee must supervise at least two full‑time employees.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

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