Description
POSITION TITLE: Executive Director of Special Education
FLSA Status: Exempt
LOCATION: District Office
JOB GOAL:
The Executive Director of Special Services provides district-wide leadership, oversight, and accountability for all special education and related services. This role ensures that Battle Ground Public Schools fully meets its obligations under IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and RCW 28A.155, including delivery of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
This position serves as the district's primary authority on special education compliance, legal matters, and program implementation, and is responsible for aligning services, staffing, and budget with student needs and regulatory requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field from an accredited institution
2. Valid Washington State Administrator Certificate (Principal or Program Administrator)
3. Minimum of five (5) years of successful leadership experience in special education (building and/or district level)
4. Demonstrated expertise in:
*IDEA, Section 504, ADA
*WAC 392-172A and RCW 28A.155
*Due process, compliance monitoring, and audit systems
5. Demonstrated experience managing complex program budgets, including federal and state funding sources
6. Demonstrated ability in organizational leadership, systems design, and continuous improvement
7. Strong skills in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making in high-stakes environments
8. Demonstrated effective communication and ability to work with diverse stakeholders
9. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent
SUPERVISES:
*Directors / Coordinators of Special Education
*Related services leadership (psychologists, SLP, OT/PT oversight as assigned)
*Classified and certificated staff within Special Services
*Program supervisor and support staff
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Serve as the district's lead executive for all special education and related services programs
2. Advise the Superintendent and Board on compliance, legal risk, program performance, and resource allocation
3. Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, RCW 28A.155, and WAC 392-172A
4. IEP systems, evaluations, eligibility, service delivery, and Child Find
5. Lead district response to due process hearings, complaints, OSPI monitoring, and legal inquiries
6. Ensure alignment of board policy, procedures, and program implementation; maintain audit-ready systems
7. Develop and manage the Special Services budget, including state, federal (IDEA), Safety Net, and Medicaid funding
8. Align staffing and resources with student needs and legal service requirements
9. Monitor expenditures, ensure grant compliance, and provide budget forecasts and recommendations
10. Ensure a full continuum of services aligned to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
11. Oversee development and evaluation of programs (PreK-Transition), including ESY and out-of-district placements
12. Monitor program effectiveness using data, compliance indicators, and student outcomes
13. Direct hiring, supervision, and evaluation of Special Services staff
14. Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements and partner with HR on staffing, discipline, and organizational structure
15. Ensure accurate and timely federal, state, and local reporting
16. Oversee data systems and use data to drive compliance, improvement, and resource decisions
17. Serve as an escalation point for parent concerns and dispute resolution
18. Collaborate with families, ESD 112, and state agencies; lead inclusive and equitable practices aligned to district systems
19. Perform other related duties as assigned.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Work Year: 12 months, 260 days
Salary: Determined annually by the Board of Directors
Benefits: Determined annually by the Board of Directors include Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Phone and Auto Allowance
EVALUATION:
The performance of this position will be evaluated according to the Board's policy for Central Office Administrators, using the WASA Central Office Leadership Framework.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The noise and light levels in the work environment are usually moderate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to operate office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions herein described. As every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may reasonably be considered incidental in the performing of their duties as though they were included in this job description.
