Assistant Superintendent of Special Services

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY
The Assistant Superintendent of Special Services will work to provide quality educational programs for students with disabilities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The Assistant Superintendent of Special Services shall have completed at least the equivalent of the Specialist’s degree in Educational Administration. A Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education Administration is preferred. Five years of prior administrative or supervisory experience is required. Possession of, or eligibility to obtain, Superintendent certification
preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Coordinate the district’s special education program and services.
a. Maintain an annual district description of the special education program.
b. Prepare reports required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and federal government including:
i. Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act – State Performance Plan and
Annual Performance Reports
ii. Free and Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment
iii. Part B expenditure reports
c. Evaluate and supervise the Executive Director of Special Services, Executive Director of Intervention and Behavior Supports, and the Coordinator of Nursing and Health Services.
d. Evaluate the special education program and make recommendations for improvement to the Superintendent.
e. Assist in the formulation and the administration of the special education budget.
f. Direct and supervise the district’s diagnostic testing staff regarding compliance with DESE procedures for special education services.
g. Participate with the building principal in the supervision and evaluation of special education personnel.
h. Collaborate with the Curriculum and Instruction department to enhance the learning outcomes of all students.
i. Assist in the development of in-service activities specific to special education personnel.
j. Promote consistency and coordination of special education programs between buildings and grade levels.
k. Supervise the maintenance of appropriate records.
l. Coordinate and consult with non-public school agencies regarding participation in the special education program.
m. Assist in arranging for contractual placement for the education of students with disabilities who cannot be served in the local district.
n. Coordinate the district’s homebound instruction program.
o. Coordinate and maintain compliance with the requirements of Section 504 procedures.
p. Coordinate special transportation needs for students with the Director of Transportation.
q. Coordinate the annual Extended School Year program for students meeting eligibility requirements.
r. Implement and monitor reimbursement claims for pertinent district programs (Medicaid, billback, etc.).

2. Coordinate district participation in federal and state funding grants related to special programs including:
a. IDEA
b. Early Childhood Education Programs.
c. Early Childhood Special Education.
3. Plan and direct the district’s program of health services.
a. Supervise health services clinic procedures with the Coordinator of Nursing and Health Services,.
b. Monitor and edit the district’s health services handbook with the Coordinator of Nursing and Health Services.
c. Implement state immunization laws and procedures.
d. Monitor and support procedures for reporting suspected child abuse.
e. Ensure regularly scheduled meetings with school nurses.
4. Participate as a contributing member to the general administration of the school district under the direction of the Superintendent.
a. Make recommendations to the Superintendent for modification of Board policies related to special services and notify appropriate people of changes approved by the Board of Education.
b. Develop and oversee the special services department budget.
c. Prepare reports as required by the Superintendent.
d. Support the implementation of the District priorities and Continuous School Improvement Plan, including, but not limited to:
i. Multi-Tiered System of Supports
ii. Professional Learning Communities
iii. Leader in Me
e. Participate in tax levy and bond issue campaigns.
f. Represent the district at appropriate state and local meetings.
g. Attend district administrator’s meetings.
h. Attend meetings of the Board of Education.
i. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

SUPERVISORY DEMANDS
This position involves directly supervising the Executive Director of Special Services, Executive Director of Intervention and Behavior Supports, and Coordinator of Nursing and Health Services. The role requires participating in supervision and evaluation of special education personnel in collaboration with building principals, providing leadership and direction to diagnostic testing staff and special education teams, and managing and coordinating work of multiple departments and external contractors. Essential supervisory functions include resolving personnel conflicts and performance issues within the area of responsibility, delegating responsibilities effectively while maintaining accountability for outcomes, and conducting performance evaluations while providing constructive feedback to direct reports.

MENTAL DEMANDS
This position requires the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of student records and sensitive information in compliance with FERPA and IDEA regulations. The employee must analyze complex data from multiple sources to make evidence-based decisions regarding special education programming and compliance, while interpreting and applying federal and state regulations (IDEA, Section 504, FAPE) to ensure legal compliance. Essential functions
include communicating effectively both orally and in writing with diverse stakeholders including parents, staff, administrators, and external agencies. The role demands strong problem-solving skills to address complex issues involving special education services, budgeting, and personnel management, as well as the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple competing deadlines and responsibilities. The position requires exercising sound judgment in high-stakes situations involving student welfare and legal compliance, and the ability to process and synthesize large volumes of technical information from reports, assessments, and regulatory guidance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires sitting for extended periods during meetings, computer work, and report preparation (up to 6-8 hours daily), as well as standing and walking throughout school buildings and between locations for observations and meetings. The employee must use a computer keyboard and mouse for extended periods for data entry, report writing,
and communication. Essential functions include speaking clearly and projecting voice during presentations to groups ranging from small meetings to large assemblies, listening actively during meetings, phone calls, and one-on-one consultations, and reading and reviewing detailed documents, reports, and data both on screen and in print. The position requires the ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds (files, boxes, equipment) and travel to multiple school sites and external locations as required.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
The Assistant Superintendent of Special Services shall be appointed for a term of one to three years during the month of February. The employee shall be employed on a twelve-month basis.

EVALUATION
Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy on the evaluation of district administrators.