Director of Special Services

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
7/8/2024

Location:
District Office/District Wide

Date Available:
07/15/2024Lakeville Area Schools (Independent School District No. 194) is a growing and award-winning school district located in the south metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota. The district serves nearly 12,000 students in Lakeville, parts of Burnsville and Elko New Market, and portions of Eureka, Credit River and New Market Township. There are eight elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, an Area Learning Center, an online K-12 school, early childhood programming, and lifelong learning opportunities through Lakeville Area Community Education. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities that ensure academic, social, civic and personal readiness for every student. Learn more at www.isd194.org.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Special Services will be involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of all special education programs and services with the primary goal of improving student learning. This is a 12 month/260 days a year position.

WHAT YOU'LL LIKE ABOUT US:

• Comprehensive and affordable benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 403(b) Plan & matching
• HRA
• Salary Range: $135,000 - $142,000

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:

Provide leadership and support to special education staff in the areas of curriculum development
and differentiation, instructional strategies, behavior intervention, disciplinary issues, and due
process requirements district wide (Part C & Part B).

Coordinate and oversee district student health services.

Oversee third-party billing process, manage revenue and expenditures.

Direct personnel-related issues including posting positions; screening, interviewing, and hiring
applicants; and completing required human resources documentation for all licensed and non-licensed
special education staff. Provide for recruitment, mentorship, and retention of high-quality personnel.

Evaluate district-level Special Education Coordinators, Lead Teachers and any other assigned leaders
following district procedures. When necessary, develop professional improvement plans to address
employee performance issues in collaboration with other administrators.

Oversee district Extended School Year (ESY) program including staffing, budget, and program
design/deployment.

Coordinate all dispute resolution processes and independent educational evaluations (IEEs) requests.

Assist in program evaluation including critical analysis of the effectiveness of special education
programs and services. Provide feedback and recommendations for program improvements/changes and
technical assistance to staff as needed.

Collaborate with the Executive Director of Student Services to plan and recommend staffing needs for
licensed and non-licensed special education personnel.

Function as a liaison to private schools and preschools located in the district as needed to fulfill child
find requirements and ensure appropriate placement and services.

Work collaboratively with transportation contractor(s) to ensure special transportation requirements are
met.

Oversee all decisions regarding paraprofessionals including building assignments, service delivery
models, professional development and requests for additional positions.

Compile special education teacher data required for the bi-annual STAR report and provide it to the
HR department within determined timelines.

In partnership with the Business Department and Superintendent, manage the district's fiscal resources
and special education grants, estimate revenue, prepare budgets, direct and approve spending, and
monitor Maintenance of Effort (MOE).

Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the district's due process systems for
compliance and Total Special Education System (TSES) manual. Provide training and technical
assistance to special education staff regarding the policies and procedures expected and outlined.

Lead the development of district level guidance to ensure systematic procedures across the district.

Complete required state and federal applications and reports as requested by the Executive
Director of Student Services.

Approve and monitor the placement of students in special education programs outside of the district.

Serve on assigned district, county, and interagency committees including Dakota County
Collaborative.

Oversee the district Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC).

Serve as a member of the Superintendent's cabinet.

Oversee and lead non-public (and homeschool) budgets, staffing allocations and services for
students.

Attend district leadership team meetings and monthly District 917 Special Education Director
meetings.

Maintain active participation in the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE)
organization.

Oversee English Learner programming and the EL Coordinator: Supervision, staffing, support and
budget development.

Attend school board meetings as requested by the Executive Director of Student Services or
Superintendent.

Perform other duties as needed or assigned by the Executive Director of Student Services or
Superintendent.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facilitate collaborative relationships among parents, school personnel, and representatives of
other agencies and organizations.

Maintain accessibility to the Executive Director of Student Services via cell phone or email.

Transport self among district facilities, other educational sites, and regional/state meetings as
necessary.

For full description see attached job description.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Hold or be eligible for a Minnesota Director of Special Education license.

Two or more years of special education administrative experience at the district level; previous
director of special education (or services) experience preferred.

Experience working with staff and programming models pertaining to a wide range of
disabilities and needs.

Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and due process requirements relating to
special education.

Group facilitation, team building, and conflict resolution training and experience.

Ability to carry out detailed written and/or verbal instructions.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Knowledge of general education and special education curriculum, teaching principles, and
best practices.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

ISD 194 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND SUPPORTS WORKFORCE DIVERSITY

Attachment(s):

• Director of Special Services 3.23.pdf