Decorah Community School District

Special Education Director Position Opening

The Decorah Community School District is seeking a dedicated and experienced Special Education Director for the 2025-2026 school year to oversee and enhance special education services within the district. This full-time position may be shared with another district and will include service to the Crossroads Academy located in Decorah.

Position Overview

The Special Education Director is responsible for implementing and maintaining age 3-21 Special Education programs and services in alignment with district, state, and federal objectives and laws. The role includes planning, designing, and managing all phases of special education services while ensuring compliance, resource efficiency, and continuous program improvement. Additionally, the director serves as a key resource for school personnel, families, and the school board, maintaining adequate staffing levels to meet program objectives within budget constraints.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide leadership and vision to drive continuous development and improvement of special education services.
• Build partnerships with parents, businesses, organizations, and agencies to enhance awareness and support.
• Collaborate effectively with district staff, families, special education teachers, and community members to plan, implement, and evaluate special education programs.
• Apply conflict resolution skills to effectively address concerns with staff, families, and the community.
• Determine staffing levels for special education programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
• Supervise and direct special education personnel to maintain compliance with established guidelines.
• Develop proposals, budgets, and grant applications to support the district's strategic goals.
• Evaluate district and school special education programs, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Facilitate meetings and processes to support the implementation of special education services.
• Manage fiscal resources, including district funds and special education grants, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Prepare documentation and reports to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Communicate program details, services, and regulatory requirements to school personnel, parents, the board, and other districts.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate district-level special education staff.
• Manage special education complaints and coordinate with outside agencies to provide appropriate student services.
• Oversee the Medicaid Administrative Claiming process and direct billing for Medicaid-eligible special education services.
• Supervise training programs for special education instructional assistants.
• Draft and update district board policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Stay current on developing special education issues, changes in laws and case law, and best practices in special education.
• Ensure all district special education practices align with legal and ethical standards, providing every student the opportunity to achieve at a high level and prepare for post-secondary success.

Qualifications

• Administrative certification and experience in special education leadership preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing budgets and securing grants for special education programs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, families, and community partners.

Endorsement

• Applicants must have the PK-12 Principal / PK-12 Special Education Supervisor - 189

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and relevant credentials to Tim Cronin

tim.croni @decorah.school

>, Superintendent, Decorah Community School District by March 21, 2025.

For further details or inquiries, please contact the Decorah Community School District Office.

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