Director of Special Education

The San Mateo Union High School District invites applicants for the position of

Director of Special Education Support Services

• Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

• Interview Date:  First Round: March 26, 2024, Second Round: March 28, 2024

• Starting Date: July 1, 2024

Position Profile
The Director of Special Education shall provide instructional leadership and curriculum oversight for Special Education programs. This includes the responsibility for directing the planning, organization, administration, and evaluation of all Special Education programs, mental health services, and all aspects of student identification, assessment, placement, and due process. 

Application Process
Apply online through www.edjoin.org, include a cover letter stating qualifications, experience, and reasons for seeking this position; resumé; two letters of recommendation – one of which should be from your current or former supervisor. 

Work Year
Twelve Months:  221 work days, 16 scheduled holidays, and 24 non-work days

Salary Range
Administrative Salary Schedule Range 12: $192,772—$229,669 and $3,219 for a doctorate, plus excellent benefits package with District-paid premiums valued at approximately up to $25,709/yr. (family medical, dental and vision; life; long-term disability and an Employee Assistance Program).

Essential Functions
The Director:

• Oversees the District’s Special Education program and central office staff, including program specialists, district school psychologists, behavior program manager, Special Education data technician and Special Education executive assistant.

• Oversees and provides general leadership for the district’s Special Education summer school programs.

• Serves as the liaison to county programs, nonpublic schools, partner elementary districts, and community agencies on matters of programs, articulation, and placement.

• Serves as the District's advocate at due process hearings and mediations.

• Recommends schedule of classes and assignments of teachers and other special education staff members and assists in the screening of job applicants.

• Oversees instructional practices for least restrictive environment (LRE) including implementation and development and training of the co-teaching model.

• Plans and coordinates District-wide psychological service and provision of in-house and county mental health services for special education.

• Manages fiscal resources from District funds and special education grants, prepares budgets and directs spending, and monitors maintenance of effort, for the purpose of fiscal efficiency in providing required services. 

• Collaborates effectively with District staff, families, special education teachers, and the community for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating educational services and/or programs.  

• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program. 

• Coordinates certificated and classified special education staffing allocation.

• Presides over and consults with school IEP teams.

• Prepares proposals for grants related to special education and coordinates the special education portion of the compliance review.

• Coordinates special education transportation services.

• Supervises the off-site programs and services provided to special education students, e.g. therapeutic, home and hospital teaching, and transition assistance programs.

• Participates in Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) committees.

• Provides leadership and direction for District Special Education procedures and policies consistent with the California Education Code and all other applicable laws.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:  Education/Training/Experience

• Masters and/or Doctorate Degree.

• Education specialist or equivalent credential.

• Valid California Administrative Services Credential or its equivalent.

Knowledge of:

• Special Education in California.

• Instructional procedures, techniques, and material; particularly those designed for Special Education students.

• Instructional testing and assessment methods.

• Effective evaluation practices of certificated and classified personnel.

• Leading and managing a diverse and complex department.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate leadership performance within the past five years, particularly in one or more areas of curriculum development and leadership, student behavior modification, attendance supervision, professional development, and budget.

• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines by analyzing complex programs, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.

• Possess the qualities needed to be quickly accepted as the District's Special Education Director by school staff, community, District administrations, and Board of Trustees.

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Physical Demands/Working Conditions With or Without Reasonable Accommodations

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

• Ability to multitask in a busy environment.

• Ability to tolerate noise level in the working environment.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of the position and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.  Incumbents may be required to perform other job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in the description.

SMUHSD is an equal opportunity employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations.

SMUHSD Equity Vision

Vision: All students will learn in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that validates, respects and honors their unique backgrounds, interests and identities.

Mission: We will continually identify, disrupt and eliminate institutional biases and barriers to ensure that all students have the skills and knowledge to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

San Mateo Union High School District is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. SMUHSD makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For more information, read through our Nondiscrimination in Employment policy.

Equity Flyer

BP0415.1 Racial Equity

AR0415.1 Racial Equity

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS:

All San Mateo Union High School District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).  Employment with the District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

San Mateo Union High School District
650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo, Ca 94401
650-558-2299 |  www.smuhsd.org

Superintendent
Randall Booker, Ph.D.

Board of Trustees
Ligia Andrade Zúñiga, President
Robert Griffin, Vice President

Teri Chavez, Clerk

Jennifer Jacobson, Trustee
Greg Land, Trustee