JOB TITLE: Director of Brookline High School (BHS) Special Education

REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent of Student Services

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Special Education provides professional leadership in organizing, administering, supervising and evaluating the effective delivery of special education services and programs. Careful coordination with the Head of School, other administrators, specialists and clinicians is paramount in promoting student achievement and meeting the needs of students across grade levels.

The Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) serves eight elementary schools, a nationally accredited preschool program and a nationally recognized high school. PSB seeks a highly skilled administrator with experience, knowledge, demonstrated leadership capacity, and vision to ensure excellence, innovation and alignment of our special education programming and services for Grades 9 through age 22.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS-REQUIRED:

• 
  Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with evidence of coursework in the areas of special education, administration, counseling and/or psychological services.
• DESE Licensed as a Special Education Administrator in Massachusetts.
• A minimum of 8 years of educational experience including a minimum of five years in special education and three years in educational administration and/or supervision.
• Superior knowledge and application of state and federal special education regulations.
• Superior time management, organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to oversee, support and evaluate a continuum of special education programs and services designed to meet the requirements set forth by state and federal legislation for educating students with disabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with administrative colleagues, principals, teachers, parents/guardians, community, and others in the delivery of effective services and the resolution of problems.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills enabling information sharing and the development of trusting relationships with parents, staff and administrators
• Proven supervision and evaluation skills
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Special Education Program Compliance

• 
  Implement all aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) including but not limited to extended school year (ESY) services.
• Support Principal/Head of School to ensure compliance with all federal and state education laws and regulations; general education participation at IEP meetings, provision of accommodations and modifications, etc.
• Ensure appropriate identification for all students with disabilities including child find, screenings, referrals for evaluation, eligibility/race identification, etc.
• Ensure the confidentiality and security of special education records, including but not limited to administrative and maintenance procedures.
• Coordinate all DESE monitoring activities as required: Tiered Focused Monitoring, Mid-Cycle Reviews, Proportionate Share, preparation of all Federal, State and local reports for special education.
• Monitor adherence to special education timelines to ensure appropriate student placement and delivery of services.

Administration and Oversight of Special Education Programs and Services

• 
  In partnership with building based administrators, provide oversight, professional development, and support that ensures an inclusive education for students identified with special needs.
• Determine appropriate in-district placements for all students with disabilities through IEP development, and provision of special education services.
• Facilitate transitions for students recommended for extended evaluations and/or out-of-district programming.
• Research, recommend and implement best practice innovations and initiatives that support excellence and inclusive access to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) curriculum, including electives.
• Represent the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) in all activities pertaining to conflict resolution: facilitated IEP meetings, mediations, and/or hearings.
• Support the process of student eligibility for extended school year (ESY) services and programming including but not limited to postings, staffing, program design, and services delivery.
• Maintain communications with outside agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Mental Health, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, etc.
• Provide training opportunities to staff in the development and implementation of research-based instructional interventions to optimize student learning, including but not limited to technology, behavioral approaches, curricular accommodations and modifications, etc.
• Plan and arrange for the continued education (tutoring) of students placed on Home/Hospital status; monitor regulatory requirements for change in placement.

Supervision and Evaluation of Staff

• 
  Support Principal/Head of School in recruitment, selection, and supervision and evaluation of staff.
• Coordinate with building principals, special education team facilitators, and other relevant staff in reviewing job descriptions, postings, screening, and selection of finalists for special education vacancies.
• Collaborate with professional staff as needed regarding their specific teaching, therapeutic and supervisory responsibilities.
• Visit classrooms and programs on a routine basis to support, observe, provide feedback, and/or coordinate specific problem solving activities as needed.
• Support data collection systems and advise building teams in the analysis of data to support informed decision making and effective instructional practices.

Budgetary Responsibilities

In direct collaboration with the Deputy Superintendent of Student Services:

• 
  Coordinate the use of consultation for student support services, including but not limited to identifying contracted service providers, managing scheduling, and monitoring expenditures.
• In accordance with IDEA mandates, address child find and proportionate share mandates as required.
• Collaborate and coordinate PSB involvement with Medicaid reimbursement as required.
• Support all federal and state grant writing requirements as required.

Other

• 
  Partner with the OSS leadership team to coordinate on-going SafetyCare training for designated staff.
• Provide direct support to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) in all their annual and monthly functions, including attendance at meetings.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

TERMS: Non-Aligned (Employment Agreement), Salary, 12 months

***All employees must be vaccinated and maintain full vaccination as a condition of employment or work as an on-site vendor/contractor, unless they receive approval for a documented medical or religious exemption in accordance with relevant state and/or federal law. For a full copy of the Covid-19 vaccination policy please click here.

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.

The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.