Director - Special Education

West Ada School District is seeking an experienced leader to serve as our Director of Special Education. This role provides district wide oversight of special education programs, ensures compliance with state and federal requirements, and partners closely with school leaders, families, and community agencies to support student success. The ideal candidate brings strong legal and programmatic expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to inclusive, high‑quality services for all students.

Salary Range: $138,000 - $164,000/year DOE with a comprehensive benefits package.

How to apply: Applications are accepted online. This position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed as accepted. Apply early for full consideration. Applicants must submit a completed application, a RESUME, and a COVER LETTER.

The Director of Special Education is a member of the Academic Leadership team and provides district wide leadership, oversight, and coordination of special education programs and services to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, alignment with West Ada School District priorities, and the delivery of high‑quality, equitable educational services for students with disabilities.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Academic Officer of Student Success. The Director leads and supervises special education administrators and staff, partners closely with school administrators and families, and ensures that special education services support student access, inclusion, achievement, and post‑secondary readiness.

• Provide strategic leadership for all special education programs and services across the district, including identification, evaluation, eligibility, instruction, related services, and transition planning.
• Develop, implement, and monitor district wide systems to ensure high‑quality instruction, inclusive practices, and appropriate supports for students with disabilities.
• Supervise and evaluate special education administrators, coordinators, and other assigned staff; provide coaching, professional growth opportunities, and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with building administrators to support effective implementation of special education services at the school level.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts using data to evaluate program effectiveness, student outcomes, and service delivery models.

• Ensure district compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Idaho Special Education Manual, and all applicable federal, state, and district regulations.
• Oversee Child Find activities, evaluation processes, IEP development and implementation, and placement decisions.
• Monitor timelines, documentation, and procedural safeguards to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risk.
• Serve as a district resource for special education law and procedural guidance.
• Coordinate responses to complaints, mediations, due process hearings, and state or federal monitoring activities, working closely with district legal counsel as needed.

• Ensure special education services align with district curriculum, Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and Positive Behavior Supports (PBS).Promote inclusive practices and access to general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
• Collaborate with curriculum, assessment, behavior, counseling, health, and other student services departments to ensure coordinated supports for students.
• Support development and implementation of behavior intervention plans and services for students with complex needs.
• Oversee transition services for students with disabilities, including collaboration with Career and Technical Education (CTE), postsecondary institutions, and community agencies.

• Develop and manage the special education budget, ensuring effective use of district, state, and federal funds.
• Oversee staffing allocations, caseload management, and service delivery…