Buchanan Community Schools:
Director/Supervisor of Special Education

Buchanan Community Schools is welcoming applicants for a Director/Supervisor of Special Education to direct the district's special education programs.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Compliance

Ensure compliance with District, Federal, State, and ISD special education regulations
Direct and manage special education and 504 programs to meet student needs
Develop comprehensive programs for students with disabilities
Implement special education graduation and transition requirements
Monitor program effectiveness and recommend improvements
Oversee all aspects of special education compliance
Function as the Superintendent's designee for special education matters as permitted by regulations

Data Management & Reporting

Inform Superintendent and administrators on special education performance data
Monitor State Performance Indicators, graduation rates, attendance, suspensions/expulsions
Prepare required reports for ISD, State Department of Education, and Federal Office of Education
Maintain comprehensive records for all special education students
Address compliance issues through the Catamaran System

Staff Management & Development

Collaborate on recruiting, interviewing, hiring and placement of special education personnel
Assist administrators with the evaluation of staff performance in adherence to special education requirements
Develop and implement high-quality professional development for special and general education staff
Assist special education teachers with the selection and procurement of appropriate materials
Orient new hires on systems and documentation requirements

Budget & Resource Management

Develop and manage special education budgets (ISD, State, Federal funds)
Provide administrative oversight of special education costs
Assist key personnel with coordinating special education transportation needs

Curriculum & Instruction

Collaborate with district curriculum staff to address the needs of students with disabilities
Establish and maintain an effective learning climate within special education programs

Stakeholder Relations

Function as liaison between ISD Special Education Office and local district
Resolve complaints and problems promptly
Maintain professional membership and involvement with relevant organizations

Professional Qualities

Maintain professional competency through ongoing education
Demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Display effective leadership, team-building, and interpersonal abilities
Apply sound judgment in complex situations
Perform duties with awareness of district requirements and Board policies
Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent
Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout their employment in the District

Supervisory Responsibilities: The special education supervisor assists administrators with evaluating staff performance in accordance with special education requirements.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet all essential requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be provided.

Education and/or Experience
- Master’s degree required
- Approval as a Director/Supervisor of Special Education or eligible for approval
- Minimum of three years of successful professional or administrative experience in special education
Knowledge/Competency Areas:
- Experience and knowledge of program development and evaluation, specialized instruction, alternative assessments, and academic interventions for students eligible for special education
- Knowledge of special education laws, rules, regulations, and compliance responsibilities, including district compliance with IDEA and MARSE, Pupil Accounting, and Revised School Code information related to special education
- Knowledge of general education curriculum and an understanding of how modifications and accommodations work to make it accessible to students with a disability
- Evidence of leadership skills- team building and ability to work effectively with all staff, students and parents
- Evidence of competency in technology, including but not limited to email, Google Workspace, and familiarity with various assistive technologies and their application for students with disabilities
- Ability to effectively manage assigned budget
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with at least one special education endorsement
Language Skills
- Ability to read and interpret professional, technical, and regulatory materials
- Strong written communication: reports, procedures, and correspondence
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with students, staff, parents, and the Board
Mathematical Skills
- Proficient in calculating percentages, proportions, and applying basic algebra and geometry concepts
Reasoning Ability
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Can interpret technical instructions and adapt to abstract or complex scenarios
Other Skills and Abilities
- Able to travel between buildings
- Build positive relationships with all stakeholders
- Clear and concise communication

Physical Demands: the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequent sitting; occasional walking/standing
Occasional county and state travel
Clear vision for reading and computer use
Ability to manage multiple demands and work under pressure

Work Environment: the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Varies from quiet (office) to loud (school buildings)
Must be adaptable to different settings

Position Details:

Title: Director/Supervisor of Special Education
Reports to: Superintendent of Schools, Patricia Robinson
Starting date: July 1, 2025
Calendar: 260 days
Compensation: Salary commensurate with the credentials and experience of the candidate; tentative starting salary $88,000
Posting date: April 16, 2025
Application deadline: Until Filled

Application and supporting materials should be submitted using
Buchanan Community Schools’ online employment link:
http://www.buchananschools.com/employment/

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Mrs. Robinson: probinson@buchananschools.com

BUCHANAN BOARD OF EDUCATION
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW

Buchanan Community Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. It is the policy of the Board of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender/sex, height, weight, marital status, or disability shall be subjected to discrimination in any program, service, or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Compliance Officers for Affirmative Action and review of Federal requirements are as follows: Section 504 and ADA; Karin Falkenstein (Special Education Supervisor, 695-8442), Title IX and Title VI; Brian Pruett (Buchanan High School Principal, 695-8404) and Shelby Beasley (Buchanan Middle School Principal, 695-8406).