Director of Special Education

EASTERN SERVICE UNIT

FRUITPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EMPLOY

POSITION: Director of Special Education

The Eastern Service Unit (ESU), a consortium of school districts in Muskegon County (Fruitport, Oakridge, Orchard View, and Ravenna), is seeking a highly qualified, dedicated, and innovative individual for the position of Director of Special Education. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a passionate educator committed to enhancing the lives of students with special needs and leading a team of professionals to provide exceptional services and support to our students.

Position Overview:

The Director of Special Education is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of all special education programs and services within the Eastern Service Unit. This role involves managing a variety of educational and operational functions in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while collaborating with local school districts, educators, administrators, families, and community partners to ensure an inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environment for all students with disabilities.

LENGTH OF CONTRACT: 260 days

COMPENSATION: Salary and benefits provided in alignment with the Fruitport Administrator’s Association Collective Bargaining Agreement (“Contract”). The starting salary for the position is expected to be between a range of $129,570 - $137,255, but is commensurate with experience and credentials according to the salary schedule outlined in the Contract. All benefits per the Contract.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Supervision: Provide visionary leadership in the development and delivery of special education programs across the ESU, ensuring that each district's services align with the needs of students and comply with relevant laws.
• Program Development: Develop, implement, and evaluate special education programs, services, and interventions to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities across the consortium.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding special education services. Prepare and submit all required reports, including budgetary, regulatory, and performance data.
• Collaboration and Consultation: Work closely with school district administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and community agencies to ensure coordination of services, advocate for students, and provide expertise on special education issues.
• Professional Development: Lead the development and delivery of ongoing professional development and training for educators, paraprofessionals, and staff on best practices in special education.
• Resource Allocation: Oversee the allocation of special education resources, including personnel, materials, and funding, to ensure the effective and equitable delivery of services.
• Data Analysis and Program Evaluation: Regularly analyze student achievement data, assess the effectiveness of special education programs, and implement improvements as needed to promote student success.

Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must possess a Master's degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field, and hold or be eligible for certification as a Michigan Special Education Director. The candidate must be current with all legal requirements governing special education to be qualified for the position.
• The successful candidate must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in special education administration, including experience in leadership, program management, and staff supervision.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership and vision to ensure continuous organizational development and improvement, while possessing an in-depth knowledge of special education laws and regulations (IDEA, Section 504, MDE rules).
• Possess a strong understanding of best practices in special education programming, instructional strategies, and data-driven decision-making.
• Possess and implement exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Possess an ability to lead and inspire a diverse team of professionals, while holding a strong commitment to student centered learning. The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to manage complex situations with professionalism and tact.
• Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and grant writing; Collaboratively works with school business officials from each of the consortium schools in the budgeting process.
• 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 personnel, and the community for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating educational services and/or programs. 
• Implements conflict resolution skills in a variety of situations with staff, families, and the community.
• Supervises personnel for the purpose of assuring the development and implementation of service.
• Implements procedures to maintain compliance with state and federal guidelines affecting student discipline.
• Assists with interviewing, recommending for hire, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory related to special education.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the community.
• Must be able to travel between school buildings, districts, and cities.
• Follows and implements all Board of Education policies, administrative guidelines, and building regulations; Performs all other duties as necessary and/or directed by the Eastern Service Unit superintendents.

External candidates interested in applying for this position may apply online by visiting the Red Rover Job Board for Fruitport Community Schools. Internal candidates should send a letter of interest by email to Fruitport Community Schools Superintendent, Jason Kennedy at: jkennedy@fruitportschools.net. Letters of interest must be received from internal candidates who meet the posting requirements by no later than Friday, January 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. External candidates must apply online by this deadline to be considered for the position.

Date of Posting:  Friday, January 10, 2025

Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Fruitport Community Schools | 3255 East Pontaluna Rd. |  Fruitport, MI 49415 | 231-865-3154

The Eastern Service Unit and Fruitport Community Schools (“District”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis in admission, access to District programs and activities, or employment. Unlawful discrimination, including unlawful harassment and retaliation, in District programs, services, and activities is prohibited.