Director of Special Education / Student Services

Mossyrock School District

Job Summary

The Director of Special Education / Student Services (“Director”) provides district-level

leadership, oversight, and coordination of special education and related student services

within the school district working directly with the superintendent, principals, teachers,

paraeducators, families, and contracted service providers to ensure all students receive

appropriate, compliant, and high-quality services.

The Director is responsible for district compliance, program development, staff supervision,

and direct problem-solving, with an emphasis on collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and

responsiveness to the needs of a small school community. Services may be provided through

a combination of district staff, ESD partnerships, and contracted providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees in this position perform the following duties. Other duties may be assigned as

needed.

Leadership & Program Oversight

● Serve as the district’s primary administrator for special education and related student

services.

● Provide leadership for the implementation and continuous improvement of special

education programs in alignment with district goals, Board policy, and state and federal

regulations.

● Collaborate closely with the superintendent and building principals to ensure effective

integration of special education services within the district’s instructional program.

● Establish staffing models and service delivery structures that meet student needs.

Compliance & Student Services

● Ensure district compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ESSA, WAC, OSPI guidance, and

applicable case law.

● Oversee Child Find activities, eligibility determinations, evaluations, IEP development,

placement decisions, ESY determinations, and compensatory education when required.

● Manage and respond to special education conflict resolution processes, including

complaints, mediations, and due process, in collaboration with legal counsel and OSPI

as appropriate.

● Monitor timelines and compliance indicators and proactively address issues with building

staff.

● Oversee WA-AIM testing and all testing accommodations

● Oversee MTSS as it relates to special education

Staff Supervision & Capacity Building

● Supervise, evaluate, and support certificated and classified special education staff.

● Participate in recruitment, hiring, and retention of special education personnel.

● Provide or coordinate professional development for teachers, paraeducators, and

administrators (e.g., assessment tools, IEP systems, behavior supports, compliance

training).

● Support building-based teams and, when necessary, serve as the district representative

at IEP meetings.

● Plan and implement a behavior program, ensure RBT training is up-to-date for staff.

Fiscal Management & Reporting

● Develop, manage, and monitor special education budgets, including state, federal, and

grant funds.

● Oversee Safety Net applications, special education grant reporting, and other required

compliance submissions (e.g., EGMS, WISM, P223H, 442, etc.).

● Ensure fiscal practices comply with district procedures and funding source requirements.

● Coordinate Medicaid administrative claiming and reimbursement activities as applicable

to district services.

Contracted Services & Agency Coordination

● Coordinate and oversee contracted services such as speech-language pathology,

occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology, and other related services.

● Collaborate with ESDs, community agencies, and outside providers to ensure continuity

and quality of services.

● Monitor service delivery to ensure contractual and compliance expectations are met.

Communication & Community Relations

● Communicate effectively with families, staff, administrators, and the Board of Directors

regarding programs, services, and regulations.

● Prepare and present reports and data as requested by the superintendent or Board.

● Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in all student and personnel matters.

● Serve as a visible, approachable, and professional leader within a close-knit rural

community.

Data, Records & Systems

● Oversee student records management and ensure compliance with legal retention and

confidentiality requirements.

● Ensure accurate data reporting for federal, state, and district monitoring.

● Support district staff in the effective use of special education data systems and IEP

platforms.

Marginal Duties and Responsibilities

● Assist other district personnel as needed to support student services.

● Advise the superintendent on special education, compliance, staffing, and fiscal matters.

● Support district policy development related to special education and student services.

● Maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

● Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate required

● Special Education endorsement required

● Washington State Administrative Certificate or Principal Certificate Required

● Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field

preferred

● Prior experience in special education administration or leadership preferred

● Experience working in a small or rural school district is highly desirable

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

● Strong working knowledge of special education law, compliance, and best practices

● Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a small-district environment

● Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution, collaboration, and problem-solving

● Strong written and verbal communication skills

● Ability to analyze data, interpret regulations, and make sound decisions

● Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to students and families

● Proficiency with common district systems, including email, word processing,

spreadsheets, IEP platforms, Skyward/Qmlativ, EGMS, EDS, and OSPI systems

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods and lift up to 25

pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

This position works in both office and school settings. Occasional travel within and outside

the district is required.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and does not constitute a contract of

employment. The district reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities as needed.

Mossyrock -Director of Special Education/Student Services (2026-27)