The Olympia School District is located in the Washington State Capitol City with diverse learning opportunities for nearly 10,000 students located in 18 buildings. There is a staff of administrators, teachers, and support personnel totaling approximately 1,200. Our major focus is on continuous and maximized academic achievement for all students. Our approach to educational excellence is a holistic one, with strong programs in IB and AP, fine arts, technology, basic education, and athletics. We provide opportunities for students in special education, alternative education, gifted education, and career and technical education.

This 248 day per year position serves as co-director in P-12 special education under the direction of Executive Director. This 1.0 FTE continuing position is located at the Knox Building and is apart of the Student Support Department.

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits, as administered by the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Final benefit eligibility to be determined at time of hire. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TERS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program. Employees will receive vacation leave, paid holidays and additional compensation beyond their base salary as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Olympia is a district of recognized excellence, with much to be proud of and with much yet to be accomplished. Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Student Support, the Director of Student Support position is part of an administrative team facilitating and supporting the progress of our district and its students. The successful candidate will be expected to take a leadership role in the following areas:

Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply current theory, laws/regulations, practices and standards related to disabilities and instructional improvement
Demonstrated skills in instructional leadership, research strategies, communications, human relations and team building.
Building connections between special needs and general education services
Ability to provide special education staff with in-service/professional development opportunities to increase proficiency in their fields of expertise
Demonstrated skills in maintaining and revising policies, procedures and guidelines concerning special education programming.
Ability to recruit and select effective, diverse staff members and provide ongoing evaluation and in-service to maintain and improve staff performance
Model and reinforce current research based practices in the classroom in order to improve content and sequence of the teaching/learning process and its outcomes for students with disabilities
Ability to effectively work with building level administrators and classroom teachers on high academic standards for all students
Demonstrated skills in effective relations with students, staff, parents, advisory committees, and the community with emphasis on personal visibility and accessibility
Sound instructional and management skills, including education reform, alternative assessments and budgets
Ability to create partnerships with a wide spectrum of community businesses and agencies.
Recognizing and addressing systemic issues of equity (e.g., disproportionality in identification of special education students).
Knowledge of the district adopted curriculum, applicable Washington Administrative Codes, relevant district policies, and education reform issues.
Collaborate, solicit and consider input, guide others, make independent judgments, keep and maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, communicate with individuals of varied cultural and educational backgrounds.
Strong oral and written communication skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

Participate in departmental and district wide initiatives related to equitable educational practices.
Interact, as needed, with parents and advocates of students with disabilities for the purpose of defining and implementing services addressing the unique needs of each qualifying student.
Collaborate with District personnel/colleagues for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programs.
Coordinate program components, support needs and materials for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established guidelines.
Provide assistance in developing proposals, new programs, budgets and grants; collaborate with the Executive Director of Student Support as part of the Student Support Leadership Team for the purpose of meeting student needs.
Evaluate special education programs and curricula for the purpose of providing a FAPE to each eligible student.
Facilitate meetings, processes, etc. for the purpose of developing, implementing and maintaining appropriate special education services.
Monitor assigned programs and/or projects for the purpose of complying with district and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives and student growth.
Participate in personnel functions (e.g. recruitment, hiring, evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, matching staff to student needs and ensuring that objectives of special education programs are achieved within budget.
Prepare written documents for the purpose of responding to inquiries, conveying information, or memorializing meetings.
Assist with presentation of information on programs, services, regulations, etc. for the purpose of serving as a resource to parents, school personnel, Superintendent and/or the Board of Directors.
Supervise personnel for the purpose of assuring the development and implementation of services based on student needs.
Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Selection Criteria - Professional Qualifications

Minimum of three years’ experience as a successful educational administrator preferred, or equivalent supervisory experience
Prior certificated experience with increasing levels of responsibility related to special education curriculum and programming.
Masters’ degree in Special Education or related field
Washington State Administrative Certification preferred
Successful experience with the selection, supervision, and evaluation of staff
Basic knowledge of technology
Experience at multiple levels (preschool, elementary, middle school, high school and secondary transition) desirable
Successful teaching or equivalent certificated experience in special education

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Appropriate Administrative Credential preferred, Valid Driver’s License and evidence of insurability, Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.

Geographic Location

The area provides many educational and recreational opportunities. For higher education opportunities, The Evergreen State College, St. Martin’s College, and South Puget Sound Community College are located in the Olympia area. The Puget Sound provides many recreational activities such as fishing and boating. Mt. Rainier is also nearby for camping and climbing enthusiasts. The community is family friendly, environment protective and celebrates diversity, culture and heritage. Olympia is approximately 30 minutes from Tacoma, 60 minutes from Seattle and two hours from Portland.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Olympia School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer – James Whitehead, (360) 596-8545, jwhitehead@osd.wednet.edu; Executive Director of Elementary Education – Autumn Lara, (360) 596-8534, alara@osd.wednet.edu; Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students) – Ken Turcotte, (360) 596-7530, 06/04/24 1997-60 klturcotte@osd.wednet.edu; ADA Coordinator (Staff) – Starla Hoff, (360) 596-6185, shoff@osd.wednet.edu; Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator – Scott Niemann, (360) 596-6185, sniemann@osd.wednet.edu. Address: Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

The Olympia School District will provide reasonable Accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or are in need of translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed. Human Resources Officer: Voice: (360) 596-6185 or TDD: (360) 596-7537 or FAX: 360-596-6181.