Portage Public Schools
Director of Special Education/ESI
2025-26 School Year

Job Summary:
Responsible for leadership, development, direction, coordination and supervision of assigned special education programs in the KRESA Southern Service Area districts of Portage Public Schools, Schoolcraft Community Schools, and Vicksburg Community Schools. Administer special education programs in the assigned school districts as defined in the responsibilities listed in this document. Lead the Title I and Section 31a programs in Portage Public Schools and Vicksburg Community Schools. Oversee implementation of Section 504 in each of the three districts. Serve as a member of each district’s Executive Leadership Team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan, direct, and evaluate the special education programs and services provided to students in the three districts of the KRESA Southern Service Area.
Ensure ongoing and effective communication with district and building administrators and related staff.
Serve as a partner within the Curriculum and Instruction Office to develop, implement, and evaluate the school improvement process including PLCs and MTSS within the district and integrating special education within the process.
Lead the collection, analysis, compliance, and reporting of special education data at the district level in support of the district and school level improvement processes – Demographic Data (Data Portraits), Process Data (CIMS), Achievement Data, and Perception Data (Teacher, Student, Parent).
Initiate and facilitate research-based best practices to support appropriate recommendations for student success through rigorous, innovative, and technological programming. Support staff in implementation through effective and appropriate professional development.
Develop, monitor, and revise special education, Title I, and Section 31a budgets in collaboration with district and building administration.
Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and procedures addressing Special Education, Section 504, Title I, and Section 31a.
Collaborate with district and building personnel to ensure timely and accurate state reporting related to special education, Section 504, Title I, and Section 31.
Collaborate with other special education leaders within the service area and in the county to ensure consistent, effective, and fiscally responsible programming and resource allocation for all special education students in the KRESA school districts.
Coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of state and federal grants (e.g. Title I, Section 31a).
Ensure ongoing and effective communication with county special education administrators, transportation directors, special education parent advisory committee members, curriculum directors, and other district and building administrators.
Maintain open lines of communication with all interested parties; respond to concerns of parents, teachers, building and central office administrators, and community members.
Establish effective working relationships with stakeholders, agencies, and organizations in the community, region, and state that may be a resource to district teachers, parents/guardians, and/or students.
Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of the summer school program in the Portage Public Schools.
Lead the recruitment, screening, assignment, and training of special education staff members to assure that the quality of instruction is consistent with the goals and standards of the school district, maximizes the resources, and complies with legal rules and regulations.
Conduct annual evaluations of Special Education Supervisors and/or Coordinators and SSA Special Education Office staff.
Direct the maintenance of records for students with IEPs and students with Section 504 records within the three districts of the SSA to ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act as well as applicable state and federal rules.
Provide analysis, development, and input for various issues facing the District(s) as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Regular and consistent attendance.
Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.

Qualifications:

Valid Michigan Teaching Certification of equivalent.
Full or temporary approval as a Director of Special Education.
Valid Central Office Administration Certification.
Master’s Degree or equivalent.
Full approval in at least one area of special education
A minimum of (2) years of successful experience as a special education director in an approved special education program or five (5) years’ experience as a Supervisor of Special Education.
Central Office administrative experience.
Experience working in a mid-size district with a diverse population.
Knowledge of general education curriculum and MDE School Improvement process.
Experience with the development and implementation of a MTSS system.
Experience with elementary and secondary levels.
Proficient computer and document skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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.

PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Tuyls. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002

Director of Special Education/Educational Supports and Intervention