Job Description Position Overview The Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services serves as a key member of the Superintendent's Leadership Team and provides visionary guidance for a comprehensive system of student support that advances the district's mission of ensuring success for every learner. This position is responsible for leading all aspects of Student Services while serving as a strategic partner in district-wide improvement efforts. The Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services works collaboratively with school leaders, district leaders, special education coordinators, special education teachers, related service providers, social workers, and MTSS coordinators to strengthen instructional systems, promote equitable access to high-quality learning experiences, build inclusive educational environments, and ensure students receive the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and specialized supports necessary to thrive. Essential Responsibilities District Leadership Serve as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet and participate in district-wide strategic planning and decision-making. Collaborate with district and school leaders to advance instructional excellence, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement. Lead initiatives that promote equitable outcomes for all students. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning. Represent the district with state agencies, community organizations, regional collaboratives, and professional organizations. Student Services Leadership Provide strategic leadership for district-wide systems including: Special Education Section 504 (District Section 504 Coordinator) Title IX (District Title IX Coordinator) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Related Services including School Psychology, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Services, Behavioral and Mental Health Supports Transition Services Extended School Year (ESY) Homebound Instruction Out-of-District Programming Medicaid reimbursement and related compliance initiatives Homeschool Programs McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Foster Care Education Multilingual Learner (MLL) compliance Develop, evaluate, and continuously improve systems that promote student success while ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities. Special Education Administration Ensure full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rhode Island Department of Education regulations, and all applicable federal and state laws. Oversee evaluations, eligibility determinations, individualized education programs (IEPs), procedural safeguards, dispute resolution, mediation, and due process matters. Ensure students receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Monitor district compliance through data analysis, internal auditing, and continuous program improvement. Administer the district's homeschool program in accordance with RI Law and School Committee Policy Lead state monitoring activities and corrective action planning as needed. Instructional Leadership Partner with principals, curriculum leaders, and instructional staff to strengthen teaching, learning, and student outcomes by: Advancing inclusive instructional practices that ensure equitable access to rigorous learning experiences for all students. Strengthening Tier I instruction and district-wide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Promoting Universal Design for Learning (UDL), evidence-based instructional practices, and differentiated instruction. Collaborating on the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of district curriculum. Assisting with curriculum review, instructional resource selection, and curriculum purchasing to ensure alignment with district goals, state standards, and evidence-based practices. Designing, coordinating, and evaluating district-wide professional learning aligned with strategic priorities, instructional initiatives, and student needs. Providing leadership for Consolidated Resource Plan (CRP) including the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of federally funded initiatives Using student achievement, behavioral, and program data to evaluate effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and guide instructional decision-making. Supporting principals and teacher leaders in implementing district initiatives and fostering continuous professional growth. Removing barriers to learning through collaborative problem-solving and systems improvement. Promoting a district-wide belief that every student can achieve high levels of success when provided appropriate instruction, intervention, and support. Leadership of People Recruit, hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Student Services staff. Support principals in developing effective school-based student support systems. Build leadership capacity across the organization. Foster collaborative relationships among departments and schools. Promote high expectations while supporting professional growth. Family and Community Engagement Develop collaborative partnerships with families built upon trust, transparency, and shared decision-making. Participate in the special education local advisory committee. Facilitate meaningful communication regarding district initiatives and individual student programming. Collaborate with community agencies, higher education institutions, healthcare providers, and state organizations to expand opportunities for students and families. Fiscal and Operational Leadership Develop and manage departmental budgets. Oversee IDEA, Medicaid, and other state and federal grants. Allocate staffing and resources based upon student needs and district priorities. Evaluate program effectiveness and resource utilization. Ensure fiscal responsibility while maximizing services for students. Organizational Leadership Lead district initiatives related to: Inclusive educational practices Student wellness School climate and culture Behavioral supports Strategic planning Professional learning Continuous improvement Cross-department collaboration