Director of Special Education

Position Type:Administration/DirectorDate Posted:5/4/2026Location:Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park High SchoolDate Available:07/01/2026Closing Date:07/01/2026Illinois Special Education Charter School Cooperative (ISECC)Executive Director of Special Education26-27 School YearAbout ISECC:The Illinois Special Education Charter Cooperative (ISECC) is a collaborative entity that provides special education services and oversight to its member schools. Unlike traditional cooperatives that operate within a single district or region, ISECC serves four independently operated, state-authorized charter schools that are not part of the same local education agency (LEA).As such, the Executive Director of Special Education operates across multiple autonomous school organizations, each with its own leadership structure, while ensuring consistent compliance with federal and state special education requirements. This role requires the ability to align systems, practices, and reporting across schools with varying operational models, while maintaining centralized accountability for compliance, service delivery, and program quality.Given this unique structure, the Executive Director is also responsible for ensuring that all member schools collectively meet Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) accountability standards, reporting requirements, and compliance timelines, despite operating as independent entities. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead system-wide impact across multiple charter schools while shaping special education programming at scale.Position Summary:The Executive Director of Special Education is responsible for the strategic leadership, compliance, and operational oversight of special education programs across all ISECC member schools. This role ensures full alignment with IDEA, Illinois School Code (Article 14), and ISBE reporting and accountability systems, while driving high-quality instruction, equitable access, and fiscal responsibility. This role is critical in ensuring that students with disabilities across member schools receive high-quality, compliant, and equitable educational services. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in complex, multi-school environments and is committed to building high-quality, compliant, and student-centered special education systems.Core Responsibilities:Leadership & Supervision:Oversee and evaluate all special education programming across member schoolsShared supervision of special education staff, case managers, and contracted service providers with building principalAssist with the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of special education personnel and related service providersProvide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to school-based teamsFacilitate collaboration between principals, instructional leaders, and special education staffCompliance and Legal Accountability:Ensure full compliance with:IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)Illinois School Code (Article 14)ISBE regulations and guidanceOversee accuracy and completion of:IEPs, eligibility documentation, and procedural safeguardsEnsure adherence to all ISBE reporting timelines and mandates, including:I-Star Plus submissionsStudent Information System (SIS) dataIDEA grant reportingSPP (State Performance Plan) indicatorsMedicaid BillingMonitor and respond to:ISBE complaintsDue process hearingsCorrective action plans and noncompliance findingsAssist with preparation for ISBE monitoring, audits, and site visitsData Systems and Reporting Accountability:Oversee accuracy, integrity, and timely submission of all special education data systems, including:I-Star PlusSIS (Student Information System)IWAS (ISBE Web Application Security system)MedicaidMonitor key compliance indicators:SPP Indicators (4, 8 14)Child CountService delivery complianceAnalyze data to:Identify trends and gapsDrive program improvementEnsure equitable outcomesIdentify staffing needs across member schoolsProgram Development and Instructional Oversight:Lead development and continuous improvement of:Co-taught and self-contained programmingInclusive practices and LRE alignmentConduct classroom walkthroughs to monitor instructional qualityEnsure fidelity of curriculum implementationProvide professional development aligned to:Special education best practicesCompliance requirementsInstructional strategiesFinancial Oversight and Resource Management:Develop and manage the ISECC budget in alignment with the Joint AgreementOversee:IDEA grant funding and expendituresReimbursement processes (transportation, excess cost, etc.)Ensure financial compliance with federal and state funding requirementsIdentify cost efficiencies across member schoolsISBE Calendar and Operational Execution:Maintain and execute a comprehensive annual compliance calendar aligned to ISBE deadlinesEnsure timely and accurate completion of all required state and federal reporting, data submissions, and grant-related activitiesOversee professional development, systems and processes that ensure compliance across all member schoolsMonitor progress toward key compliance milestones and proactively address risks or delaysBoard Governance and Stakeholder Communication:Report directly to the ISECC Executive BoardPrepare and present:Board reportsCompliance updatesProgram outcomes and data trendsDevelop board agendas and facilitate meetingsServe as liaison between:Member schoolsISBECommunity partnersFamily and Community Engagement:Ensure clear, consistent, and legally compliant communication with families regarding:IEP processesStudent servicesCoordinate with external agencies and service providersSupport dispute resolution, mediation, and due process prevention strategiesCollaboration with School Leadership:Partner with principals to:Ensure compliance and instructional alignmentAddress student needs and staffingLead regular check-ins and strategy sessionsSupport integration of MTSS frameworks across member schoolsQualifications:Professional Educator License (PEL) with Director of Special Education endorsement (Required)Minimum of 2 5 years in special education leadership (Preferred)Deep knowledge of:IDEAISBE systems and reportingSpecial education compliance and programmingExpectations:Reports directly to the ISECC Executive BoardMaintain regular office hours at ISECC member schoolsDemonstrates strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage complex systems across multiple organizationsKey Performance Indicators100% on-time ISBE submissions100% IEP compliance rateReduction in compliance findings year-over-yearAccurate and timely data reporting across all systemsImproved student outcomes (LRE, graduation rates, etc.)