Director of Special Education and Student Services

Position Type: Administration Date Posted: 5/4/2026 Location: Bellwood School District 88 (High-Needs School) Date Available: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: until filled Bellwood School District 88 Equal Opportunity Employer Notice of Vacancy 2026-2027 Director of Special Education and Student Services Bellwood School District 88 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Job Title: Director of Special Education and Student Services Department: Special Education Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Specialized Services FLSA Status: Exempt Salary: $105,000- $130,000 Terms of Employment: 12-month employee (July 1 - June 30) Benefits: Sick, Vacation, Personal Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Summary: The Director of Special Education provides leadership, supervision, and oversight of special education programs at the building level to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and the delivery of high-quality services for students with disabilities. This role focuses on program management, staff supervision, professional development, and collaboration with stakeholders to support student success. Qualifications: Experience / EducationProfessional Educator LicenseDirector of Special Education EndorsementMinimum of 5-7 years of experience in education, including leadership experience at the school or district level. Job Responsibilities Program Leadership & OperationsOversee the day-to-day operations of Special Education programs at the building level.Ensure programs align with district goals, legal requirements, and best practices. Monitor program effectiveness and recommend improvements as needed. Supervision & StaffingSupervise and support Program Supervisors and special education staffLead and participate in staffings, ensuring appropriate placement and services for students.Collaborate with the Substitute Secretary to coordinate staffing coverage and address staffing needs.Support recruitment and retention efforts for special education personnel, including participation in hiring processes and staff support initiatives. Individual Education Plans (IEPs)Oversee the development, implementation, and compliance of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).Ensure IEP meetings are conducted in accordance with federal and state regulations.Provide guidance and support to staff to ensure high-quality, legally compliant IEPs. Professional DevelopmentProvide and approve professional development opportunities for special education staff.Identify training needs based on program data, compliance requirements, and instructional priorities.Ensure professional learning supports instructional quality and compliance. Outplacement OversightOversee and coordinate outplacement services for students requiring specialized programs outside the district.Collaborate with families, service providers, and district administrators to ensure appropriate placements.Monitor outplacement programs for effectiveness, compliance, and fiscal responsibility. Collaboration & CommunicationCollaborate with building administrators, general education staff, service providers, and families.Serve as a resource to staff regarding special education regulations, procedures, and best practices.Support positive relationships with parents and guardians through clear communication and problem-solving. Equipment Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copiers and fax machines, and telephone. Travel Requirements Travels to all buildings will be limited Mental Demands: Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Works in standard office and school buildings. Frequent district-wide travel and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Evaluation: The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Board policy. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.