Union 76 Director of Special Services/Special Education

Union 76 – Director of Special Services / Special EducationUnion 76 is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Director of Special Services (Director of Special Education) to lead and coordinate programs that support diverse learners across our island and coastal school communities. This leadership role provides the opportunity to work with dedicated educators, families, and community partners to ensure all students receive equitable access to high-quality educational services.Union 76 Serves Students In The Following SchoolsBrooklin Elementary SchoolDeer Isle–Stonington Elementary SchoolDeer Isle–Stonington High SchoolIsle au Haut SchoolSedgwick Elementary SchoolThe Director reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools and plays a key role on the District Administrative Team.Position OverviewThe Director of Special Services provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of services for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and gifted and talented students. The Director works to ensure programs are responsive, inclusive, and fully compliant with all state and federal regulations.Union 76 values flexibility and collaboration. Many IEP meetings and consultations are conducted using Zoom, allowing a portion of the work to be completed remotely while maintaining strong connections with schools, staff, and families.ResponsibilitiesThe Director will:Lead Special Education ProgramsOversee PreK–12 special education services (ages 3–22 as needed) across district schools and partner sites.Ensure compliance with IDEA and all state and federal regulations.Coordinate referral, evaluation, eligibility, IEP development, placement, and re-evaluation processes.Manage extended school year (ESY), out-of-district placements, and home/hospital instruction.Maintain accurate records and ensure integrity of special education data systems.Coordinate with programs such as KidsPeace School and The Harbor School when appropriate.Attend IEP meetings for high school students attending local high schools.Supervise and Support StaffSupervise special education teachers, education technicians, related service providers (OTs, SLPs, social workers, school psychologists), the MLL teacher, gifted and talented programs, and school nurses.Support recruitment, mentoring, and retention of high-quality staff.Provide professional development in areas such as special education law, IEP processes, inclusive practices, trauma-informed approaches, and alternative assessments.Program Coordination and ComplianceOversee the Multilingual Learner (MLL) needs, ensuring compliance with identification, instruction, and assessment requirements.Coordinate the district’s Gifted and Talented program in accordance with Chapter 104.Serve as the District Section 504 Coordinator.Serve as the District Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator.Serve as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, ensuring students experiencing homelessness have access to services and supports.Leadership and CollaborationWork closely with building administrators to support MTSS and inclusive practices.Coordinate transportation for students as required through the IEP process. Manage the special education budget, IDEA grants, and contracts with outside service providers.Communicate program goals and needs with staff, the School Board, families, and the community.QualificationsMaster’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related fieldMaine Certification 030 – Director of Special EducationStrong knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, Title IX, McKinney-Vento, Chapter 104 (Gifted & Talented), and MLL guidelinesStrong leadership, communication, and organizational skillsAdministrative certification preferredTerms of EmploymentThis position is offered under an annual administrative contract, with salary and work year established by the School Board. Performance will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent.Join Our TeamUnion 76 offers a supportive professional environment, strong collaboration among schools, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families across our coastal communities. Flexible scheduling and the ability to conduct many meetings remotely help support a balanced and efficient work approach.Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.Requests For Information Should Be Sent ToElaine Gokey (egokey@su76.org)251 N. Deer Isle Rd, Unit 1Deer Isle, Maine 04627Phone: 207-348-9100Application Requirements application form fully completedresumecover lettercopies of transcriptscopies of Maine Certification3 letters of recommendationexplanation of gaps in employment over the past 10 yearsexplanation to answering YES to any of the questions on the background check