PRIMARY PURPOSE:

• To provide leadership in developing, achieving, and maintaining the best educational programs in a way that nurtures personal development of each individual, so that the special needs of all students are met.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s Degree
• Administrator/Mid-Management Certificate
• Successful experience as an administrator at the principal level or higher

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Exhibit effective communication (verbal and written), public relation, and interpersonal skills.
• Possess knowledge of various disabilities.
• Possess excellent knowledge and understanding of special education law, policy and procedures.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures of the MISD.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of the change process, organizational development, conflict resolution, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to develop and monitor a department budget and federal funds.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of technology and its use to enhance student services/achievement.
• Display highly effective organizational and consensus-building skills.
• Demonstrate ability to lead in the planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating of an effective Special Education Department which includes the best use of research findings, time, staff, advanced technologies, community resources, and financial means to enhance student services.

Experience:

• Successful experience as an administrator or supervisor.
• Central office special ed experience preferred.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the administration may find is appropriate and acceptable.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Administer the special education program for the district.
• Administer Regional Day School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
• Develop the standard application system yearly for special education programs and administers the budget.
• Design teacher and staff development programs for special and general education when appropriate.
• Compile all necessary statistical reports.
• Serve as primary contact person between the Mesquite ISD and the Special Education Division of the Regional Education Service Center and the Texas Education Agency.
• Participate in ARD meetings when needed.
• Assist principals and the Personnel Administrators in screening, interviewing and hiring special education personnel.
• Secure consultant services as authorized.
• Assist the Director of Transportation in arranging bus service for eligible special education students.
• Serve as the primary contact person between the Mesquite ISD and agencies contracting for special education services.
• Assist in research studies and planning of special projects.
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field by reading journals and publications and/or attending professional meetings.
• Keep special education staff current in trends and new methods in education.
• Serve as building administrator for the Student Support Center.
• Facilitate mediations and due process hearings.
• Collaborate with business office on staffing, SHARS, and federal grants
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent Administrative Services or Superintendent pursuant to school board policy.
• Partner with the city of Mesquite for Special Olympics programs.
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assigned staff as needed

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

• Communicating well, making multiple decisions regarding support staff and students’ educational, physical, and emotional well being, and maintaining emotional control under stress.

Physical demands/environmental factors:

• In-District and State travel.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Employment begins:  As soon as possible

Applications due by:  Until filled

The Mesquite Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information or for any other reason prohibited by law.