The Chief of Exceptional Children provides leadership, supervision, and oversight of the district’s special education programs to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, state regulations, and district policies. The Chief supports schools in delivering high-quality services that meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as District Chief Executive leader for all special education programs, services, and supports.
• Provides strategic vision, leadership, and direction for all district special education and related services to ensure equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Advises the Superintendent and Board on policy, compliance trends, program effectiveness, and strategic initiatives related to special education.
• Ensures full district compliance with federal and state laws while proactively identifying and mitigating risk through systems, structures, and internal controls.
• Oversees and evaluates the effectiveness of all special education programs, services, and leadership personnel, including Directors, Coordinators, and related service teams.
• Leads the design and continuous improvement of district-wide systems for IEP development, service delivery, inclusion, and student outcomes aligned to best practices.
• Analyzes district-wide data (achievement, growth, discipline, placement, compliance) to drive strategic decision-making and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to align special education with curriculum, instruction, MTSS, equity initiatives, and district strategic priorities.
• Provides executive-level leadership for complex legal matters, including due process hearings, state complaints, audits, and risk management in coordination with legal counsel.
• Develops and oversees the special education budget, including forecasting, resource allocation, grant management, and long-term financial planning.
• Establishes district-wide professional learning vision and systems to build capacity in inclusive practices, specially designed instruction, and compliance.
• Serves as the district’s primary representative for special education with state agencies, external partners, and community stakeholders.
• Leads cross-functional collaboration to ensure integration of services across departments and alignment with district goals.
• Drives innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery models to increase inclusion, efficiency, and student success.
• Ensures systems are in place for accurate data governance, reporting, and at all levels of the organization.
• Leads the resolution of complex student and family concerns by promoting collaborative problem-solving, fostering strong family partnerships, and ensuring creative, student-centered solutions aligned with legal and instructional expectations.
• Provides strategic oversight of district-wide compliance systems, including Child Find, eligibility determination, IEP development and implementation, state reporting, and required plans, ensuring alignment with federal and state regulations and securing program funding.
• Ensures effective coordination and alignment of special education services across the district, including staffing assignments, interdepartmental collaboration (e.g., transportation, health services), and consistent implementation of programs at the school level to meet student needs and regulatory requirements.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required; Doctorate preferred.
• Valid state certification in Educational Administration required; Special Education certification required.
• Experience as a special education teacher and experience as a school-based administrator (e.g., assistant principal or principal) preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and related laws, with the ability to lead district-wide compliance systems and risk mitigation.
• Deep knowledge of inclusive practices, specially designed instruction, MTSS integration, and systems-level program design.
• Proven ability to lead large teams, develop leaders, and manage cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and data analysis skills, with the ability to use multiple data sources to drive district-level decisions.
• Experience managing complex budgets, grants, and resource allocation.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to advise executive leadership and the Board.

About Chesterfield County School District

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