Description

DIRECTOR – OFFICE OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Reports To: Ex. Director of OSS
Bargaining Unit: NRSUP
Department: Office of Special Services
Salary Schedule 25-26 NRSUP
Employment Type: Certificated
Salary Range: $172,882 - $181,986
FLSA Status: Salary
Adopted Date:
Hours per Day: 8.0
Revised Date:
Days per Year: 248 (+12 Holidays) = 260

Belonging is a core value in the South Kitsap School District. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. We actively seek to understand the complex and rich identities of self and others and lean into and engage in courageous conversations. We know the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with unique ideas come together to learn and grow.

South Kitsap Employees Will:

Maintain and enhance a sense of belonging and success for traditionally marginalized populations.
Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationship with students, families, staff and community members.
Demonstrate understanding of our unique cultures and celebrate differences.
Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable learning environment.
South Kitsap School District:

South Kitsap School District is the second-largest school district in Kitsap County and serves nearly 9,000 students within its 360 square miles. Our strategic goals focus on establishing uniformly high standards to meet the needs of all learners, effectively involving parents and community, and retaining quality staff. The District’s sixteen schools include ten elementary schools, three middle schools, one school of choice, one alternative learning center, and one four-year comprehensive high school. South Kitsap School District is proud to have knowledgeable, talented, and dedicated staff among the 1,900 employees, 650 of whom are teachers. 

Comments: This position is for the 2026-2027 school year beginning July 1, 2024.

Summary: The Director of Special Education will report directly to the Executive Director of Special Services. The director will work collaboratively to plan, implement, supervise, and evaluate all aspects of the district's special education services. This role is pivotal to ensuring that the district's special education services and programs are innovative, inclusive, and in compliance with state and federal regulations. The Director will work collaboratively to envision and execute the special education services of the district.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide visionary leadership in the development and implementation of special education programs and curriculum-related initiatives.
Foster inclusive and equitable working relationships among students, families, staff, and community members, enhancing the sense of belonging and success for all, particularly traditionally marginalized populations.
Communicate effectively with a diverse array of stakeholders, including staff, students, parents, and community members, promoting the mission of special education within the district.
Serve as a consensus-builder and problem-solver
Maintain high professional and ethical standards, ensuring strong relationships with staff, students, and parents based on respect, integrity, and accountability.
Supervise and evaluate certificated and classified staff, facilitating professional development and growth opportunities.
Lead the planning, development, and implementation of strategic initiatives, including grant procurement and project management, while maintaining accurate fiscal records.
Interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations related to special education to ensure district compliance.
Collaborate with Human Resources to manage staffing allocations and oversee the hiring of related services staff.
Coordinate and supervise all special education programs across the district, including program evaluation, facilities assessment, curriculum development, and parent engagement strategies.
Serve as a key liaison between the district's central office and individual schools or work sites, aligning special education services with the district's overall instructional vision.
Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in special education, both from instructional and administrative perspectives.
Ability to manage fiscal resources effectively, including developing budgets and allocating resources to meet student needs.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of building positive team dynamics and encouraging open communication.
Proficiency in oral and written communication, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly and engaging with diverse audiences.
Expertise in curriculum and instruction programs, with a focus on special education, and extensive knowledge of relevant state and federal regulations.
Strategic planning capabilities, with experience in executing and managing projects from inception to conclusion.

Education and Experience:

A current administrative credential and valid teaching certificate.
A minimum of three years of successful experience in special education or related programs.
A minimum of five years administrative experience, including oversight of building, program and/or district-wide programs.
Demonstrated ability to establish effective relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Other Requirements:

Availability to work beyond the standard 40-hour workweek as needed.
A record of excellent punctuality and attendance.
Competencies:

Strong teamwork orientation, planning/organizing skills, and customer service commitment.
Proficiency in computer skills and mathematical reasoning.
High level of professionalism, quality focus, and commitment to safety and security.
Dependable, with a consistent track record of meeting commitments and following through on directives.
Clearances:

Washington State Patrol and FBI Fingerprint Background clearance
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The environmental factors described here are representative of those that may be present in the workplace while the employee performs the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting, some walking, and standing. Substantial telephone and in-person contact require the ability to communicate effectively.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions requires the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking and 15% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations, a generally hazard free environment, and in varying atmospheric conditions. Work environments during outreach events may include businesses, school districts, and industry worksites.

Health Benefits Information:

Most positions within the South Kitsap School District are governed by collective bargaining agreements that specify the benefits related to employment with the district, including insurance provisions, vacations, holidays, and other related benefits.

For more information about benefits, please visit SEBB and SEBB Enrollment Guide or contact our Payroll and Benefits Department at (360) 874-7028 or payrollstaff@skschools.org.

Application Process: Complete the online application at www.skschools.org and apply to the position(s) to which you are qualified within your online application. 

Submitting and completing your online application and applying to open positions ensures immediate availability of your data to our hiring administrators. 

PRINCIPALS AND HIRING ADMINISTRATORS CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WITH COMPLETE AND CURRENT APPLICATIONS.

Positions close at 4:00 p.m. on the final day of posting.  Your online application, and all supporting documents, must be submitted by the closing date for an applicant to be considered for a position.

If you need assistance with this process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 874-7074 or email skjobs@skschools.org

The South Kitsap School District provides equal educational and employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation – including gender expression or identity, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Equal access to activities, facilities and program is provided to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. District procedure complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

The Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, and Gender Inclusivity Officer with the responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and ensuring compliance with this policy are:

Compliance/ADA/Title IX Coordinator:
Will Sarett,
Executive Director of Human Resources 
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7071
sarett@skschools.org

Section 504 Coordinator:
Cristin Blaskowitz,
Director of Special Services
2689 Hoover Avenue SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-443-3625
blaskowitz@skschools.org

Gender Inclusivity Compliance Officer:
Monica Zuber,
Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership
2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366
360-874-7003
zuber@skschools.org

South Kitsap School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services, and activities.  For information regarding translational bilingual education programs, contact the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at (360) 874-7050.

All Employees are required to furnish proof of identity and employment authorization status.

The South Kitsap School District is committed to providing a drug-free, tobacco-free environment for all persons-students, community and staff.

Any offer of employment with the South Kitsap School District is on a conditional basis pending the successful completion of an FBI and Washington State Patrol fingerprint background check.