Lynchburg City Schools
Director of Special Education GENERAL INFORMATION Title: Director of Special Education Department: Exceptional Learners Salary Grade: ADM Schedule 9
FLSA Status: Exempt Site/Location: Administrative Building Reports to: Deputy Superintendent Date: 09/23/2025 POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Special Education provides leadership and oversight of all special education programs and services for Lynchburg City Schools. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, manages budgets and resources, directs personnel, and promotes equitable, evidence-based practices that support the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth of students with disabilities. The Director also develops professional learning opportunities and ensures alignment of special education within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Leadership & Compliance
Plan, administer, and direct the division's special education programs. Develop, submit, and oversee the annual Special Education Plan and Report to secure funding. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing special education programs and services. Review and monitor procedures for screening, evaluation, placement, and reappraisal of students to ensure the effective implementation of these processes. Facilitate interagency planning with external service providers (e.g., residential care, day treatment facilities). Serve as the division's representative on the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT). Serve as facilitator for the Special Education Advisory Committee. Model non-discriminatory practices in all activities. Other duties as assigned. Instructional & Program Development Coordinate with the Curriculum & Instruction department to develop, implement, and revise curricula for students with disabilities. Collaborate with principals, teachers, and other departments to ensure instructional alignment and continuity across the division. Evaluate special education programs to monitor effectiveness and recommend program improvements. Identify future program, equipment, and personnel needs. Budget & Resource Management Prepare and administer the special education budget. Develop grant applications and seek funding opportunities. Oversee expenditure controls, requisitions, and purchasing for equipment and materials. Communicate the transportation needs of students with disabilities to the Director of Transportation. Personnel Management Supervise, evaluate, and direct special education department staff, including office staff, supervisors, BCBAs, and school psychologists. Assist principals in planning and implementing effective school-based special education programs. Provide leadership and professional development opportunities for staff. Data, Reporting & Communication Direct the preparation and submission of reports to federal, state, and local agencies. Summarize and report student performance data to the Superintendent, School Board, staff, and public. Ensure accurate recordkeeping for students receiving special services. Foster family and community engagement to support student success. LYNCHBURG CITY SCHOOLS COMPETENCIES
Personal Competencies
Honesty Integrity Ethical Equity Minded Emotional Intelligence Cultural Competence Safety Quality Leadership Competencies
Models Excellent Customer Service Thinks Strategically Shows Initiative Acts Decisively Communicates Effectively Works Collaboratively Resolves Conflict Proactively Functional Competencies
Technical Capabilities Computer Literacy Data Analysis and Management Fiscal Planning and Management Project Management Strategic Planning EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree required; Doctorate preferred. Virginia Professional License with endorsement in Special Education A minimum of five years of experience, including classroom teaching in special education and supervisory/administrative experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
In-depth knowledge of special education law, regulations, and policies (federal, state, and local). Knowledge of best practices for special education instruction, behavior management, and integration with the general education curriculum for ages 2-21. Knowledge of school policies, legal provisions related to child care, special education laws, and regulations Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills for working effectively with students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders. Ability to collaborate effectively as a team member in eligibility proceedings, IEP meetings, discipline reviews, mediation, and due process hearings to determine appropriate services
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
The Director of Special Education reports to the deputy superintendent. The Director will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Lynchburg City Schools reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel to and from schools WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently stand; sit; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, type, or feel; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
Participates in the hiring process and makes hiring decisions of other employees Instructs, trains, coaches, and mentors other employees Schedules (determine hours worked, time off), reviews, and monitors the work of other employees Completes written evaluations of other employees Makes recommendations of disciplinary actions of other employees. OTHER DUTIES 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. AAP/EEO STATEMENT LCS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. JOB STATUS: OPEN SALARY: Please refer to LCS Employee Pay Scales found here: https://www.lcsedu.net/departments/personnel/employee-pay-scales. DAYS: 260 START DATE: 2025-26
Program Leadership & Compliance
Plan, administer, and direct the division's special education programs. Develop, submit, and oversee the annual Special Education Plan and Report to secure funding. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing special education programs and services. Review and monitor procedures for screening, evaluation, placement, and reappraisal of students to ensure the effective implementation of these processes. Facilitate interagency planning with external service providers (e.g., residential care, day treatment facilities). Serve as the division's representative on the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT). Serve as facilitator for the Special Education Advisory Committee. Model non-discriminatory practices in all activities. Other duties as assigned. Instructional & Program Development Coordinate with the Curriculum & Instruction department to develop, implement, and revise curricula for students with disabilities. Collaborate with principals, teachers, and other departments to ensure instructional alignment and continuity across the division. Evaluate special education programs to monitor effectiveness and recommend program improvements. Identify future program, equipment, and personnel needs. Budget & Resource Management Prepare and administer the special education budget. Develop grant applications and seek funding opportunities. Oversee expenditure controls, requisitions, and purchasing for equipment and materials. Communicate the transportation needs of students with disabilities to the Director of Transportation. Personnel Management Supervise, evaluate, and direct special education department staff, including office staff, supervisors, BCBAs, and school psychologists. Assist principals in planning and implementing effective school-based special education programs. Provide leadership and professional development opportunities for staff. Data, Reporting & Communication Direct the preparation and submission of reports to federal, state, and local agencies. Summarize and report student performance data to the Superintendent, School Board, staff, and public. Ensure accurate recordkeeping for students receiving special services. Foster family and community engagement to support student success. LYNCHBURG CITY SCHOOLS COMPETENCIES
Personal Competencies
Honesty Integrity Ethical Equity Minded Emotional Intelligence Cultural Competence Safety Quality Leadership Competencies
Models Excellent Customer Service Thinks Strategically Shows Initiative Acts Decisively Communicates Effectively Works Collaboratively Resolves Conflict Proactively Functional Competencies
Technical Capabilities Computer Literacy Data Analysis and Management Fiscal Planning and Management Project Management Strategic Planning EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree required; Doctorate preferred. Virginia Professional License with endorsement in Special Education A minimum of five years of experience, including classroom teaching in special education and supervisory/administrative experience. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
In-depth knowledge of special education law, regulations, and policies (federal, state, and local). Knowledge of best practices for special education instruction, behavior management, and integration with the general education curriculum for ages 2-21. Knowledge of school policies, legal provisions related to child care, special education laws, and regulations Strong leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills for working effectively with students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders. Ability to collaborate effectively as a team member in eligibility proceedings, IEP meetings, discipline reviews, mediation, and due process hearings to determine appropriate services
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
The Director of Special Education reports to the deputy superintendent. The Director will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Lynchburg City Schools reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel to and from schools WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently stand; sit; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, type, or feel; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
Participates in the hiring process and makes hiring decisions of other employees Instructs, trains, coaches, and mentors other employees Schedules (determine hours worked, time off), reviews, and monitors the work of other employees Completes written evaluations of other employees Makes recommendations of disciplinary actions of other employees. OTHER DUTIES 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. AAP/EEO STATEMENT LCS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. JOB STATUS: OPEN SALARY: Please refer to LCS Employee Pay Scales found here: https://www.lcsedu.net/departments/personnel/employee-pay-scales. DAYS: 260 START DATE: 2025-26