Operations / Administration Executive Director / Director of Special Education
Job Description
The Uncompahgre BOCES seeks a highly qualified Executive Director /Director of Special Education to provide dynamic and confident leadership to our five-member districts.
Annual Contract Start Date: July 1, 2025 – Optional Supplemental Transition Contract to start in June
General Description of the Role:
- Responsible for hiring and supervising all BOCES staff.
- Provides supervision of BOCES budgeting, programs, and grants.
- Maintains compliance and reporting with the applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Works with the Board of Directors, Superintendent’s Advisory Council, and staff to develop and implement programs and services to meet the needs of the member districts.
- Provides leadership to the Board of Directors and Superintendents Advisory Council.
- Provides leadership for the development and execution of the policies and directions of the Board of Directors.
- Provides districts with staffing, hiring, evaluating, and programming recommendations for special education support and services to maintain compliance with IDEA laws and regulations as the Administrative Unit.
- Provides oversight on legal matters related to special education services within the UnBOCES and individual school districts.
- Handle parent disputes, state complaints, due process hearings, etc., in accordance with the terms of the special education operating agreement between UnBOCES and its member districts.
- Maintain knowledge of and implement special education services in accordance with IDEA and ECEA requirements and the special education operating agreement between UnBOCES and its member districts.
- Responsible for the review and evaluation of IEPs in each district for compliance with the requirements of the Colorado Department of Education and the Federal Office of Special Education.
- Ensure the timely completion and submission of student data, statistical reports, budgets, assurances, etc., related to special education.
- Oversee the maintenance of data and data management information systems as required by the State Department of Special Education.
- Oversee the West Central Alternative Licensing Program, which includes our member districts and the Montrose and Delta Districts.
- Serve on special education-related district, community, regional, and state-level committees as appropriate or assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required:
Has a Master’s Degree or higher and holds or is eligible for a Colorado Administrative
License with an endorsement as Director of Special Education;
Qualifications Preferred:
The UnBOCES Board has determined that the following qualities are essential to the success of the UnBOCES.
We desire a director who:
- Is knowledgeable in special education, gifted education, school and special education law, related service delivery practices, and personnel policy;
- Is dedicated to advocating for the needs of students, having them as the main focus of their work
- Is collaborative, approachable, and highly organized;
- Maintains high visibility in the member districts and community;
- Has good listening skills and strong communication skills and is a firm, fair and consistent leader;
- Can build and maintain partnerships among the member school districts, related service providers, and families to benefit students;
- Has a broad PK-12 educational background including classroom and administrator
experience;
- Has current knowledge of school finance and budgeting
About the UnBOCES:
The UnBOCES is a regional educational service unit designed to provide Special Education services and support instructional, administrative, staff, and other services determined by participating member districts. The UnBOCES office is located in Ridgway, Colorado, and serves five diverse districts in the San Juan Mountains of West Central Colorado. These districts include Ouray and Ridgway in Ouray County, Telluride and Norwood in San Miguel County, and Nucla School in the West End District of Montrose County. Student populations range from 169 to 835 students, depending on the district.
Programs through the UnBOCES include Special Education Services (3-21) including Child Find, and Universal Preschool oversight, Gifted and Talented (G/T), Alternative Licensure Programs (ATL), Induction Program, and Threat/Suicide Risk Assessment Database Coordinator.
Compensation:
The UnBOCES Board of Directors offers an annual salary between $95,000.00 and $120,000.00 (depending on experience and educational attainment) and a benefits package including family medical and dental and a PERA retirement plan for a 220-day contract.
How to Apply
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following to Zoe Denison, zdenison@ridgway.k12.co.us, by 4:00 PM on December 31, 2024- Cover letter and Resume
- Three recent letters of recommendation, dated within the past two years
- Contact information for three additional references with relevant knowledge of the applicant's qualifications and work experience.
