Executive Director, Special Education Services

Mcallen-Independent-School-District; North Depot Road Colonia (TX); On-site; USD 102,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

McAllen Independent School District is seeking an Executive Director of Special Education Services to lead instructional and curriculum services for K-12 students with special needs. The role oversees district-wide SPED programs, including the Regional School for the Deaf, STRIDES, and ARD processes, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.

The position requires strong leadership and budgeting skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in education or related field.
• Certification in Texas mid-management or administrator credentials.
• Strong knowledge of special education law and policies.
• Experience leading district-wide special education programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructional and curriculum services for K-12 special education.
• Oversee Regional School for the Deaf curriculum and program.
• Develop and monitor STRIDES 18+ program.
• Manage ARD processes and program placement decisions.
• Oversee budget and personnel within special education.

Education

Master's Degree

Texas Mid-Management

Principal’s Certificate

Supervisor Certificate

Job description

Executive Director, Special Education Services

McAllen Independent School District Dept of Special Education - McAllen, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5888889

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 17, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To lead, direct, and plan for instructional and curriculum services to meet the needs of schools, staff, and special education students; collaboratively work to provide an aligned guaranteed and viable curriculum in the K-12 system; work with appropriate staff and develop, maintain, and revise curriculum based on systematic review and analysis of research, data, and feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Master's Degree, required

Texas Mid-Management, Principal’s Certificate, or Supervisor Certificate, required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of federal and state special education law

Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, preferred

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher in special education or in special education related services, required

Three (3) years of experience as an administrator, required

Days:226

Daily Rate pay range:

Minimum: $452.44

Maximum: $631.26

Note:Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Instructional and Program Management

• Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Oversee the development and delivery of Regional School for the Deaf curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate district goals and support student achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
• Oversee the administration of the Regional School for the Deaf program in compliance with federal, state and local guidelines.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the New Supported Transition & Road to Independence: Development & Employment for all Students (STRIDES) 18+ program.
• Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process districtwide. Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and development of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures. Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
• Oversee attorney due process hearings, TEA complaints, or parent concerns with the ARD process districtwide.
• Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support accomplish educational goals are available. Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education program effectiveness. Make changes when warranted.
• Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Take an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.

Student Management

• Demonstrate support for the district’s student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education program.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

Budget and Inventory

• Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Oversee the MISD special education transportation budget.

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in special education department.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Keep the immediate supervisor informed regarding the status on all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally from other central office personnel or externally from the community.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• Perform other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Special Education Coordinators, Special Education Itinerant Staff, clerks, and secretary

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripheral

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $102,251 to $142,665 Per Year

Job Requirements

• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Master degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Albert Canales , Chief Human Resources Officer
• Dept of Human Resources
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]