Director of Special Education

COVINGTON INDEPENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Position is for the 2026-2027 school year
 
POSITION: Director of Special Education
SCHOOL/PROGRAM: District Wide
DATE POSTED: May 5, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hold a valid Kentucky certificate for Director of Special Education.
• Have at least three years of experience working with exceptional children.
• Have at least three years of experience in an urban public school setting (preferred).
• Have experience working collaboratively with teachers and school administrators.
• Have the ability to work effectively with parents of exceptional children.

 
 
RESPONSIBLE TO:  Assistant Superintendent - Student Support Services
 
SUPERVISES: Administrative Assistant
Speech Therapists
 

• Coordinate procedures for referral, identification, and placement of exceptional learners.
• Develop and maintain a system of procedures and practices that ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements.
• Work in collaboration with school administrators to support special education teachers in compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines; and in the development of effective instructional programs.
• Review and analyze special education due process files at least annually to determine compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Facilitate ongoing communication among specialized personnel (OT, PT, VI service providers), special education teachers, and general education teachers who are responsible for teaching exceptional learners.
• Provide training to Covington Independent Public School personnel regarding exceptional learner topics.
• Develop and maintain 504 manual and train school staff as it pertains to the 504 referral process, assessment, eligibility and 504 Plan development, and maintain a list of identified students.
• Analyze and estimate personnel, equipment, and supplies needed to support effective exceptional learner programs.
• Oversee funding that supports education for exceptional learners, including budget management and working collaboratively with school and central office personnel.
• Develop and submit contracts for services with local school districts, community agencies and individuals relating to exceptional learner services to include OT/PT, VI, and O&M.
• Act as liaison to Medicaid services, insuring appropriate documentation and submission of information for reimbursement.
• Manage KECSAC funds, develop tutoring and extended days program, complete all paperwork and reports to include but not limited to MOA, budget, calendar, and program reviews.
• Act as liaison to exceptional learner programs including all private and parochial schools within CIPS jurisdiction and NKCES regional programs for exceptional learners.
• Communicate with the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services, Children's Home of Northern Kentucky, Homeward Bound Youth Shelter and other local, state, and federal organizations in support of exceptional learners' needs.
• Act as liaison between Kentucky School of Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Kentucky School for Visual Impairment when Covington students are placed in those programs.
• Maintain reports and census of students with visual or hearing impairments and submit reports annually.
• Serve as ARC chairperson to parochial schools in Covington and to local schools within the district requesting special assistance, i.e., regulatory consultation, conflict resolution, etc.
• Upon request, conduct teacher observations and serve on improvement planning teams for teachers.
• Develop and revise Special Education manuals, including, Policy and Procedures Manual and Special Education Handbooks.
• Develop and provide a program to assist/mentor Rank IV/Emergency Certified teachers in exceptional learner classrooms.
• Maintain records of Emergency Certified Teachers' training and provide a report to NKCES.
• Submit state waivers when special education teachers serve students outside their certification.
• Insure implementation and compliance of all policies/procedures relating to exceptional children services (i.e., state reports- December 1 count, Indicator reports).
• Develop extended school year and extended school services for summer programming as needed.
• Create a climate of shared decision-making with parents in the development of IEPs and exceptional learner policies, procedures, and programs.
• Maintain a professional awareness of current literature related to assignment, including, working knowledge of state and federal law, Board policy and administrative regulations.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or Superintendent of Schools. 

 
 
JOB GOAL: To support schools so that each exceptional learner is provided with an educational program that will enable that student to reach his or her fullest potential.
 
CONTRACT: 235 Days
 
SALARY: Based on Rank and experience
Salary Schedule � Certified Director 1
 
APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Complete the online:  Covington Independent Schools - Frontline Recruitment (applitrack.com)
• Please direct questions about the online application process to Dawn Vancini at [email protected],
• For information regarding the position contact Dr. Jaren Finney at [email protected]

All applications will be evaluated and screened
Covington Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.

47-2627-000 (1442)