] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION COMPLIANCE

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Director, Department of Special Education Compliance

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director I CODE: 0330 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director, Department of Special Education Compliance GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the Chief of Specialized Student Support Services, and in collaboration with Legal Services, the director manages the Department of Special Education Compliance, coordinates the Dispute Resolution Committee, special education compliance functions and case management supports. Provides oversight of the administrative review process and other proactive central office supported problem-solving strategies related to special education and Section 504 Plan of the Rehabilitation Act issues. Provides professional learning and technical support systemwide, including central and school-based staff members linked to compliance with federal and state special education laws and Section 504, including dispute resolution. Provides central-office monitoring of special education compliance, State Performance Plan indicators, and special education dispute resolution functions in collaboration with other special education units. Provides system wide technical support to schools and offices regarding state and federal special education regulations. Manages the investigation and response to state complaints and complaints to the United States Office of Civil Rights regarding special education issues, in collaboration with Legal Services. Reviews legislation and advises on recommended changes in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) policies and regulations, and responses to proposed legislation. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: None SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Deep understanding of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards, including IDEA and Section 504, with the ability to apply this knowledge to support equitable access and outcomes for students with disabilities.Expertise in Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, implementation, and monitoring, ensuring fidelity to legal and instructional expectations.Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative, student-centered resolution processes, effectively reducing the frequency of due process hearings and settlements through early intervention, mediation, and problem-solving strategies.Strong capability to investigate and respond to complaints in a timely, thorough, and solutions-oriented manner that promotes transparency, trust, and resolution in partnership with families and school teams.Proven track record in preparing and guiding staff in mediation and resolution sessions, including providing legal context, case preparation, and effective representation of the district’s interests while prioritizing student needs.Ability to build the capacity of school-based and central office staff through targeted professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance that fosters compliance, best practices, and confidence in navigating complex special education challenges.Advanced skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to compliance, service delivery, dispute resolution, and program effectiveness to inform continuous improvement and strategic planning.Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a focus on relationship-building, diplomacy, and culturally responsive engagement with families, advocates, and educational staff.Demonstrated leadership in motivating and supervising professional staff, promoting a collaborative culture of accountability, responsiveness, and innovation.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree from an accredited institution, with additional graduate coursework in special education, administration, or supervision required, plus a minimum of three years of progressive experience in one or more of the following areas: public school legal issues pertaining to state and federal special education regulations, student placement in special education services, special education dispute resolution functions in a large school system or public sector organization. Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school strongly preferred, Special education teacher certification and teaching experience would be beneficial.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Membership in, or eligibility for, the Maryland State Bar preferred. Ability to obtain Observing and Analyzing Teaching I (OAT I) within one year of hire.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.)The Director of Special Education Compliance leads and manages the work of the Department of Special Education Compliance, overseeing the performance, development, and evaluation of instructional specialists, paralegal staff, and administrative support personnel. The Director fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in all compliance-related activities that support students with disabilities.A key responsibility of the role is guiding cross-functional teams to align instructional priorities with district-wide strategic goals, ensuring that all initiatives are inclusive, data-informed, and student-centered. The Director serves as a critical advisor to senior leadership on matters involving compliance, instructional equity, and innovative practices within special education.The Director provides strategic leadership in designing and implementing professional development and technical assistance initiatives that build staff capacity, foster legal and procedural compliance, and enhance instructional quality. Through interdepartmental collaboration, the Director supports district-wide efforts to promote equitable access and outcomes for students with disabilities.This position involves identifying systemic barriers to student achievement and leading multidisciplinary task forces to develop and implement sustainable, scalable solutions. The Director plays a key role in cultivating leadership talent by mentoring instructional specialists and developing them into future leaders within the field of special education.The Director manages the preparation and oversight of special education cases involving administrative reviews, mediations, resolution sessions, and due process hearings. Working in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel, the Director leads the district’s response to complaints filed with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights, ensuring thoughtful, legally sound, and student-centered outcomes.Emphasizing early intervention and collaborative problem-solving, the Director works proactively with schools and families to resolve disputes through resolution sessions and mediation, significantly reducing the need for legal settlements and fostering a climate of mutual trust and cooperation.In support of system-wide accountability, the Director regularly analyzes compliance and performance data, preparing detailed reports and presenting findings to guide decision-making and policy development. This includes monitoring State Performance Plan indicators and coordinating with central office units to design and implement responsive action plans.The Director is also responsible for updating procedural guidance and training materials aligned with current best practices and legal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes leading the development of professional learning resources, such as webinars and toolkits, to support ongoing learning and consistency of practice across the district.Performs related duties as required.

This description may be changed at any time.