About this role
Director of Special Services - District - Anticipated start date is January 4, 2027 The posting will be open from October 1, 2026 - November 30, 2026 unless notified of an alternative closing date. Anticipated interview schedule is the first week in December 2026 or when a suitable candidate is found. The salary listed will be pro-rated to the start date in the fiscal year. Additional information regarding the posting to be provided to applicants as it becomes available. MSAD #35 Position Title: Director of Special Services Department: Special Services Reports to: Superintendent of Schools Prepared by: Caroline Arakelian, PhD, Superintendent of Schools Date Approved: October 1, 2026 POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Special Services is responsible for the coordination, supervision and maintenance of effective programs for students in the MSAD #35 School District and Rollinsford, NH School District who require Special Education, Gifted Education, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, 504 Accommodation Plans and services for Homeless and Unaccompanied Youth. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities outlined below are representative and do not encompass or define all tasks that may be required by this position.
• Authorized to commit resources of MSAD #35.
• Responsible for the preparation of a budget for Special Education, Gifted Education, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, 504 Accommodation Plans and services for Homeless and Unaccompanied Youth.
• Responsible for the fiscal management of all special services programs.
• Responsible to ensure that the district fulfills the obligations in compliance with federal and state regulations that govern Special Education, Gifted Education, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, 504 Accommodation Plans and services for Homeless and Unaccompanied Youth.
• Responsible for identifying programmatic resources for MSAD #35 students (e.g. qualified professionals for contractual agreements, programs).
• Responsible for the maintenance of effective record keeping systems, data collection, referral procedures, assessments, evaluations, reporting, and communication regarding students who may be/are eligible for special services under I.D.E.A.,under the Americans with Disabilities Act (section 504), under the laws that govern gifted education, English as a Second Language and the education of students who are homeless.
• Responsible for the supervision of all special services programs.
• Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of programs in accordance with Board policy, and state and federal regulations.
• Responsible for data collection and completion of state and federal forms regarding all special services programs as listed above.
• Collaboratively assisting the MSAD #35 administrative team in conducting staff meetings, school improvement planning efforts, curriculum development and in designing professional development opportunities and related services.
• Responsible for the supervision and evaluation of special services staff.
• Attends School Board meetings and prepares reports as requested by the Superintendent of Schools.
• Responsible for maintaining appropriate records, attending meetings as necessary and to perform such other duties as may be required.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum of five years experience in Special Education
• Master's Degree or higher in education
• Maine Department of Education Certificate 030 – Administrator of Special Education or eligibility required.
• Maine Department of Education Criminal History Record Check certificate required or eligibility required.