Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled Opportunity
Position: Superintendent
Reports to: Assistant Commissioner
Department: Elementary and Secondary Education
Classification: Full-time, Professional
Division/Office: Learning Services/Office of Special Education
Location: Central Office
Section: Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled
Pay Range: SP20
Job Group Code: 102
Position with administrative and supervisory responsibilities in the overall management and operation
of the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD), a system of day schools providing special
education services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The incumbent must have the ability to perform the essential functions below either with or without
reasonable accommodation.
1. Follows all policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the Board and makes decisions consistent
with Board policies.
2. Directs the development of a Comprehensive School Improvement Plan/Strategic Plan to meet
student and system needs.
3. Directs, approves, and evaluates building-level improvement plans and professional
development plans aligned with the CSIP/Strategic Plan.
4. Directs the development and evaluation of emergency/crisis plans and all aspects of school
safety.
5. Prepares an annual budget for the MSSD that includes allocations to each individual school.
6. Approves and directs all purchases, contracts, and payments necessary for MSSD operations.
7. Directs the assessment of local tax effort from local school districts as required by Missouri law.
8. Recruits and recommends all personnel for employment to the State Board of Education.
9. Supervises the assistant superintendent, area directors, director of personnel and business, and
assistant director – school technology specialist.
10. Administers a program for staff evaluation.
11. Formulates and administers a program of supervision of the MSSD schools with the duties and
responsibilities delegated to area directors and building administrators.
12. Provides opportunities for staff development for all MSSD personnel.
13. Provides professional leadership and general supervision for the MSSD educational services and
the instructional program.
14. Provides for the supervision of students and the maintenance of safe and productive education
settings.
15. Prepares an annual program evaluation that addresses student service and financial
accountability.
16. Directs the development of plans for maintenance, repair, improvement, and modification of
building facilities needed to provide a safe and healthy environment conducive to learning.
17. Supervises and supports the development of outreach services to assist local school districts in
serving students with severe disabilities by local districts.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.
19. Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to education administration.
20. Knowledge and understanding of rules and regulations relating to special education.
21. Knowledge of standards for schools serving students with severe disabilities.
22. Knowledge of effective school administration including proper distribution of students,
employees, and effective bus operations.
23. Ability to communicate effectively.
24. Inform the community about school matters and serve as a representative of the schools before
the public.
25. Participate in professional growth activities, professional organizations, and relevant state and
local conferences.
26. Ability to supervise staff.
27. Ability to coordinate a program, especially in regard to fiscal responsibility.
28. Ability to work under supervision as well as to assume leadership responsibilities when
required.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
1. Documentation of a Missouri Superintendent’s Certification or Eligibility of Certification
2. Specialist’s degree from an accredited college or university in an area of school administration
or related field
3. Three years of successful experience in special education and/or school administration and
supervision.
(Other qualifications and experience which, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Education, meet the
requirements of the position may be accepted in lieu of the above.)