Frank Giordano
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Special Education leader with 22 years of administrative experience overseeing compliance, program development, and service delivery under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Extensive expertise in evaluating IEP appropriateness, analyzing educational records, and ensuring alignment with legal standards, including FAPE requirements and the implications of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. Experienced in collaborating with legal counsel, participating in dispute resolution processes, and conducting comprehensive record reviews to support case strategy and expert analysis.
Student services professional with proven track record in managing student support programs and improving student outcomes. Known for collaborative approach and reliability in meeting changing needs. Demonstrated proficiency in conflict resolution and program development.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Student Services and Special Education
Lower Moreland Township School District
Huntingdon Valley, PA
01.2011 - Current
- Direct district-wide special education programs serving 390 students with IEPs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations under IDEA
- Maintain 14-15% Special Education identification rates (below state average)
- Supervise development and implementation of IEPs, ensuring alignment with FAPE standards and individualized student needs
- Spearhead response to parent complaints, mediations, and due process proceedings, collaborating with legal counsel and outside evaluators
- Conduct internal audits of IEPs, evaluations, and service delivery to identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions
- Analyze student data to determine program effectiveness, progress, and potential areas of regression or denial of benefit
- Provide guidance to school teams on legally defensible practices in eligibility, placement, and service delivery
- Oversee staff of 26 Teachers of Special Education, 3 School Psychologists, 3 Speech Therapists, 1 Occupational Therapist, 1 Physical Therapist staff training on compliance, documentation, and defensible IEP development
- Oversee School Counseling staff of 8 including 1 College and Career Counselor/Student Support Counselor and 1 Community Counselor
- Oversee gifted program for 115 students (3 teachers)
- Responsible for management of $11 million budget
Supervisor of Special Education
Chichester School District
Aston, PA
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Managed special education processes including evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP development
- Ensured adherence to procedural safeguards and documentation requirements in accordance with IDEA and Chapter 14
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design appropriate educational programs
- Participated in resolution meetings and parent conferences involving complex or disputed cases
- Oversaw Gifted programming
Supervisor of Special Education
North Penn School District
Lansdale, PA
01.2007 - 01.2007
- Managed special education processes including evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP development
- Ensured adherence to procedural safeguards and documentation requirements
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design appropriate educational programs
- Participated in resolution meetings and parent conferences involving complex or disputed cases
Education
Master of Science - Education
LaSalle University
Philadelphia, PA1997
Special Education Supervisor Certification -
St. Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, PA2004
Skills
- IEP & Evaluation Record Review
- IDEA & Section 504 Compliance Analysis
- FAPE Determination & Program Appropriateness
- Procedural vs Substantive Violation Analysis
- Due Process & Dispute Resolution Support
- Educational Data & Progress Monitoring Review
- Program Audits & Corrective Action Planning
- Expert Report Development
- Collaborative Problem-solving
- Crisis management
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Relationship building
- Written communication
Timeline
Director of Student Services and Special Education
Lower Moreland Township School District
01.2011 - Current
Supervisor of Special Education
North Penn School District
01.2007 - 01.2007
Supervisor of Special Education
Chichester School District
01.2004 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Education
LaSalle University
Special Education Supervisor Certification -
St. Joseph’s University
LEGAL & CONSULTING-RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- Participated in 2 due process cases at Lower Moreland, 3 additional at Chichester and North Penn
- Participated in development of settlement agreements to avoid litigation when necessary
- Collaborated with district legal counsel on case preparation and documentation review
- Reviewed extensive student records to assess compliance and program adequacy
- Contributed to development of legally defensible IEPs and district procedures
- Experience interpreting and applying case law
- Limited number of Due Process cases at each district due to staff training on legally defensible IEPs and a focus on student first planning
CONSULTING SERVICES OFFERED
- Comprehensive record review (IEPs, evaluations, progress data)
- Written case summaries and compliance analysis
- Identification of procedural and substantive IDEA violations
- Consultation with legal teams on case strategy
- Expert report development and testimony