SC H5165

Establishes minimum qualifications for Directors of Special Education in South Carolina school districts and local education agencies

Requires directors to hold both a valid administrative certification and a valid special education certification issued by the State Department of Education

Mandates a minimum of five years of professional experience in special education, including experience with IDEA Part B program administration

Current directors not meeting requirements as of July 1, 2027 may continue serving if they show progress toward compliance and achieve full compliance by July 1, 2030

Authorizes the State Department of Education to withhold or redirect state or federal special education funds from agencies that fail to correct noncompliance