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Hunt on for Special Services Director; Parents Sought to Help School District in Hiring Process

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 August 2005, 18:00 CDT

The Patriot Ledger

Braintree school officials are looking for parents to serve on a search committee for a new director of special services. Mary Sullivan-Kelley, who has served in the position for the past five years, has been named director of special education for Lexington Public Schools. Her last day in Braintree is Aug. 1.

"She will be very difficult to replace," Sherilyn Harrison, co- chairwoman of Braintree's Special Education Parents Advisory Council, said. The director of special services oversees the school district's special-education programs. About 20 percent of Braintree schoolchildren receive some form of special services, Harrison said. In addition, Braintree hosts a South Shore Educational Collaborative program for students with learning disabilities and runs an alternative high school for students with emotional and behavioral problems.

Most Braintree special-education students receive services in town schools rather than through more costly out-of-town programs.

"We have focused a lot on program development within the community, particularly for students with more significant learning disabilities in an effort to not only provide services for them within Braintree schools, but also in a more cost-effective way," Superintendent of Schools Peter Kurzberg said. Harrison praised Sullivan-Kelley for her knowledge of psychology, education and special-education laws, and her willingness to work with parents.

"She met with us on a regular basis to discuss any concerns parents had," Harrison said. Sullivan-Kelley helped introduce computerized teaching aids for middle and high school students with visually based learning disabilities. The programs, called Kurzweil readers, can read words or tests to students who have trouble with reading comprehension and learn better through listening. Harrison said the next director should be well-rounded in all areas of special education, knowledgeable in new assistive technologies, and have a willingness to work with parents and teachers.

The position pays between $88,000 and $103,000 depending on experience, Kurzberg said.

Kurzberg said he is looking for parents to serve on the search committee. The committee, which will include teachers and administrators as well as parents, will screen applicants and recommend finalists to Kurzberg, who has the final hiring decision.

Rick Collins may be reached at rcollins@ledger.com.

Source: Patriot Ledger, The; Quincy, Mass.

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