Saugus board names new special education director

SAUGUS – The Saugus School Committee voted unanimously Thursday to name a new Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education after a month-long search process.Superintendent Richard Langlois recommended Heather Geary, the current assistant director of special education for Billerica Schools.?The interview committee was very impressed,” said Langlois. “She is passionate about what she does and is always the consummate professional. There weren?t any reservations from anyone.”Geary will be replacing current director Cynthia Joyce, who will be retiring at the end of the school year.?We had to fill tough shoes with Ms. Joyce leaving,” said Langlois. “She is irreplaceable with what she?s done for the district.”According to Langlois, Geary has worked for Chelsea and Brookline Public Schools, and has a masters in education from Simmons College and has experience in elementary, middle and high school levels.School Committee member Arthur Grabowski said he had some concerns about Geary leaving Billerica while under contract.?I don?t believe in people breaking contracts they sign their name to,” said Grabowski.However, Langlois said she?s well-suited for the job.?I admire her,” said Langlois. “She?s making a career path change. She?s going from an assistant to taking over a whole district. This is a great beginning and a great opportunity for her to thrive.”School Committee Chairman Wendy Reed said she was “pleased” with the selection.Director of Finance Sam Rippin gave an update of the school lunch program and said as of March 31, the school lunch program had $647,000 in revenue and a net loss of $14,000 and anticipated breaking even at the end of the year.He said there is $3,500 remaining in outstanding school lunch balances as of March 31.After putting the food service contract out to bid, Rippin said Aramark, Chartwells, Sidekim and Whitson?s have all expressed interest in serving the schools next year and said he expects to make a recommendation at the next School Committee meeting.The committee also voted to add a second coach for the Belmonte Middle School track program for $1,000 for one year after Athletic Director Mike Nelson said the program has grown to up to 70 students.?To have one coach at the middle school level with this magnitude of numbers is unheard of,” said Nelson.Langlois will meet with the Finance Committee on May 2 to present the school?s budget request for next year.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].