Director of Student Services outlines entry plan, DESE corrective actions and family night on Oct. 29

Frank, the district’s Director of Student Services, told the School Committee he is conducting a comprehensive entry plan to evaluate the Office of Student Services, including special education, inclusion models and student supports.

Frank said the entry plan includes classroom observations, IEP review using a rubric developed in prior roles, meetings with principals and administrators, analysis of compliance and program documentation, and a focus on post‑secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. He said the goal of the review is to identify strengths, challenges and recommended strategic goals for the office.

Regarding the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) focused monitoring (Tiered Intervention and Assistance) review, Frank said the district received partial compliance findings and he submitted a corrective action plan that DESE approved. The corrective actions emphasize professional development on IEP timelines and processes, procedural documentation and progress monitoring; the district must complete the plan by May 2026 and will submit interim progress data to DESE.

Frank invited families to an Office of Student Services (OSS) family night scheduled for Oct. 29 at Nipmuc (location referenced as the district high school); the event will include community resource tables, a 6:00 p.m. presentation on district student‑support services, childcare provided by high‑school volunteers, food and opportunities for families to speak individually with staff. Frank said 23 families had RSVP’d at the time of the meeting.

Frank said the office will continue outreach to form a Community Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) and to strengthen family partnerships in program reviews. No committee votes were taken on these informational items.