School committee unanimously appoints Melissa Boylan as director of special education and SEL

The Westford School Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Melissa Boylan as director of special education and social‑emotional learning.

Dr. Chu, the district superintendent, opened the item and recommended Boylan, noting the committee had forwarded two strong finalists after a multi‑stage search. Courtney, who led the screening committee, told members that the district received 18 applicants, invited seven for further review and ultimately interviewed six candidates before forwarding two finalists for cabinet review and reference checks. "Eighteen individuals responded. We were able to screen through those 18 applicants," Courtney said.

Boylan, introduced as principal of Miller School, spoke about her background as a speech‑language pathologist and her priorities in the new role. "Communication and social‑emotional learning is really important to me," Boylan said, describing five years at the Dr. Franklin Perkins School and work embedding programs such as REACH and COMPASS into daily practice. She said her goal is to ensure students "feel seen, heard, supported and successful."

After a motion and second, the committee voted in favor of the appointment by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion carried and the superintendent stated the outcome was unanimous. The committee did not record a roll‑call vote in the transcript.

The appointment is an internal administrative hiring that the committee has authority to approve. Dr. Chu said the district and the school community are enthusiastic about Boylan’s experience leading special education at Miller and her plans to scale practices districtwide.

Next steps: Boylan thanked the committee and said she looks forward to working across the district. The committee moved on to the equity audit presentation and other agenda items.