Board appoints Dr. Francisco Vicente as Nashua School District director of special education

The Nashua School District Board of Education voted March 2 to appoint Dr. Francisco Vicente as the district’s director of special education, effective July 1, 2026, at an annual salary of $128,458.

Dr. Vicente, who introduced himself at the meeting as a 25-year veteran of special education leadership and currently serving in roles with the Boston Public Schools, told the board he was motivated by a desire for closer community work: “I know I can help them,” he said, describing experience in Lowell and Boston and a commitment to family partnerships and inclusive practices.

In a board question-and-answer session, members and teachers pressed Vicente on how he would support classroom teachers, manage contracted services and ensure Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings are effective. Vicente emphasized the legal and educational baseline of FAPE — “free and appropriate public education is the fundamental civil right of students with disabilities” — and said his approach centers on strong IEP meetings, clear procedural manuals and data-driven decision-making.

Superintendent Dr. Andrade recommended the appointment and the board moved to approve it. The motion was called and approved by voice vote.

The appointment follows interviews conducted by the district’s HR committee; a board member who participated in that process said interviewers were “extremely impressed.” Dr. Vicente said he looks forward to working directly with Nashua staff, families and schools to translate district-level policy into classroom practice.

The district’s personnel packet contains Vicente’s CV and the formal appointment paperwork. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public record for the voice vote.