School Board OKs Glennon as Permanent Special Ed Director

to lead the district's Special Education Department, School Superintendent Joe Mastrocola had a candidate for the permanent job before the School Committee Tuesday night.

The committee unanimously gave its consent to hire Kathleen Glennon, following high praise from Mastrocola. For her part (taking the stage briefly), Glennon simply said she was "delighted to be [there]."

Glennon is currently the Director of Student Services and Special Education for the Amesbury Public Schools, where she has been since 2006.

In that position, she also oversees English Language Learners, homeless students, guidance, school nuring and out-of-district students, along with some teacher evaluations and professional development.

Prior to Amesbury, Glennon worked in Marblehead for 21 years, first as a special education teacher and eventually becoming the special education chairperson at the high school. She has a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University, her master's from Lesley College and a Certificate of Advance Study of Education from Boston College.

Mastrocola said 34 people applied for the job, out of which a screening committee narrowed down to eight candidates and then two finalists. Mastrocola said he and Assistant Superintendent Cara Murtagh intertiewed the finalists and conducted a thorough review before placing Glennon before the School Committee.

Mastrocola described Glennon "as a perfect candidate" to serve Peabody's special education students and staff. "Her skill set fits our district well," he said, also commending her on her personal approach with students, staff and parents and apparent abilities as a team player.

No mention was made Tuesday night of Glennon's salary. The former director earned $103,000 in Peabody last year.

Committee member Beverley Griffin Dunne asked Mastrocola about expanding Glennon's duties beyond just special education, particularly in the area of guidance.

Mastrocola said not now, but they could look at possibly expanding the role in the future as administrative operations for the district are reviewed and administrators may be asked to pick up additional duties.

Former Special Education Director Steven Stone  to become superintendent of that district and that Joan Endicott, the former Director of Student Support Services at Manchester-Essex Public Schools, would return to Peabody to assume the vacant job on an interim basis.