Jessica Beattie stands next to Justin Pominville, the interim Hopkinton High School principal, on the first day of classes this past August. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The director of student services for the Hopkinton Public Schools is leaving her role at the end of the school year to return to the Holliston Public Schools, according to announcements by school officials.

The initial announcement was made at the Jan. 22 Holliston School Committee meeting.

“Tonight, the Holliston School Committee voted to appoint Jessica Beattie as our Assistant Superintendent of Student Services (previously Student Services director),” Holliston School Committee member Daniel Alfred posted on Facebook on Jan. 22.

“It is rare to be able to right a loss like this,” he added.

Beattie received praise

Beattie, a longtime Hopkinton resident, served as Hopkinton’s director of student services since July of last year. The Hopkinton School Committee approved her for this position at its meeting on May 1, 2025. She replaced Abigail Hanscom, who retired.

“Ms. Beattie was offered the opportunity to return to Holliston Public Schools to serve as their Assistant Superintendent beginning on July 1, 2026, pending contract negotiations,” Superintendent Evan Bishop wrote in an email Tuesday. “Before joining the Hopkinton Public Schools, Ms. Beattie served in various roles in Holliston for 23 years.

“While we are disappointed to see her leave, we understand her decision to take on this new role and wish her nothing but the best in this next chapter,” he added. “She will continue in her role as Hopkinton’s Director of Student Services through June 30.”

Beattie “has made an immediate and positive impact in Hopkinton,” Bishop stated.

“During her time here, Ms. Beattie has focused on strengthening  systems, supporting staff, prioritizing student needs, and building relationships with families and Hopkinton’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC),” Bishop noted. “Her work has been thoughtful, student-centered, and well-received by families and staff.”

Bishop added that the district will share more information on the process of filling the position “once those details are finalized.”

Added Bishop: “Looking ahead, we are focused on continuing to support our students and their families.”

In a statement to the Independent on Tuesday, School Committee chair Kyla McSweeney praised Beattie for her breadth of experience, dedication and demeanor.

“Jessica stood out from the other applicants due to her vast experience in special education in Holliston, knowledge of special education regulations and her warm personality,” stated McSweeney regarding Beattie’s hiring.

“Jess approached Superintendent Bishop in January to share that she was contacted by the Holliston School Committee offering her the position of Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and a pay increase,” she continued. “She mentioned this was part of a reorganization in Holliston where they are also recruiting a new Superintendent.

“The School Committee met and decided to counter the offer with the same title and pay as Holliston was offering,” McSweeney shared. “Ultimately, Ms. Beattie decided to return to Holliston, citing her vast experience with the community and difficulty working in the community that she resides in.”

McSweeney complimented Beattie on what she achieved in so short a time frame.

“The School Committee feels this is a loss to Hopkinton,” she stressed “Ms. Beattie has done an excellent job in the Student Services Office in Hopkinton and has successfully improved programs, developed a strong relationship with our SEPAC [Special Education Parent Advisory Council], and was respected by many parents.

“We are optimistic that we will be able to recruit a new Student Services Director who embodies our values and is able to gain respect and foster relationships with families, students, educators, staff and administration in Hopkinton,” she added. “While we are disappointed with Ms. Beattie’s decision, we wish her the best and understand the difficult choice she made. Ms. Beattie will stay through the end of June before transitioning back to Holliston and will continue to work in Hopkinton’s best interests.”

McSweeney stated that the position will be posted “soon” and “a committee of administrators, educators, parents, and school committee representatives will be formed.”

SEPAC chair ‘bummed’

Jen Halliday, the SEPCA chair, expressed disappointment but understanding in a message to the Independent on Tuesday.

 “We’re bummed, but in talking to her she was very clear that it isn’t the district or leadership,” she said.

She added that Beattie’s advanced notice “gives us plenty of time to advertise and find a replacement.”

“My guess is that whatever issue caused her to want to leave has been fixed,” stated Halliday. “She’s going back to a job she knows, is good at, but has a better title and salary than what she left. She was actively recruited by Holliston. It was a great loss for them.”

Career centered in Holliston

Beattie has spent virtually her entire career in the Holliston school system, beginning in August 2003. In 2022, she took the role as its director of student services, which she kept until her hiring in Hopkinton.

Before that, she was an assistant principal and adjustment counselor at Holliston’s Robert Adams Middle School. She also worked as a guidance counselor in that school system.

Beattie earned a sociology degree from Framingham State and a master’s degree in social work from Boston College.