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School Committee narrows director of student services search to 3 finalists

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

A public forum at Hopkinton High School tonight will introduce candidates for the opening director of student services position to residents and school district families.

Three finalists were selected from a pool of 14 applicants. A panel was set to interview the top five candidates on April 17. Tonight’s forum will give the public a chance to hear from the finalists and ask questions.

The candidates for the role are Jessica Beattie, Helene Desjardins and Courtney Rau Rogers.

Beattie has been the director of student services at Holliston Public Schools since 2022. She previously served as assistant principal and an adjustment counselor at Robert Adams Middle School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Framingham State University and a master’s degree.

Desjardins is the assistant director of student services at the Northborough-Southborough Public Schools. Her focus is on special education and currently oversees special education program development in her school system. She holds a master’s degree from Worcester State University.

Rogers holds two master’s degrees and anticipates completing her doctorate in December. Starting in middle school special education, she has worked her way up to the role of assistant principal at Bigelow Middle School in Newton — a role she has held since 2008.

The finalist for the director of student services role will replace Abigail Hanscom, who is retiring from the role on June 30. Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh, who also is retiring at the end of June, has been collaborating with incoming superintendent and current HHS principal Evan Bishop on filling the role.

According to the School Committee’s agenda, candidates will convene at 6:15 p.m. in the main office conference room at Hopkinton High School.

Latest News

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows five homes sold, including three for more than $1 million.

Richard Ernst, 93, passed away April 8. He was a former resident of Hopkinton.

Jane Dunphy, 96, died April 28. Her daughter is a Hopkinton resident.

The Hopkinton Lions Club is holding its annual Community Yard Sale on May 17.

Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (6:15) and Conservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Kids take on the rock wall at the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center in Hopkinton during the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day on Sunday. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO