Schools

School Committee Approves Interim Student Services Head, Creates Subcommittee to Review Special Education

By Charlie Breitrose | July 29, 2026

The School Committee approved the hiring of the interim Director of Student Services, who will oversee the special education program in the Watertown Public Schools, and also created a subcommittee focused on Student Services that will look at the district’s special education program. The moves made at the July 27 meeting, came in the wake of a push by parents of students in the special education program to make changes to the program and remove the Director of Student Services for not providing the services needed by students and creating an environment of fear and distrust. The discussion around Watertown’s Special Education program has become heated, including an online threat directed toward one of the School Committee members. Parents Concerns

For the past few School Committee meetings, parents have spoken about their experiences, their concerns about the special education program in Watertown, and what they would like to see change. Many have spoken about not feeling heard, being targeted for asking for services for their children, and not trusting Watertown special education program.