ROCKLAND - January 12, 2026 - In a comprehensive review of the district’s special education and support services, Dr. Jennifer Curtis-Whipple, the new Director of Pupil Personnel Services, presented her entry plan findings to the School Committee Monday night. While describing the district as a “strong ship” fueled by dedicated staff and “Bulldog Pride,” she outlined a calibrated path forward focused on standardizing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and addressing critical staffing shortages.
The Full Story
Dr. Curtis-Whipple’s presentation, titled “A Strong Ship and a Calibrated Course,” drew from over 60 staff surveys, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups conducted since she joined the district in October. Her data highlighted significant successes, including a 100% MassCore completion rate for English language learners and students with disabilities, and a graduation rate for students with disabilities that is 10.3% higher than the state average.
However, the review also identified three key areas for growth: Consistency, Capacity, and Collaboration. Dr. Curtis-Whipple noted that staff had requested more standardized procedures to prevent silos between schools.
“If the drop-down in there is SLP or Speech and Language Pathologist, that should mean the same thing at every level,” Dr. Curtis-Whipple explained regarding the district’s IEP software. She emphasized the need for clear, systematic entrance and exit criteria for substantially separate programs.
Capacity concerns were also central to the discussion. Dr. Curtis-Whipple acknowledged a “critical vacancy” for a school psychologist, a position the district has been trying to fill since last spring. She also highlighted a need for more “Tier 1 and Tier 2” supports—interventions in general education classrooms that can prevent students from requiring more restrictive special education services later.
School Committee member Dr. Melissa Mauro-Small, a pediatrician, praised the new director’s approach.
“I think it would be easy to say like, ‘Okay, tell me what you do and how I continue doing that,’ but instead to take a step back... and to really listen to our educators who are so important and our CPAC parents... and really figure out what our future should and could and will be.” — Dr. Melissa Mauro-Small [33:49]
Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron echoed the praise for the department, also taking a moment to highlight the immense workload of the district’s health team. He reported that in December alone, Rockland school nurses saw 2,623 students.
Why It Matters
For parents of students with disabilities, the push for “consistency” aims to eliminate confusion as children move from elementary to middle and high school. Standardizing IEP language and program criteria ensures that a child’s services don’t depend on which building they attend. However, the identified need for more staff—specifically a school psychologist and general classroom supports—signals likely budget conversations ahead as the administration looks to fill these gaps in a competitive hiring market.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve the graduation date for the Class of 2026 as Friday, May 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
Vote: Passed Unanimously [41:52]
Motion: Approve monthly reports (Administrators, Guidance, Nurse, Pupil Personnel Services).
Vote: Passed Unanimously [08:27]
Motion: Approve fundraisers (RHS Student Govt Special Olympics Bake Sale, RHS Boosters “Left Center Right” Night).
Vote: Passed Unanimously [41:14]
Public Comment & Announcements
Student Representative Erin Maroney provided a weekly sports schedule, noting midterms are scheduled for next week [44:22].
Dr. Melissa Mauro-Small reminded parents about the high volume of infectious illnesses circulating and urged them to keep sick children home.
Jaime Hennessy welcomed everyone back from break.
Michele Bissonnette promoted a “Family Night” at Phelps Elementary on February 2nd regarding behavior management.
What’s Next
Action Plan Implementation: Dr. Curtis-Whipple will begin the “Goal Setting” and “Future Planning” phases of her entry plan, with immediate “low-hanging fruit” changes already in progress.
Hiring: The district will continue its search for a full-time school psychologist.
Source Video: WRPS Rockland Rockland School Committee - January 12, 2026