Hewlett-Woodmere appoints new head for special education services

During a season where academic achievement is highlighted during graduation ceremonies, the Hewlett-Woodmere School District appointed Debra Lo Verde as the new executive director for Special Education services. Lo Verde was the valedictorian of her Molloy College class in 1995.
During a career that spans 20 years, she was a school psychologist and classroom teacher in the North Merrick School District, served as he chairwoman of Pupil Personnel Serves for the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and since 2007 was director of Pupil Personnel Serves for the East Rockaway district.
Hewlett-Woodmere officials said Lo Verde was chosen following an “extensive and inclusive recruitment, screening and selection process.” “Dr. Lo Verde’s extensive experience in all aspects of special education and student support services make her uniquely qualified to lead our special education department,” said Superintendent Dr. Joyce Bisso.
At East Rockaway, Lo Verde supervised a staff of 75 that included special education teachers, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, ESL teachers and occupational and physical therapists. She oversaw such programs as K-12 special education, alternative learning, English language learners, compensatory education, Gifted and Talented and homebound instruction, along with being the chairwoman of the committees on Special Education and preschool education, the homeless and non-public liaison, and the Title IX coordinator.
“I believe in developing a partnership with parents to create an atmosphere for each student where individual learning styles can be maximized,” Lo Verde said.