Skip to main content

About Us

Special Education

About Special Education

The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for students with disabilities.  Serving over 800 students, our Special Education Department provides a robust continuum of supports, from comprehensive related services to Learning Center and Specialized Program resources.  Our team collaborates closely with families and educators to personalize support plans that maximize each student's potential.  

Our program is designed to promote access and equity, ensuring that students can thrive in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) possible and participate meaningfully in the general education curriculum.  We emphasize student-centered practices that encourage the development of independence, self-determination, and advocacy skills, enabling students to take an active role in their learning journey.  With a focus on differentiated instruction, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and inclusive practices, we aim to empower each student to achieve academic and personal success, preparing them for lifelong learning and fulfillment within and beyond the school setting. Read our Program Guide to learn more! 

Special Education Director

Natalia Kierul, 

Director of Special Education

 


A man in a blue suit smiles directly at the camera.Successfully Implemented: Our New Student-Centered IEP Process

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has introduced a major update to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) – and we have successfully implemented this modernized format.

We are now actively generating new IEPs that are highly tailored to each student’s unique needs and learning style. This new framework, the first major update in over 20 years, enhances clarity, accessibility, and focuses squarely on student-centered planning.

A core tenet of this new process is emphasizing parent participation. We are dedicated to ensuring that parent insights and expertise are integrated at every stage, from initial goal setting to final review, creating a truly collaborative plan for student success.

While our staff completed comprehensive training on the new forms, we continue to offer resources to ensure all team members feel confident. We encourage parents to revisit the DESE's website for details on the new structure.We look forward to continuing this more effective, inclusive approach to supporting our students, together.

Assistant Director of Special Education

Dan Mazur

Special Education Administration Team

Team meetings will continue to be held both virtually and in-person based on your preference.  Your school's Special Education Coordinator will be in touch to schedule these meetings.  For any questions about your student's IEP or specific services, please refer to the appropriate contact listed below.  To contact, click the icon. 

Homebound/Hospitalized

Please visit Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website for important information and click here for the required forms.  

504 Plan Information

Contact Shannon Dandridge

Section 504 Coordinator

Acton-Boxborough SEPAC

We look forward to another collaborative year with Acton-Boxborough SEPAC. Co-Chairs Amanda Bailey and Abe Gutierrez will share meeting dates for the 2025-2026 school year soon. You can contact them at abrsdsepac@gmail.com.  We are excited to welcome your students back to school. Please reach out to us or your coordinator if you have any additional questions or concerns.

PowerSchool

Parents of students with IEPs and 504 Plans can find their student's documents in the PowerSchool Parent Portal found under the Families menu above.

Restraint Policy

Each school has a team of professionals trained in restraint accoring to the policies and procedures established by ABRSD. The district provides yearly training to staff to keep everyone current. Please review our Restraint Policy (JKAA).

 

Children stand together, wearing colorful rain boots, ready for outdoor fun.