Department of Special Education and English Learner Education 

Jessica Bolduc is a native of Ware and a Ware Junior Senior High School graduate.  She began her teaching career at Cottage Hill Academy, a residential school for students with social emotional, behavioral and educational needs. At Cottage Hill, she instructed middle and high school courses in various subjects. Ms. Bolduc then went on to a position in the Ware Public Schools at the Stanley M. Koziol Elementary School as a grade 1 special education teacher.  Throughout her career at Ware Public Schools, she was also employed as mentor teacher, K-3 special education extended school year teacher and academic tutor for students in grades 3-6. She serves as the Director of Special Education, Coordinator of English Learner Education, Civil Rights Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator.

Ms. Bolduc holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from Westfield State University, majoring in Elementary Education and Liberal studies with a concentration in Spanish. In addition, she holds a Master of Education Degree from Fitchburg State University, majoring in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in Special Education. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education Degree at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Educational Leadership. 

During the week of March 27, 2023, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Ware Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations. 

Parents and other individuals may call Alaena Podmore, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338-6706 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide Ware Public Schools with a report with information about areas in which the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.

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