Medford Schools Names New Director Of Before And After School Programming

MEDFORD, MA — Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Galusi announced that she has appointed Kaytie Dowcett as the district’s new Managing Director for Before/After School Programming.

Dowcett brings more than 20 years of experience in youth development, educational settings, and team leadership. She began her career in 2002 managing out-of-school-time programs for middle school students in Boston Public Schools before transitioning into the classroom as a Reading and English Language Arts teacher. She later spent seven years as executive director of the Waltham Partnership for Youth, where she led operations, staffing, communications, and a portfolio of enrichment programs focused on student engagement. Most recently, Dowcett worked for Waltham Public Schools, overseeing grants and serving on the district’s equity team since 2024.

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The appointment comes as the district continues to expand oversight of its before- and after-school programming. The district posted the Managing Director position earlier this year to lead strategy, operations and staffing for its multi-site out-of-school-time programs.

According to Galusi, Dowcett’s responsibilities will include developing and implementing a student-centered vision for Medford’s before- and after-school programming. She will oversee the creation of age-appropriate curricula and enrichment opportunities aligned with district learning objectives and core values. Dowcett will also work closely with school site directors, providing oversight, coaching, performance evaluations and support for out-of-school-time staff members.

Dowcett holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Brandeis University and a Master of Education degree from Harvard University. She currently resides in Middlesex County with her husband, Alex.

Dowcett said she was excited to return to the field where she began her career and join a district that values the role of out-of-school-time learning opportunities.

I am thrilled to be joining Medford Public Schools as Managing Director of Before/After School Programming,” Dowcett said. “I began my career in out-of-school-time programming, so it is especially meaningful to join a district that recognizes the powerful role these experiences play in helping young people learn, grow and thrive.”

Dowcett said she was impressed by the district's focus on building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging during the hiring process.

"I was struck by Medford’s commitment to relationships, belonging and continuous improvement, and I look forward to partnering with students, families, staff and community organizations to build on that strong foundation," Dowcett said.

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