Woburn Special Education Director Leaving For Dracut

WOBURN, MA — Woburn Public Schools have begun posting job opening listings for a new director of special education. Kim Lawrence submitted her resignation for "personal and professional reasons" on April 29. She will step down on June 30 and has been hired for a similar position in Dracut.

Lawrence's departure comes as the Superintendent Matthew Crowley attributes much of a $2.9 million budget deficit to increased special education costs. In an April 22 letter to the School Committee, the Woburn Special Education Parents Advisory Council suggested there were internal problems communicating the amount of money the program would need.

"There appears to have been a lack of accurate reporting on financial support required for the Special Education Department to provide appropriate services for students with disabilities," the letter from Woburn SEPAC said.

Woburn was able to close its school budget shortfall with extra money from WOburn City Council and Mayor Scott Galvin.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).