'A True Homecoming': New Special Services Director Joins Brick Schools

BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Public School District has appointed a new Director of Special Services.

Rachel Gough, an educational leader and certified clinician, is returning to the district for this role after dedicating nearly two decades of her career there to students, families and staff.

For 14 years (from 2003 to 2017), she served as a school social worker within the district's Child Study Team.

In this role, she provided social-emotional and behavioral support across 12 district schools, completing psychosocial assessments, developing behavioral intervention plans, and serving as a liaison between homes and community agencies.

Her impact and leadership then led to her 2017 promotion to Supervisor of Special Services for Brick Township Schools.

For over five years, she served as a Central Office supervisor, overseeing special education programming across eight elementary buildings, driving staff hiring and development, and cultivating a cohesive, positive culture within the department.

Now, after briefly expanding her leadership perspective as a special services supervisor in the Freehold Regional High School District, Gough is returning to Brick Schools to take the helm of the entire department.

She returns after a period of instability; the district has had three special services directors in the last five years.

"I am so thrilled and happy I could kiss you, [Superintendent] Farrell, because Rachel Gough is coming back to this district," said Brenn Swanson, chair of the district's SEPAG (Special Education Parents Advisory Group), during a recent school board meeting.

"We might have like a big road and a mountain to climb, but it just got a lot better," Swanson continued. "Thank you so, so much."

During the meeting, Superintendent Farrell welcomed Gough as well, adding that the district is "absolutely thrilled" to have her back home.

"Rachel has an unmatched, intimate understanding of our schools, our families, and our community's unique needs," Farrell said. "Her evolution from a frontline Child Study Team member to a supervisor, and now to our director, embodies the dedication and expertise we value most."

"She isn't just taking on a leadership role; she is coming back to the community she helped build; and now brings a wealth of outside experience, along with a fresh perspective."

In her new capacity as director, Gough will leverage more than 20 years of dedicated special education experience to oversee district-wide programming from Pre-K through Grade 12+.

Her vision emphasizes a "holistic approach to student achievement, built on robust parental trust and data-driven program enhancements," district officials said.

"Returning to Brick Township to lead the Special Services department is a profound honor and a true homecoming for me," Gough said. "Having spent 19 years of my career working directly alongside the incredible educators, families, and students of this community, I know firsthand the heart and potential within our schools."

"I am eager to collaborate once again with familiar faces and new partners alike to build equitable, innovative pathways that support the success, well-being, and belonging of every learner in Brick Township."

A full recording of the recent Board of Education meeting is below: