Board Chooses Special Education Director

Dr. Matthew Helfant has been named the new special education director for the Hasbrouck Heights school district.

Following the reorganization meeting Friday night, the board members approved a resolution naming him to the position. 

Dr. Helfant will replace the current special services director Andrea Freeman who is leaving at the end of this school year. Helfant is expected to begin July 1.

The board spent the last few months searching for a special education director which included public input as the board hosted two community outreach forums for which the public could meet final candidates and give their input. The board reopened its search mid February as a result of feedback from the public regarding the first two candidates.

During last month’s community forum, members of the public heard Helfant explain his background in special education which includes working in both small and large districts. He is worked with children on different levels of the autistic spectrum. He has worked as school psychologist and a behaviorist.

Helfant has worked in districts where special needs students were both inside and outside the district. His  role with the Bridgewater Raritan district was to work to bring special needs students back to the district.  He most recently has served as principal of Washington Academy in Cedar Grove.