Manchester Schools Hire Special Education Director

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township School District has hired a new director of special services to oversee the district's special education programs.

Bridget Antonucci, who was the director of student services in the Upper Freehold Regional School District, replaces Ollie Lokerson, who retired in December after 47 years of service.

Antonucci, whose hiring was approved at the Oct. 20 Board of Education meeting, has worked in special education for more than 20 years, as special education teacher, early intervention developmental interventionist, director of disabilities for Head Start, a member of the child study team, and as a parent advocate.

Before working in the Upper Freehold Regional district, she was the director of special education with the Bradley Beach Board of Education.

"During my tenure in my last two positions, I helped the district create a mental health wrap-around program, (and) was awarded grants that funded full-day preschool," Antonucci said. She started district Special Education Parent Advisory Groups, known as SEPAG, "and trained staff in programs and practices that directly impacted students and families in a positive way."

Antonucci lives in Red Bank with her husband, Peter, two college-age children and her loving dog, Ozzy. When she is not working, she says you can find her painting (pictures — not walls), doing yoga, reading, or exploring new "foodie" adventures.

"I am so excited to be the newest member of the Manchester Township School District as the director of special services," she said. "Being part of an organization where 'Excellence by Example' is the motto is beyond thrilling for me. I am honored to be in this position and to work alongside amazing professionals and caring families."

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