DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School District on Thursday will recommend the hiring of Meghan Dennis, Ed.D. as the district's new director of specialized educational services.
Pending school board approval, Dr. Dennis will join Central Bucks from the School District of Springfield Township in Montgomery County, where she has served as director of student services since 2023.
Dr. Dennis has extensive experience leading special education programs and services at the district level. Prior to joining Springfield Township, she spent 18 years at Downingtown Area School District, including four years as director of pupil services and two years as elementary supervisor of special education.
Her leadership responsibilities have included oversight of K-12 special education programming and compliance; special education planning and budgeting; supervision of special education administrators and school psychologists; management of related service providers; and representation of school districts in special education mediation and due process matters.
Dr. Dennis is also experienced in providing professional development and determining curriculum and resources related to special education, gifted education, and Section 504; developing onboarding supports for new special education teachers; and working directly with families, including facilitating a special education parent advisory group and creating a parent group focused on specific learning disabilities in reading.
"As a district committed to meeting the needs of all students, Central Bucks is fortunate to welcome the skills and experience of Dr. Dennis," Superintendent Dr. Joanna Wexler said. "The district will not only benefit from Dr. Dennis' focus on high-quality educational services for students with disabilities, but also from her work strengthening inclusive practices and collaborating with families, staff, and administrators to support student achievement and development."
Dr. Dennis earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Drexel University in 2023, a master's degree in school counseling from West Chester University, and a bachelor's degree in English literature and elementary education from Immaculata University. She holds a Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility and K-12 Educational Leadership certification. She is also active in professional organizations focused on special education leadership and law.
Pending board approval on Sept. 24, Dr. Dennis is anticipated to join the district's leadership team by mid-to-late October.
Strengthening Student Services
The creation of the director of specialized educational services position is part of a strategic restructuring of the district's Student Services Department following an independent evaluation conducted in the spring of 2026 by the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI).
The evaluation identified opportunities to enhance coordination, clarify responsibilities, and strengthen supports for students and families, including students with special needs.
Under the new structure, responsibility previously handled by one director will be divided between two leadership positions: the director of specialized educational services and the director of student services.
The director of specialized educational services is focused specifically on special education and gifted support, while the director of student services oversees areas including student well-being, attendance, nursing and health services, and other student supports. The two directors work collaboratively across areas that intersect in serving students and families.
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