Dr. Skip Kumm will replace Dr. Jennifer Pearson as the Director of Special Education starting July 1.

The process for hiring a new director took four months, consisting of three rounds of interviews and an open discussion leading to the final decision made by Superintendent Dr. Gravel, Pearson said. Additionally, there were multiple committees totaling 30 teachers, directors, and administrators to ensure the new director is well versed in the legal and emotional aspects of Special Education, she explained.

“[The hiring committee was looking for somebody who [could] facilitate a meeting and has good interpersonal relationships to [resolve conflicts] that may be occurring between the schools and the families,” Pearson said.

Previously, Kumm worked at York High School as the Assistant Director of Special Education for four years and then as the Director of Student Services at York this past year.

He officially joined the District 225’s Special Education team in February, and until his official first day in July, he is preparing for his new role by making himself known to the staff, students, and families. Kumm said he plans to attend all Special Education events to promote an inclusive environment and meet all students.

“[South has] so many different ranges of students that we work with, and it’s really important to help them so that they can be successful with all their general education peers,” Kumm said. “I want all of our students who get Special Education services to be prepared for whatever’s next in their life.”

Additionally, Kumm wants to be a resource not only for the students but also for teachers, making sure to teach everyone how important the Special Education community is.

“I’m going to make sure that not only am I in their classrooms, but I go into things like the Special Olympics and any after-school programming, really getting to dive in and be a part of the Special Education community [at South],” Kumm said.