The Bi-County Collaborative has hired Middleborough Public Schools Superintendent Carolyn J. Lyons as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026, pending successful contract negotiations. (Photo Courtesy Bi-County Collaborative)
WALPOLE — After a thorough search, the Bi-County Collaborative (BICO) Board of Directors has named Middleborough Public Schools Superintendent Carolyn J. Lyons as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026, pending successful contract negotiations.
“I am honored and thrilled to become the next Executive Director of the Bi-County Collaborative,” Lyons said on Wednesday. “Our students demonstrate growth and achievement every day. I look forward to working with our member districts to support their continued success.”
Lyons will succeed Executive Director Jeanne Sullivan, who will retire at the end of the school year after six years of service.
“While the work has at times been challenging, I have loved every minute of working with the amazing staff and students of BICO,” said Executive Director Sullivan. “We all truly work together to make it possible for our students to be successful.”
A 17-member Executive Director Search Committee representing a broad cross-section of the Collaborative led the hiring process. The committee included four Superintendents from the Board of Directors, four Operating Committee Members, four BICO Central Office Members, four BICO Faculty and Staff, and one BICO parent. The committee chose Lyons from a pool of 20 strong applicants.
Outgoing Executive Director Sullivan offered advice as Lyons prepares to step into the role.
“My advice for Carolyn is to take time at the beginning to listen, build relationships and learn all you can about the Collaborative,” she said. “Hear from our students, staff, families and member districts about what works and directions for growth. You will quickly recognize all the wonderful things happening in all programs every day!”
Lyons has served as Superintendent of Middleborough Public Schools since 2022. She previously served as the district’s Director of Pupil Personnel Services from 2016 to 2022 and as Secondary Special Education TEAM Facilitator for grades 6-12 from 2012 to 2016.
Lyons earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Economics from Smith College in 2002, and graduated from Suffolk University Law School in 2007, earning a Juris Doctor, a professional graduate law degree required to practice as a licensed attorney.
Prior to the start of her career in education, Lyons worked as an attorney for the Quincy-based law firm Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP, from 2007-2012, handling special education litigation for numerous districts throughout the state. She has been a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association since 2007.
“Shining a spotlight on the amazing work going on in this impressive Collaborative will be a top priority of mine as we cultivate an innovative plan to carry the Collaborative and our communities forward in the years to come,” Lyons said.
About the Bi-County Collaborative (BICO)
BICO is a multi-purpose educational collaborative formed under the provisions of Mass. Gen. Laws c. 40, section 4E. It is a public entity, governed by a Board of Directors, with each school committee appointing a representative to the Board. The Operating Committee, which acts in an advisory capacity, consists of each member district’s designated Special Education Administrator. BICO’s mission is to provide high-quality educational programming, making it possible for all students to become responsible and contributing members of society. Bi-County provides specialized educational programs for students ages 3-22.
BICO programs address the needs of students with Autism, Communication, Emotional, Health, Intellectual, Neurological, Physical Impairments, and Specific Learning Disabilities. Bi-County Collaborative consists of 20 member school districts in Bristol, Norfolk, and Worcester counties.
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