The Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative’s (SMEC) Board of Directors has named Student Services Director Kim Wilmot as its next executive director. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative)
DARTMOUTH — Following a competitive and thorough search, the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative’s (SMEC) Board of Directors has named Student Services Director Kim Wilmot as its next executive director.
Wilmot will only be the third executive director since SMEC’s founding in 1975.
“Kim is one of the most talented and dedicated people I know in the field of special education, and I have no doubt that she will work tirelessly on behalf of the Collaborative, our students, staff and the adult individuals who we serve,” said current SMEC Executive Director Catherine Cooper. “Although my retirement is bittersweet, I will leave confident that SMEC will be in good hands.”
Cooper will be retiring on Aug. 28, the date of her 20th anniversary as the leader of SMEC, after 37 years in special education.
Wilmot will assume her new role starting July 1, pending successful contract negotiations. For about two months, Cooper and Wilmot will serve as co-directors of SMEC, easing the transition.
Wilmot has an extensive background in special education and disability services, having served as a teacher, direct care staff member and administrator in various special education settings before joining SMEC’s PK-12+ special education department in 2016. She will celebrate her 10th anniversary at SMEC in August.
Wilmot has served as Student Services Director at SMEC since January 2023, providing direct oversight for Pre-K to 12+ programs, including ensuring the 51-year-old public special education collaborative’s adherence to all Massachusetts legal and regulatory requirements.
During her time as Student Services Director, Wilmot helped lead the opening, expansion and relocation of SMEC’s Therapeutic Learning Center; opening the Collaborative’s Early Childhood Program; developing a home services program; and significantly expanding contracted services.
In response to member districts’ needs for contracted therapy and home support services, Wilmot significantly expanded SMEC’s therapy team and increased alternative revenue streams. She formed flexible interdisciplinary committees to assist with initiatives such as reviewing curriculum and related resources, completing equity audits, identifying staff professional development needs and interests, and, most recently, redesigning the induction and mentoring program.
Wilmot is currently enrolled in a Doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and anticipates completing the program in 2028.
She earned a Master of Education in School Administration, with a Concentration in Special Education Leadership at American International College, Fall River, in 2018, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Human Development & Family Studies at Lesley University, Cambridge, in 2000.
Wilmot holds several education licenses in Massachusetts, including Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, All Levels; Special Education Administrator, All Levels; and Teacher, Moderate Disabilities, PreK-8.
“I’m honored that the Board has placed its trust in me to lead SMEC,” Wilmot said. “This Collaborative has been shaped by decades of thoughtful leadership, including Catherine’s remarkable 20 years guiding this organization. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from her during this transition and to carry forward the work she has dedicated her career to — supporting our students, families and staff.”
About SMEC
The Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative is a public education collaborative established in 1975. SMEC is an extension of 10 public school systems, which make up its membership. The present membership includes the Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, Rochester and Old Rochester Regional public school districts. SMEC accepts students for enrollment in its programs from school systems throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. The Collaborative’s programs and services are locally based and locally directed and are designed to supplement the special education resources of its member districts. SMEC offers a variety of services for students with special needs aged 3-21 as well as adults with developmental disabilities. To learn more about the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative, visit smecollaborative.org.
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