Canton Public Schools Welcomes Two New Hires in Student Services

CANTON — Superintendent Derek Folan and Director of Student Services Meghan Byrne are pleased to welcome two new staff members to the Canton Public Schools Student Services department.

Sarah Shaw has been hired in the role of PreK-5 Assistant Director of Student Services and William Kickham has been hired in the role of grades 6-12 Assistant Director of Student Services. They will begin in their new roles on Monday, July 3.

Both Shaw and Kickham were selected following a comprehensive search and interview process that included multiple rounds of engagement with all stakeholders, including special education staff, families, community members and administrators.

“On behalf of the entire district, I want to welcome Sarah and William to the Canton Public Schools,” said Superintendent Folan. “They both have extraordinary skillsets and backgrounds, and a passion for supporting students. I am confident they will excel in their respective positions.” 

Sarah Shaw, PreK-5 Assistant Director of Student Services

Shaw has served as principal of the Ralph D. Butler Elementary School in Avon since 2018, supporting students and educators PreK-6. She has spent a total of 18 years within the Avon Public Schools serving in a variety of roles. 

As principal, she developed and implemented successful Response to Intervention protocols, ensured efficient day-to-day building level processes and procedures, supported staff, managed English Language Learner and special education procedures, and served as a district-wide ALICE active shooter response trainer. 

“Sarah has a demonstrated history of supporting young learners both in general and special education,” said Director Byrne. “She has demonstrated a strong ability to use data to improve the student experience, as well as build collaborative relationships to ensure the availability of multi-tiered systems of support.”

Shaw also previously served as assistant principal, a special education teacher and a grade 5 general education teacher in Avon. 

Shaw holds a Master of Education from Lesley University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Arizona. She has also received the Orton-Gillingham Certification from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. 

William J. Kickham II, grades 6-12 Assistant Director of Student Services

Kickham has worked at the Bi-County Collaborative in Franklin since 2017. He most recently served as program director/assistant principal. In this role, he provided resources and support for all elementary and high school programs, and supported education professionals, families and students with online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also developed and introduced best practices for classroom team meetings, and developed and presented professional development for paraprofessionals. 

Kickham also served as a special education teacher/program coordinator at the Bi-County Collaborative.

“William has extensive experience in special education programming at the secondary level, and in supporting students in transition planning, goal setting, and partnering with adult services,” said Director Byrne. “He is committed to fostering strong connections with students, families and staff, and building structures and supports to ensure effective student-centered programming.” 

Kickham also previously worked as a lead classroom teacher at the League School of Greater Boston in Walpole, a behavior therapist in the Newton Public Schools, a special education paraprofessional in the Weymouth Public Schools, and an interventionist and co-teacher at Saint Columbkille Partnership School in Brighton.

He holds a master’s degree in education with a focus in special education from Simmons College, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and history from Boston College.

“I extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Assistant Director of Student Services Interview Committees who dedicated many hours to this process, and Co-Chair Julie Shore for facilitating the process,” said Director Byrne.

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