The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathy McCall as Assistant Special Education Director, effective April 27, 2026.
McCall's connection to the district spans nearly three decades. Most recently, she has served as IEP Coordinator since September 2024 and a teaching mentor since 2010. Prior to that, she was a special education teacher at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School from 2007 until last year. Before joining the district, she gained valuable experience as an In-Home Support Coordinator at Waban (now Waypoint), where she also worked toward her teaching certification.
McCall earned her Master's in Leadership from the University of Southern Maine in August 2024. During her graduate internship, she developed professional development modules for educational technicians. She looks forward to expanding this work in her new role to better support all staff working with students with disabilities.
"I am excited about this new opportunity," McCall said. "I have spent my whole life advocating for and learning about best practices that support our students with disabilities. I bring a unique perspective, as I have worked in Sanford my entire career, starting as a substitute and later as an ed tech, teacher, and IEP coordinator."
"I am extremely thrilled to welcome Kathy to the team," said Stacey Bissell, Director of Special Education. "Her work ethic, creativity, and understanding of Special Education laws will serve the Sanford School Community well as she enters into this new role."
McCall's addition comes at a pivotal time for the Sanford School Department. Beginning in July, the department will assume special education responsibilities for children ages 3 and 4, a significant expansion of services for the district's youngest learners. The Assistant Director position is designed in part to strengthen leadership capacity as the department prepares for this transition.
“I am excited for Kathy to assume this new position. Her expertise, skill set and knowledge of our community will be a tremendous resource for students, families and staff” said Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools.
McCall has lived in Sanford since 1998 and is deeply rooted in the community. Her husband is a speech therapist at Pride and their daughter, Isabella, is a Sanford High School senior.
The Sanford School Department congratulates Kathy McCall and looks forward to the leadership she will bring to this important role.