Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones today announced that Dr. Deborah Perry and Ms. Jennifer Stewart have been named Special Education coordinators, effective immediately. They replace Ms. Theresa Fox and Ms. Leah Zilich, both of whom recently departed GPS to accept promotions as a Special Education supervisor and director of Special Education and pupil personnel services, respectively, in other districts.
As Special Education coordinators, Dr. Perry and Ms. Stewart will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising Special Education services, while assisting building administrators in monitoring the instruction of students with disabilities in both general education and Special Education settings. They will also act as contributing and primary evaluators for certified Special Education and related services staff, provide assistance to building-based administrators on IEP/PPT meetings, and provide input to Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports Dr. Stacey Heiligenthaler.
“Dr. Deborah Perry and Ms. Jennifer Stewart bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to the Special Education and Students Supports team,” Dr. Heiligenthaler said. “They will prove to be a valuable resource to our schools and all families.”
Dr. Perry returns to GPS from Norwalk Public Schools where she held the position of director of scientific research based interventions and 504s since 2021. Prior, she was the department head of Special Education at Stamford High School for five years and an education director at Devereux Glenholme School in Washington, CT for two. Dr. Perry began her career in education as a Special Education teacher at Greenwich Public Schools in 2006 and also taught at Ridgefield High School and Devereux Glenholme. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s in Special Education from the University of Connecticut and her doctoral degree from the University of New England.
“Seeing students reach their goals gives me joy, and I want to share that passion with Greenwich Public Schools,” Dr. Perry said. “I hope to help families and students build more collaborative relationships with the schools, and listen and support what is best for our students.”
Ms. Stewart comes to GPS from Milford Public Schools where she held the position of director of pupil personnel services since 2023. Prior, she was at North Haven Public Schools, first a Special Education coordinator and then director of students services. Before holding positions at Regional School District 16 in Prospect and Trumbull Public Schools, Ms. Stewart was a Special Education teacher for 14 years at Stratford, Westport, and Trumbull Public Schools.
“Strong engagement with the students, staff, families, and administrators enhances instructional practices to ensure students have meaningful and authentic opportunities with the curriculum,” Ms. Stewart said. “Students are at the center of my work as I strive to help each one reach their full potential and discover new ways to be an active and contributing member of the Greenwich community.”
