By Cynthia Whitty

When Kathy Silva announced her retirement as the Director of Student Services for the Ashland Public Schools (APS), Superintendent James Adams wrote, “Her expertise in the field of special education and her passion for our unique learners is unparalleled. She has always been student-centered and focused on doing what is best for our Ashland families.”

APS began a search for Silva’s successor in December and intends to have a new director in place by the start of the 2022-23 school year.

In this interview with Ashland Local Town Pages, Silva describes how she came to Ashland, her accomplishments and future plans.

Whitty: What brought you to Ashland?

After earning my Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership (CAGS), I was looking to move up to a director position from the coordinator position I had in Leominster Public Schools. Timing can be everything, and as luck would have it, Ashland was looking for a new director of Student Services. I knew immediately I had to apply. Ashland offered exactly what I was looking for: a small community wherein relationships are valued, a strong educational system, and an opportunity to bring my skills to an administrative team looking to grow.

Whitty: What prepared you for your Ashland job?

As I mentioned, I had just completed my CAGS in educational leadership. My previous education included a BA in psychology from Boston College and a Master’s in Social Work from Smith College. My entire professional career has been working with children and their families as a clinical social worker or a special education coordinator. More importantly, I am the mother of three wonderful adult men who had special needs growing up and in public education. This perspective really influences me as a professional, and, I believe, makes me a better educator.

Whitty: Can you describe what your job has been? 

Being the Director of Student Services is like being on a rollercoaster! It is thrilling to see students grow, but there are curves and moments when I hold my breath. I love helping other professionals grow and knowing that my efforts to support staff also benefit students. Ensuring the district upholds all the regulatory compliance is important in my role. However, what I value day-to-day is building and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child.

Whitty: What are some highlights from your Ashland career?

So many accomplishments have come to be since I joined the team here in Ashland. We have built programs to support student needs from pre-K to grade 12, including therapeutic programs, language-based programs, and programs for students who have intensive developmental needs/autism. We have also been able to add staff and specialists to our teams.

The growth of the preschool is incredible! Through the hard work of many, including Ms. Sara Davidson, the Ashland Preschool is truly integrated and supportive of our youngest unique learners.

I will always remember hosting the Five Town Special Olympics Games Day event. Having Rob Gronkowski join our students with his teammates Geneo Grissom and AJ Derby, cheerleaders, and Pat the Patriot made the event incredibly special for all participants.

We have also increased our capacity to educate English Language Learners, and the EL staff are doing a remarkable job working with students who have limited or no English language. It has been very gratifying to add a summer program for EL students to support their continued growth.

All these highlights were accomplished through teamwork and collaboration with many. I am fortunate to have a great relationship with ASHPAC, the parent advisory council for special education, and I am currently building capacity to have an ELPAC, a parent advisory council for students learning English. Further, nothing would be accomplished without support from Superintendent Adams; Assistant Superintendent Caira; the School Committee, chaired by Ms. Laurie Tosti; and the administrative team.

Whitty: What have you enjoyed most?

I am a people person, so I enjoy the people and students the most! I would like to believe my career has positively affected a child or maybe more and that these children in turn positively affect someone else and the “butterfly effect” widens the impact. I also hope I have helped other professionals grow and do great work themselves.

Whitty: What has been most challenging?

Finances are always a challenge in education. I represent underfunded mandates.

Whitty: What do you plan to do next?

Retirement will offer me a chance to pursue other interests. I love to read, knit, spend time with family, go to the beach or mountains, and putter around the house and garden. I hope to travel. I would love to take some art history classes and dabble in some artistic interests—ceramics, silversmith. My husband and I plan to move eventually, most likely to New Hampshire, to have more land to enjoy nature and a quieter life.

I want to thank Ashland for letting me be a part of this truly special community. I feel so fortunate to have been the Director of Student Services for the past 11 years.