2022 New Hampshire Special Education Administrators of the Year

The New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators (NHASEA) has named two Special Education Administrators of the Year:  Catherine Plourde, Director of Student Services for the Oyster River Cooperative School District, SAU #5 and Marcia Bagley, Director of Special Education for the Nashua School District, SAU #42.

Catherine Plourde, Director of Student Services for the Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD)	Marcia Bagley, Director of Special Education for the Nashua School District, SAU 42

The New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators (NHASEA) has named Catherine Plourde and Marcia Bagley as the 2022 Special Education Administrators of the Year. Both of these individuals have received this award for their dedication to children and youth with disabilities, their families, their respective educational communities and their active engagement in professional and community affairs. 

Ms. Plourde has served New Hampshire’s public schools for more than 30 years and for the past 10 years, has held the position of Director of Student Services for the Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD), leading and overseeing all of the student services in SAU #5.  Prior to that, Catherine held leadership positions as the Assistant Director at Mast Way and Moharimet Elementary Schools in the ORCSD.  In all of her leadership roles, Catherine has been an advocate for public education and ensuring that those students with exceptional needs have many pathways to high quality, successful learning experiences. In her leadership role in SAU 5. Catherine has demonstrated the capacity to take on a wide range of duties both within special education and outside of those parameters and has become known for caring unconditionally about children, families and staff.  Catherine is regarded by her colleagues for getting the best out of people, recognizing their work and establishing positive relationships. The educational community describes Catherine as the ultimate professional who leads with her heart and is a strong advocate for students with exceptionalities.

Ms. Bagley also has over 30 years of experience in public education and for the past 6 years, has served as the Director of Special Education for the Nashua School District, SAU 42.  Nashua is one of the largest of New Hampshire’s school districts serving the needs of 2,145 students preschool through high school.  Prior to becoming the Director of Special Education, Marcia was the Preschool Coordinator for SAU 42, where she became known for her welcoming of families and assisting them in understanding and navigating the complex special education system.  In her leadership roles in the Nashua School District, Marcia is highly revered among her administrative peers, the staff, and the children and families served through the Special Education Department.  Marcia has become known for developing comprehensive learning and networking opportunities and for being a collaborative partner committed to “all children” regardless of their challenges.  The educational community of Nashua describes Marcia as demonstrating the highest professional standards when it comes to leadership in the school district, demonstrating countless hours to Nashua’s children and youth with disabilities.

Marcia and Catherine are active members of the New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators (NHASEA).  Both have worked tirelessly with their colleagues across the regions and the state to help ensure sound decision making around important issues related to special education, including legislation, professional growth opportunities and establishing partnerships with varied stakeholders.  Jane Bergeron-Beaulieu, Executive Director of NHASEA, notes that this recognition of both Catherine and Marcia is highly deserved. Both of these leaders have committed their careers to children and youth with exceptionalities and demonstrate the highest professional standards when it comes to contributions to New Hampshire’s educational communities.  It is truly an honor to congratulate both Marcia Bagley and Catherine Plourde for being named New Hampshire’s Special Education Administrators of the Year for 2022.  Despite all of the uncertainties that our educational communities have been faced with during the pandemic, these two leaders are true champions who remain committed to the success of children and youth with disabilities. NHASEA is pleased to recognize Marcia Bagley and Catherine Plourde as the 2022 Special Education Administrators of the Year.

Past Recipients

Rachel Borge - 2021 Special Education Administrator of the Year

Karen Guercia - 2020 Special Education Administrator of the Year 

Christine Boston - 2019 Special Education Adminstrator of the Year