Kate Adams has been selected as the Director of Student Services for SAU 29 effective June 16, 2024. Adams holds a Master of Education – Special Education from Keene State College. Adams has served as Interim Director of Student Services since August 2023 having previously held the position of Special Education Administrator for the Town School Districts, since 2022.
Adams first joined SAU 29 in 2008 as a paraprofessional at Chesterfield School where she later served as special education teacher before moving to the same position at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Keene followed by a transition to the role of behavior interventionist. Prior to joining the Central Office staff, Adams was the principal/instructional coach at Harrisville-Wells Memorial School (NH).
Ms. Adams is responsible for the overall leadership of the Special Education and student services of the 7 independent school districts of SAU 29. She oversees the Special Education staff and service providers under the purview of the Student Services Department for SAU 29 and its sending districts.
Upon learning of her selection, Ms. Adams stated, “I am honored to lead the Student Services Department to best serve our students throughout SAU 29. I look forward to working with our dedicated school teams and local community members to promote a strong sense of belonging and an accessible, inclusive education for all.”
Abigail Blais has been selected as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at Keene High School effective July 1, 2024. Blais holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership & Curriculum Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Blais previously taught seventh and eighth grade science at Henniker (NH) Community School and eighth grade science at Hudson (NH) Memorial School.
Blais will oversee professional development opportunities and workshops for Keene High School (KHS) educators in addition to overseeing the Science Department and leading the Instructional Leadership Team at KHS. Ms. Blais will fill the position previously held by Michael Smith who transitioned to the role of Keene Middle School Principal at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, a position he continues to hold.
Upon learning of her selection, Ms. Blais stated, “I am excited to join the Keene High School community as the new Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated and talented staff so that we can provide a dynamic and effective learning experience for all of our students.”
Heather Jasmin has been selected as the Director of Keene Community Education (www.keenecommunityed.org) effective August 14, 2024. Jasmin holds a Master in Business Administration from Plymouth State College (NH). Jasmin previously served as a program coordinator for Keene State College’s Extended Education department, a position she has held since 2005. Jasmin replaces Victoria (Vicki) Farrington who served as director beginning July 2021 through the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Jasmin will oversee the operations of Keene Community Education programs and services, including Adult Education as well as the Alternative Diploma, Apprenticeship and Enrichment programs.
Upon learning of her selection, Ms. Jasmin stated, “I am excited for the opportunity to share and strengthen the wonderful programs that Keene Community Education offers, and to work with the community to build new partnerships.”
“We continue to strengthen the administrative team within SAU 29,” said Superintendent Robert Malay. “I have every confidence that we are entering the 2024-2025 school year well-positioned to implement the strategic plan for SAU 29 as we continue to inspire and empower the students and staff of SAU 29 schools.”
More information: Robert Malay, 603.357.9002 x226