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About SMEC

History & Profile

The Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC) is a public education collaborative established in 1975 pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 4E. SMEC is an extension of eight public school systems, which make up its membership. The present membership includes the Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester and Old Rochester Regional public school districts. SMEC accepts students for enrollment in its programs from school systems throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. The Collaborative's programs and services are locally based and locally directed and are designed to supplement the special education resources of its member districts. SMEC offers a variety of services for students with special needs aged 3-21 as well as adults with developmental disabilities. The Collaborative also offers professional development opportunities for educational staff. SMEC is a member of the Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives.


SMEC Member School Districts:
  • Acushnet
  • Dartmouth
  • Fairhaven
  • Marion
  • Mattapoisett
  • New Bedford
  • Rochester
  • Old Rochester Regional

Our Mission

The Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative is dedicated to providing high quality programs and services for all children and adults who need specialized instruction or support.

The Collaborative utilizes a team approach to service provision and is dedicated to meeting the needs of the whole individual.

Guiding Principles

  • We believe that all people have strengths, abilities and gifts and must be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their level of need.
  • We strive to ensure that support and services are guided by an individual's goals and preferences.
  • We strive to assist each individual to participate in and contribute meaningfully to their community through school, work, community service and recreation.
  • We believe that all individuals have the ability and need to learn and can learn in a safe, nurturing environment with the appropriate support.
  • We will safeguard each individual's right to privacy, dignity and respect.
  • We believe that parents and families are their children's most important advocates and teachers.
  • We believe that through collaboration and teamwork we strengthen the resources of school districts and adult agencies to provide the very best in school age and adult programs.
  • We have high expectations for the success of our students, staff, consumers, parents and the community.
  • We believe that an effective organization is diverse in perspective, culture and experience.

Board of Directors 2008-2009

Acushnet School Committee
Mr. Frank Kuthan, Chairperson
15 Nyes Lane
Acushnet, MA  02743
(508) 998-3823
fkuthan@comcast.net
  Mattapoisett School Committee
Mr. Gerald E. Johnson

3 Pine Island Road
Mattapoisett, MA  02739
(508) 758-9796 / (508) 678-5600 Work
johnsonlawfirm@comcast.net
     
Fairhaven School Committee
Dr. Steve Desroches
51 Walnut Street                         
Fairhaven, MA  02719                        
(508) 992-1604 / (508) 725-4556 Cell
gisrd51@comcast.net         
  New Bedford School Committee
Ms. Marlene Pollock
156 Ryan Street
New Bedford, MA  02740
(508) 999-6839
marlenepollock@yahoo.com
     
Marion School Committee  
Mr. Jay Pateakos
40 Converse Road
Marion, MA  02738  
(508) 676-2541         
  Rochester School Committee
Ms. Donna Laliberté
91 Hartley Road
Rochester, MA  02770
(508) 763-5810
dlaliberte1@comcast.net
     
ORR School Committee
To Be Determined   
  Dartmouth School Committee
Mr. Phil Lenz, Vice Chairperson
440 Gulf Road West
Dartmouth, MA  02748
(508) 997-7248
kabudda43@msn.com
     
Collaborative Treasurer
Mr. John Nunes, Town Treasurer        
Town of Fairhaven
40 Center Street
Fairhaven, MA  02719
(508) 979-4026
  Secretary To The Board
Mrs. Catherine S. Cooper
Executive Director
S.M.E.C.
12 Welby Road
New Bedford, MA  02745
(508) 998-5599 / (508) 717-1796 Cell
ccooper@smecollaborative.org

Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative
12 Welby Road
New Bedford, MA 02745
Telephone: (508) 998-5599
©2008 SMEC.
All Rights Reserved.
www.smecollaborative.org
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