New special education head at VSCHSD

The Valley Stream Central High School District appointed a new director of special education on Nov. 10.

William J. Bushman, a school administrator and psychologist, will oversee special education services at the district’s four schools.

Bushman has worked as an assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services at Smithtown Central School District, director of student services at Shoreham-Wading River Central School District and more than 11 years experience as a school psychologist.

In his new role, Bushman will oversee the Committee of Special Education, a team tasked with determining the specific needs of each student and tailoring their experience accordingly, Heidenreich explained. “Equality doesn’t mean that everyone gets the same, it means that everyone gets what they need to be successful,” he said.

Bushman began on Monday, replacing Patrice Dobies, who left the district in September to hold a similar position in the East Meadow School District. An interim was appointed in her absence. Heidenreich said that Dobies would be in touch with Bushman to facilitate the transition.