Director of Special Education: Marie-Juanita DiGioia, Ed.D

Dr. Marie-Juanita DiGioia is excited to begin her ninth year with the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, a Master’s degree in Administration, and a Doctorate of Education in Special Education. Dr. DiGioia has previously served the district as a special education teacher, IEP Coordinator, and Assistant Principal at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. Her extensive background in both instructional and administrative roles has equipped her with a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students, families, and staff.

In her current role as Director of Special Education, Dr. DiGioia provides leadership and oversight for the district’s special education programs and services. She ensures that systems and processes are in place to support compliance with state and federal special education laws, including timelines and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). While the day-to-day monitoring of IEPs is carried out by special education teams across the district, Dr. DiGioia works closely with building-based staff to ensure that all students receive the services and supports they are entitled to.

Dr. DiGioia is actively involved in several district initiatives. She serves as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, chairs the district's Wellness Committee, and maintains communication with Vanpool, the transportation provider for many students receiving special education services. Additionally, she oversees district nursing services and the Pre-K programs, leading advisory meetings to support early childhood development and access.

Her responsibilities also include managing interpretation and translation services, addressing PRS (Problem Resolution System) complaints, coordinating home and hospital tutoring services, and leading Child Find activities to identify and support students with potential disabilities. Dr. DiGioia plays a key role on both the Professional Development and Policy Subcommittees and is responsible for organizing program evaluations that inform ongoing improvements to services.

She is a proud member of ASE (Administrators for Special Education in Massachusetts) and recently completed the Special Education Institute for Experienced Massachusetts Directors of Special Education at William James College during the 2024–2025 school year. Dr. DiGioia also writes and administers special education grants to secure resources that benefit students and staff throughout the district.

Dr. DiGioia is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive educational environment. She looks forward to continued collaboration with students, families, staff, and the communities of Dighton and Rehoboth to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Administrative Assistant to the Director of Special Education: Donna Quaglia
Special Education Office: 508-252-5000 ext. 5147
Office Hours: 7:30am-3:30pm; Monday-Friday

Supervisor of Specialized Programs: Meaghan Hazzard

Meaghan Hazzard is the Coordinator of Specialized Programs for the district. She supervises the direct teaching staff in these programs and coordinates collaboration for all student services in the programs.She also oversees all Out of District cases for the Dighton Rehoboth School District. Meaghan has been in special education for 14 years, beginning her career in elementary school in Tiverton, RI as a first grade special education teacher, then becoming a substantially separate teacher at Beckwith Middle School, where she taught for 9 years before moving into her current special education administrator role. Meaghan currently holds a Bachelors in Special Education and Elementary Education, a Masters in Special Education and a Masters Certificate in Autism Studies.