Dr. Laura Manges will take over the role of Director of Human Services at Milford School District
The Milford School District is excited to announce the appointment of Laura Manges as the new Director of Human Resources, effective July 1, 2023. With an illustrious career spanning 30 years in the field of education, Laura brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of dedicated service to students, staff, and the district-community.
Ms. Manges attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania earning her undergraduate degree in education. She continued her education earning her masters degree in special education and certification in school leadership. Ms. Manges began her career at Laurel Middle School, where she taught students with special needs across various settings. Her commitment to inclusivity and individualized care for every student paved the way for her to join the Lake Forest School District as the PBS/Inclusion Facilitator, a role she held for seven years. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of advocating for students’ needs and forging partnerships throughout Delaware.
Notable highlights of Ms. Manges’s career include her role in the development of partnerships that have enabled Milford to better serve our students within our own district-community. She has been a driving force in transitioning from funding specific special education classifications to a needs-based funding mechanism, ensuring a more equitable approach to addressing students’ diverse needs. Her expertise was invaluable as a member of the team responsible for creating and updating Delaware’s current IEP document, in addition to her involvement in various state and professional work groups.
Under the leadership of Ms. Manges, the Milford School District has witnessed significant strides in supporting students with autism spectrum disorder through the establishment of a robust in-district Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Autism Support Program. Furthermore, she has spearheaded the implementation of emotional support programs, starting as early as kindergarten and extending up to age 21. These initiatives have been made possible by Laura’s exceptional team, which includes esteemed professionals such as Rosa DiPiazza, recipient of the first-ever Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year award, and Elyssa Deeb, honored as the 2022-2023 Delaware School Psychologist of the Year.
Ms. Manges shares “I am thrilled to have the privilege and opportunity to utilize my experiences in recruitment, and the relationships that I have built, to serve the Milford School District Community as we continue to prioritize uniting our students with the very best instructional and support staff in Delaware”.
In her new role as Director of Human Resources, Ms. Manges will bring her passion, experience, and insights to lead and support the district’s personnel, ensuring a nurturing and inclusive environment for all staff members. She will succeed Dr. Jason Peel, whose contributions have been invaluable to the district during his tenure.
We look forward to the positive impact that Laura Manges will make as the Director of Human Resources, fostering a supportive and thriving educational community for all stakeholders.
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