At its April 15 meeting, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education appointed Laura Rosa and Sarah Laster as interim leaders of the district’s special education department. The appointments follow the recent retirement announcement of the department’s current director, Douglas Morrissey.

Rosa, who is currently the assistant director of special education, will assume the role of interim director on July 1. Sarah Laster, a teacher and summer special education coordinator, will begin as the department’s interim assistant director of special education, also on July 1.

Read more about Laura Rosa and Sarah Laster below:

Laura Rosa – Interim Director of Special Education

Laura Rosa has served as assistant director of special education since 2024. She brings 24 years of experience in education and leadership to her new role, with a diverse background that includes serving as a Committee on Special Education (CSE) chairperson in the district, as well as roles as a special education teacher, reading teacher, assistant principal, director of curriculum and professional development, and elementary principal.

Rosa earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from The College of St. Rose and a master’s degree in reading from UAlbany. She also holds a school building leadership certificate from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and a school district leadership certificate from SUNY Plattsburgh.

In the interim director’s role, Rosa will continue to work with building leaders, educators, and families across the district to provide inclusive opportunities for students and ensure individuals with disabilities have their individual needs met through a continuum of services at BC.

The special education department is currently partnering with Alliance Education Associates (AEA) on an in-depth review of the district’s special education programs and services. The review is focused on how programs, supports, and processes work together across the district by examining data and gathering input from special education staff and families.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a staff I hold in such high regard,” said Rosa. “I look forward to leading in a way that prioritizes the success of every student while fostering strong partnerships with families and our community. I am committed to continuing to build strong relationships across our district, since that is the work most essential to supporting our students.

“I’m eager to begin this next chapter and excited to bring my experiences across different roles to support and strengthen this work,” added Rosa.

Rosa and her husband, Jim, have a son, Roo (18), and a daughter, Mekey (16).

Sarah Laster – Interim Assistant Director of Special Education

Sarah Laster has 26 years of experience in special education and literacy. A Bethlehem Central faculty member since 2019, she has served as a special education teacher, reading specialist, and the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) coordinator.

Laster holds a bachelor’s degree from Siena College and a dual master’s degree in special education and reading from Sage Graduate School. She is currently completing her advanced graduate certificate in Educational Policy and Leadership at the University at Albany.

Laster’s professional background spans public school districts in New York and Colorado, as well as private therapy providers throughout the Capital Region.

“Having worked across diverse instructional environments, including inclusion, pull-out, remote, and private clinical settings, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the specialized needs of our students,” said Laster. “I am eager to translate my classroom and clinical expertise into broad-scale systems of support.

“My priority is to foster strong partnerships with faculty and families to ensure that every student receives the resources and support necessary for their success,” added Laster.

Laster and her husband, Mike, are parents to two boys, Brendan (19) and Cormac (17).