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Student Services Department Leadership

Welcome to the Leadership Page

Greetings from Assistant Student Service Director Sara Poplawski

Mrs. Sara PoplawskiMrs. Sara Poplawski began her career as an early childhood teacher in Addison, Illinois.  She then worked in a Charter School in Chicago, Illinois where she began her career in special education. Throughout her career she has taught at PK through 3rd grade general education as well as special education at various levels and settings.  This is the beginning of her career as an administrator.

The students are the most exciting thing about being the Director of Student Services in Pleasantdale School District 107. They are polite, enthusiastic, motivated, and engaged. They love coming to school. In addition, the parents are involved and value the education their children are receiving. Finally, the staff are experienced and committed individuals who create rewarding learning environments for the children.

Mrs. Poplawski lives in Wood Dale with her husband, Daniel, and her daughters, Rhiannon (9) and Ellie (6).  She also has 2 dogs and 2 cats, and loves all animals.

 

Greetings from Interim Student Service Director Brandon Cochrane

An image of Brandon Cochrane

Mr. Brandon Cochrane began his career teaching general education in Schiller Park, Illinois. He earned a Master's Degree in School Administration and a second Master's Degree in Special Education. Brandon moved into a Special Education teaching position in a self-contained classroom within the same district, where he taught students with multiple diagnoses and grew his love for serving children with special needs and their families. Brandon was then promoted to the District’s Director of Special Education. As Brandon’s career progressed, he took a position in the Aurora area as the Director of Special Education and then moved into the role as the Executive Director of Student Services.

As the Director of Special Education and Executive Director of Student Services, Brandon provided professional development to teachers and related services staff. He also oversaw the transition from Early Intervention to public school, and implemented 504 plans and MTSS tiered interventions. Through his work, Brandon became very passionate about ensuring that the continuum of special education services from pre-school through 12th grade, and post-secondary programs was a seamless transition. Brandon prides himself in supporting all students to ensure they are receiving the services they require to be successful while being transparent and collaborative with all stakeholders as the team works through the educational process.