FRAMINGHAM — A Westborough Public Schools clinical coordinator will become the Framingham district’s new director of health and wellness.
In a press release, Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay announced Courtney Balacco as his choice. Her appointment begins July 1. She previously lived in Framingham and is a graduate of the public school system.
Earlier: Framingham Public Schools’ director of health and wellness will retire
“I am honored to be joining a district that prioritizes and values inclusive, equitable and culturally responsive health and wellness programming and practices,” said Balacco, in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with district staff, community partners and families in order to support the well-being of Framingham students.”
In Westborough, Balacco supports the development of mental health programming and support systems in the school district. Before that, she worked in multiple social work and mental health roles across other districts, community-based organizations and state government agencies for nearly 10 years.
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Balacco is also a board-licensed mental health counselor and school social worker as well as an active Red Cross Disaster Mental Health responder. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stonehill College and a master’s degree in mental health counseling and school adjustment counseling/school social work from Bridgewater State University. 
In a statement, Tremblay said Balacco has “so much to offer this community where she can utilize her previous experience supporting mental health for students, staff and families, as well as build on her state and local agency collaboration and volunteer efforts.”
“With a strong appreciation for the important work that lies ahead, I was pleased to join the Office of Teaching and Learning in helping to select a director who will support the current and future needs of our community,” Tremblay added.
Judy Styer, the district’s current health director, will retire on June 30 after 24 years in public education. She has served Framingham’s students for the past 22 years, the first seven as a school nurse and the last 15 as director of school health services and in her current role.
Zane Razzaq writes about education. Reach her at 508-626-3919 or zrazzaq@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.

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