About Us
Karen Crebase
Karen Crebase is an award-winning educational leader with more than 30 years of experience helping school districts strengthen teaching, learning, leadership, and student outcomes. She was named the 2026 Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year and has served as President of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), where she has worked alongside educational leaders across the Commonwealth to advance excellence in public education. Throughout her career as a principal and superintendent in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Karen has led comprehensive school improvement efforts while directly overseeing special education programs, developing deep expertise in special education systems, program evaluation, compliance, inclusive practices, and student-centered programming.
Karen is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to help districts move from vision to action. She has served as an administrative mentor, executive coach, and consultant, supporting school systems in strategic planning, curriculum implementation, leadership development, program reviews, and organizational improvement. She has presented at regional and national conferences, including the National School Boards Association Conference, the LearnLaunch Summit at Fenway Park, and the National Association of School Superintendents Conference, sharing innovative practices in leadership, personalized learning, and future-ready education.
During her decade as Superintendent of Hopedale Public Schools, Karen led transformational initiatives that expanded opportunities for every student. Her work included developing a comprehensive college and career readiness program, implementing K–12 computer science instruction, creating STEM and Innovative Pathway programs, expanding authentic learning experiences through internships, and leading the district’s development of a PreK–12 Portrait of a Graduate. Under her leadership, Hopedale Public Schools was honored as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School District, reflecting the district’s sustained commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
Karen began her career after earning her bachelor’s degree from Colby College in Maine and teaching elementary school in Houston, Texas. She later returned to the East Coast to earn her graduate degree from Harvard University, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to educational leadership, continuous improvement, and service to students, educators, and communities.
Outside of her professional work, Karen enjoys cycling and has participated in numerous fundraising rides supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She loves traveling with her family, planning annual road trips with her two children, and remains a lifelong learner with a passion for reading, exploring new ideas, and helping others grow.
Karen Cosgrove
Karen Cosgrove is an educational leader recognized for developing high-performing special education systems that prioritize compliance, instructional excellence, and meaningful student outcomes. Throughout her career, she has led district-wide initiatives that strengthen special education programming, build leadership capacity, and create sustainable systems supporting students, educators, and families.
Beginning her career as a special education teacher, she built a strong foundation in evidence-based instruction and inclusive practices before advancing into district leadership. As a Pupil Personnel Director, Karen has extensive experience designing district-wide systems that improve efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance educational programming. She has developed comprehensive procedures for IEP development, evaluations, referral processes, procedural safeguards, staff training, and data-driven decision-making that create consistency across schools while improving student outcomes.
Karen has comprehensive experience preparing districts for Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Coordinated Program Reviews, Mid-Cycle Reviews, Tiered Focused Monitoring, and other state monitoring activities. Under her leadership, districts have achieved 100% special education compliance during DESE program reviews while establishing systems that promote continuous improvement, strengthen documentation, and improve service delivery.
Karen is also an engaging presenter who provides professional development for school districts, educational collaboratives, conferences, and professional organizations throughout Massachusetts. She presents on topics including DESE program review preparation, district-wide systems development, legal compliance, IEP quality, inclusive practices, leadership, and building high-functioning educational teams, providing practical strategies that educators can implement immediately.
Beyond her district leadership, Karen serves as President of the Board of Directors for an adult services organization dedicated to promoting independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As the parent of an adult daughter with significant disabilities, she also brings valuable insight into transition planning, family partnerships, and lifelong advocacy. Karen believes exceptional special education programs are built through strong systems, empowered educators, collaborative relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
KC Squared Education Consultants 