For immediate release: April 12, 2018
Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc. elects Bob Cole as chair
Ira Gostin exits
SAN JOSE, Cal. – Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc. Board of Directors has elected Bob Cole as chair. Cole will succeed Ira Gostin, who stepped down in March for personal reasons.
Cole is a retired special education principal who has served on the board since 2011, previously as vice-chair.
“I look forward to serving as chair and will continue to fulfill our mission of empowering students with special needs in Northern California and Nevada,” Cole said. “We not only want to meet our goals for our students and their families this year, we want to exceed them.
Tara Bevington, executive director for Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc, said exiting chair Gostin was an invaluable asset to their board since 2015.
“Ira was responsible for a marketing rebirth and rebrand of our schools,” Bevington said. “He also transformed our board by providing structure and focus with the implementation of committees. We now have a more supportive and engaged board because of his efforts.”
Gostin said his work with the board was both exciting and challenging.
“I was honored to be part of such a wonderful organization,” Gostin said. “I know I’m leaving the board in good hands with Bob.”
Bevington said Cole is coming into his role as chair at an exciting time for their schools.
“We have a ten-year anniversary for Newton Northern Nevada this fall and a 45-year anniversary for Second Start in 2019,” Bevington said. “Bob is the perfect person to lead us into these milestones and beyond.”
About Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc.
Founded in 1974 in San Jose, California, Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc. was founded to offer tutorial and diagnostic clinics to children with severe disabilities, such as autism. The program grew to add multi-disciplinary, academic and therapeutic programs as well as offering services to at-risk children with special needs. Today, Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc. operates four schools in Northern California and Northern Nevada including Pine Hill San Jose, Newton Learning Center San Jose, Pine Hill South Monterey and Newton Learning Center Northern Nevada.
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Photo Cutline: Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc. Board of Directors and staff at a January 2018 retreat. Top row left to right David Millar, Dan Fowler, Russell Lehman, retreat speaker and former Newton employee, Bob Cole and Ira Gostin. Bottom row left to right Andrew Phillips, Tara Bevington, Larry Dailey and Christine Hagie
Media Contacts:
Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, Inc.
Tara Bevington, Executive Director
(408) 979-8210 x. 152
tarab@secondstart.org
Agency:
In Plain Sight Marketing, LLC
Jessica Grundy, Project Manager
(775) 232-8656
jessica@inplainsightllc.com