BREAKING: Merrimack Education Center Director Terminated

Westford Patch has just learned that Merrimack Education Center director John Barranco has been terminated from his position.

Barranco was put on unpaid adminstrative leave in June from the non-profit group following allegations of misappropriating up to $10 million from the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative, which serves Westford and other towns in the Merrimack Valley and is paid for through taxpayer money.

Interim director Antony Walker, who was hired earlier last month, will now become the permanent replacement for Barranco.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Antony’s financial and managerial expertise available,” said MEC Board chairman Gary Garmon.  “Antony brings over 20 years of experience in financial, turnaround and crisis management to MEC. MEC’s goal, above all, is to maintain all of its superior services and assistance to the programs of its clients and the children they serve.”