Ashland Public Schools (APS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashland resident Ron Dowd, CAA, as the district’s new Assistant Director of Athletics, effective Aug. 18, 2026.

The Assistant Director of Athletics is a newly created position designed to support the district’s expanding responsibilities for athletic facilities, field scheduling, maintenance, rentals, and athletic operations. Effective July 1, APS assumed responsibility from the Town of Ashland’s Department of Public Works for the booking, maintenance, and management of school fields.

The new position is being funded entirely through revenues generated from field and building rentals and will not impact the district’s operating budget.

“I would like to welcome Ron to this new role with Ashland Public Schools,” said Superintendent Jim Adams. “As APS takes on responsibility for booking, maintaining, and managing our school fields, we recognized the need for additional capacity and expertise. Ron brings a unique combination of knowledge in educational athletics, athletic administration, scheduling, and field and facility management. As an Ashland resident who also has professional experience within our schools, Ron understands our community and will be an excellent addition to our athletics team.”

Dowd brings extensive experience in interscholastic athletics and athletic administration. A Certified Athletic Administrator, he served for a decade as Athletic Director for Walpole Public Schools, where he oversaw a 30-team athletic program, managed budgets and operational logistics, supervised more than 70 coaches annually, and worked on major athletic facility projects. His responsibilities also included game and field scheduling, transportation, staffing, equipment and inventory, and field management.

Dowd also brings significant experience collaborating with municipal departments and community organizations on field use and scheduling. While in Walpole, he worked with the Department of Public Works, Recreation Department, and youth organizations on field scheduling—experience that directly complements APS's new responsibilities.

His career includes extensive coaching and tournament management experience. Dowd served as an MIAA Tournament Director from 2019 to 2025 and has held leadership roles within the Bay State Conference. He also previously coached football, hockey, and baseball in Ashland Public Schools.

Dowd's approach to athletics emphasizes the connection between education and interscholastic sports and the importance of creating programs centered on student development, inclusion, sportsmanship, and school community.

Mr. Dowd will begin his new role on Aug. 18. Ashland Public Schools welcomes Ron to the position and looks forward to his leadership and experience supporting APS athletics, facilities, and the broader Ashland community.

Ashland Public Schools remains committed to fostering a collaborative school community focused on academic excellence, equity, and student well-being.