News / Press

For Immediate Release October 10, 2026

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaliyah Thomas, M.Ed., M.A., as Assistant Principal of ACES Chase Academy, effective August 14, 2026. Thomas brings more than 15 years of experience in education to her new role, with a strong background in instructional leadership, teacher development, curriculum design, and data-informed school improvement.

Thomas most recently served as an Assistant Principal with the School District of Philadelphia, where she led school-wide instructional initiatives through classroom observations, teacher coaching, professional learning communities, and data-informed interventions. She also managed Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and School Improvement Planning, using data trends to implement targeted interventions and support student achievement.

“We are excited to welcome Aaliyah to the ACES Chase Academy leadership team,” said Dr. Frank LaBanca, Principal of ACES Chase Academy. “Her experience in instructional leadership, teacher development, and data-informed decision-making aligns well with the work taking place at ACES Chase Academy. Her ability to support educators while keeping student achievement at the center of the work will be a tremendous asset to our students, staff, and families as our school continues to grow.”

Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal, Thomas served as a school-based teacher leader, curriculum and content writer, instructional coach, and literacy teacher. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the Community College of Philadelphia since 2018. Her experience includes developing standards-aligned curricula and performance-based assessments, leading professional learning, analyzing student data, and coaching educators to strengthen classroom instruction.

“Aaliyah brings valuable experience as both an educator and instructional leader, along with a clear commitment to helping students and educators succeed,” said Dr. William A. Rice, Executive Director of ACES. “Her collaborative approach and focus on continuous improvement will serve ACES Chase Academy well as the school enters this next chapter of growth. We are pleased to welcome Aaliyah to ACES and look forward to the contributions she will make to the school community.”

Thomas holds a Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy from Temple University, a Master of Education in Secondary English from Arcadia University, a Master of Arts in Writing Studies from St. Joseph’s University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Liberal Arts from Lincoln University. She also holds a Connecticut Initial Educator Certificate in Intermediate Administration and Supervision (092) and a Connecticut Professional Educator Certificate in English, Grades 4–12 (015).

In her role as Assistant Principal, Thomas works alongside Dr. LaBanca and the ACES Chase Academy leadership team to support instructional excellence, professional learning, student achievement, and a positive school climate. She helps lead data-informed school improvement efforts, supports student and staff success, and fosters strong relationships with students, families, and educators. Thomas also plays an important role as ACES Chase Academy continues its growth, with the addition of grade 12 planned for the 2027–28 school year.

ACES Chase Academy, located in Waterbury, Connecticut, is a nationally recognized interdistrict magnet school with a strong STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) mission. Now serving students in grades 6–11, ACES Chase Academy will expand to include grade 12 for the 2027–28 school year. The school provides a student-centered learning environment focused on meaningful learning experiences, academic growth, and preparing students for continued success.

ACES congratulates Aaliyah Thomas on her appointment and welcomes her to the ACES Chase Academy community.