Press Releases

Michelle Coogan Appointed Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Programs

June 9th, 2025

(Hamden, CT – June 2, 2025) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) proudly announces the appointment of Michelle Coogan as the new Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Programs, effective July 1, 2025. A respected and visionary educator, Ms. Coogan brings more than 25 years of distinguished leadership experience in public education, including a prior tenure at ACES, making her return both a homecoming and a strategic step forward for the agency’s future.

Ms. Coogan currently serves as Principal of Hamden Middle School, where she has led a school community of over 850 students for the past seven years. Her tenure has been marked by school improvement initiatives, curriculum advancement, and the cultivation of a positive school climate through SEL and PBIS frameworks. Prior to this role, she served as Principal of West Woods School, where she was instrumental in achieving “School of Distinction” recognition. Earlier in her career, Ms. Coogan held multiple leadership roles at ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, including Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and ultimately Principal, shaping her deep understanding of ACES’ mission and values.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Coogan back to ACES,” said Dr. Thomas Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “Her demonstrated leadership in curriculum development, her passion for innovative teaching practices, and her unwavering commitment to student achievement align perfectly with our vision for the future. Her recent work with the Commissioner’s Network will be instrumental as we strive to accelerate academic growth across all ACES schools and programs.”

In her new role, Ms. Coogan will lead curriculum development and instructional alignment across ACES’ diverse educational settings, including special education, magnet, and alternative schools. Her portfolio will include program oversight, regional partnerships, strategic innovation, and the advancement of equity-centered academic planning. This aligns directly with the agency’s mission to serve as a leading educational service center through transformative programs and services.

Ms. Coogan holds a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Science in Education from the University of New Haven, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey. She also holds a Connecticut Intermediate Administration and Supervision (092) certification, bringing the leadership credentials required for central office excellence.

Michelle’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for ACES as the agency continues to expand regional services and launch new educational initiatives. Her comprehensive background in systemic planning, curriculum assessment, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement uniquely equips her to help guide the next chapter of growth for ACES.

“I am honored to return to ACES and to have the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team of educators and leaders,” said Coogan. “This agency shaped my professional journey, and I look forward to contributing to its continued impact in the region by supporting schools, empowering staff, and ensuring exceptional outcomes for all students.”

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven County. Established in 1969, ACES strives each day to fulfill its vision of creating an equitable and socially just world, one life at a time. ACES serves its members districts and others through an ever-growing array of programs, services, and schools that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. As a school district, ACES operates three magnet, seven special education schools, and five alternative education programs. ACES services range from transportation, professional development, school improvement services, technology, translation, international, security, and occupational and physical therapy. ACES operates the Open and Magnet School Parent Choice programs for New Haven County. Its programs include a federally funded Early Head Start Program and ACES ACCESS, a vocational and life skills program for developmentally and physically disabled adults ages 23 and older. For more information, go to www.aces.org.