Press Releases

ECA Principal Appointed

June 11th, 2025

(Hamden, CT – June 9, 2025) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is excited to announce the appointment of Stefanie M. Savo as the new Principal of the Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) in New Haven. A dynamic educational leader and lifelong arts advocate, Savo brings over 15 years of administrative experience and a deep personal connection to the arts and ACES ECA’s mission.

Located in the heart of New Haven’s Audubon Arts District, ACES ECA is a public half-day magnet high school offering immersive education in music, dance, theater, creative writing, and visual arts. As Principal, Savo will lead the school’s efforts in nurturing creativity, promoting academic excellence, and championing diversity and equity for all students.

Savo’s career spans roles as Director of Special Services and Assistant Director in Ansonia Public Schools, where she implemented inclusive practices, restructured special education programs, and drove districtwide professional development initiatives. Her leadership resulted in improved outcomes for students with diverse learning needs and stronger partnerships with families and community organizations.

Beyond her administrative accomplishments, Savo’s artistic roots run deep. A trained dancer since the age of two, she has taught and mentored young artists for over two decades at Dance Unlimited in Hamden, where she also serves as STAR Leadership Director. Her passion for the arts has shaped her educational philosophy, one that values creativity, self-expression, and holistic student growth.

"Stefanie Savo embodies the spirit and vision of ECA,” said Thomas Danehy, ACES Executive Director. "Her commitment to equity, artistic excellence, and educational innovation makes her the ideal leader to guide ECA into its next chapter."

Savo holds multiple certifications including her Intermediate Administration and Supervision (092) and is expected to earn her Superintendent of Schools (093) certification in 2025. She earned her Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Saint Joseph, and a Bachelor’s in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

“I am honored and excited to return to the arts community that shaped who I am,” said Savo. “ECA’s mission resonates deeply with my personal journey and professional values. I look forward to collaborating with students, families, staff, and community partners to ensure every student thrives in an environment that honors their voice and creativity.”
ACES and the ECA community welcome Stefanie Savo with great enthusiasm and look forward to the energy, dedication, and vision she brings to this pivotal role.

To learn more about ACES ECA click here.

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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 schools, 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 twenty-three and older. For more information, go to www.aces.org.