Hamden Principal Appointed Assistant Superintendent At ACES

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden Middle School Principal Michelle Coogan has been appointed as the new assistant superintendent of schools and programs at Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES), the agency announced Wednesday.

The appointment is effective July 1.

“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,” according to a news release from ACES.

Coogan currently serves as principal of Hamden Middle School, where she has led a school community of more than 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,” according to the news release.

Coogan previously served as principal of West Woods School, where she was instrumental in achieving “School of Distinction” recognition.

Earlier in her career, 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,” the news release states.

“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, Coogan will “lead curriculum development and instructional alignment across ACES’ diverse educational settings, including special education, magnet, and alternative schools,” according to the news release. “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.”

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.

Coogan’s appointment comes at a “pivotal time for ACES as the agency continues to expand regional services and launch new educational initiatives,” the news release states. “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,” Coogan said. “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.”