New Canaan Public Schools' Finance Director Announces Retirement

NEW CANAAN, CT — Dr. Jo-Ann Keating, New Canaan Public Schools' director of finance and operations, will retire at the end of June after over 30 years in public service, Superintendent Dr. Bryan Luizzi announced today.

Keating will officially retire on June 30, but she's offered to help out beyond that date to aid the human resources department through the transition.

She has worked for New Canaan Public Schools for seven years, Luizzi said in a news release. As director of finance and operations, she led the school system's finance, facilities, transportation, technology, and food services departments.

Luizzi credits Keating with helping lead several projects, including the Saxe Middle School auditorium renovation, the district's switch to green energy and roofing projects.

Read more: Renovations To New Canaan's Saxe Middle School Garner Praise: Report

She also implemented financial controls that reduced waste, helped the district implement new start times in the fall, and improved the school system's food services program, Luizzi said.

"Jo-Ann has done an extraordinary job, and it has been a privilege to be her colleague and friend," Luizzi said. "Her many and varied contributions have had a positive impact on our schools, and her legacy will reverberate district-wide for years to come."

Keating was hired in 2015 after working in similar roles in the Weston, Ridgefield, Wolcott and Naugatuck public schools systems.

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She holds a doctorate degree focused on educational leadership and has financial experience, as well — she served as the town of Naugatuck's chief financial officer and was a financial analyst and accounting supervisor for Timex Corporation.

"I have been blessed to end my 30+ year career in public service with the New Canaan Public Schools. These past seven years have been the most meaningful and satisfying of my career," Keating wrote in her letter of resignation. "I would like to sincerely thank our students, staff, parents, and the New Canaan Community for the opportunity to support and serve them."