New Canaan Public Schools Appoints New District Special Education Administrator

NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan Public Schools announced Friday the appointment of Elizabeth Hannaway as administrator of special education for Saxe Intermediate and Middle Schools.

She is scheduled to begin the position July 1, according to the district.

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According to a news release provided by NCPS, Hannaway will oversee special education programming at the intermediate and middle school levels, using her experience to advance best practices and program development for students in grades 5-8.

"Our special education program plays a vital role in ensuring every student is supported, appropriately challenged, and positioned for success," Superintendent of Schools Bryan Luizzi said in a news release. "Elizabeth's experience, collaborative leadership and focus on student-centered practices will further enhance our work and foster the strong partnerships we value with our families, faculty and staff. We are excited to welcome her to New Canaan and are confident that her leadership will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our school community."

Prior to joining NCPS, Hannaway served as Ridgefield Public School's assistant superintendent of special services since 2018, leading all district special education and personnel services, according to the district.

Before that, she served as assistant director of special education for Shelton Public Schools, where she designed and implemented the district's PreK-12 special education programming, including intervention methodology, school safety planning and best practice guidelines for inclusive instruction for students, according to the district.

Hannaway also worked at Darien Public Schools, where she served as the assistant director of special education, K-5, district program integration coordinator and as a special education teacher, according to the district.

Hannaway holds a doctorate of education in executive leadership from St. John Fisher College, a master of science in educational leadership from The College of New Rochelle, a master of science in teaching with a major in childhood education from Fordham University and a bachelor of arts in English from Gettysburg College, the release notes.

"Special thanks to our interview committee for organizing and running such a thoughtful and successful process," Luizzi said. "Our interview committee consisted of faculty representation from all five schools, our Board of Education, parents, the NCEA, building administrators, and district administrators, and I want to personally thank each of them for sharing their time and expertise with us, and for helping us identify and hire an outstanding professional in Dr. Hannaway. I'm excited for her to join our team in the months ahead!"