Dr. Danyelle Williams. Contributed photo.
Milford Public Schools today announced the appointment of Dr. Danyelle Williams as the new principal of The Academy in Milford.
Williams will replace Patricia Drew, who has been serving as the interim administrator at the school for the past year, starting July 1.
Williams has had a 20-year career as a professional educator and administrator in the Norwalk public schools, specifically in the field of special education. She spent the first 13 years of her career as a special education teacher at both Ponus Ridge Middle School and Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. Her work with students focused on reading, comprehension and math. She also served on the district’s assistive technology team and special education committee.
In addition to instruction, Williams served as a case manager for her students, ensuring appropriate services were delivered and student progress continued to build. She provided support to students as they moved from elementary to middle school, as well as those transitioning from middle to high school. She also monitored students who were recommended for out-placement programs, as well as those who were returning from an out-placement appointment.
In 2013 Williams was appointed as the chair of the Special Education Department at Brien McMahon High School. There she led a team of 11 teachers and 10 paraprofessionals in case management and support for students with special needs.
Williams became an administrator position in 2016 in Norwalk’s Specialized Learning and Student Services Department. The role required her to supervise and evaluate the special education programming used throughout the district as well as evaluate special education teachers across six schools. She was additionally responsible for overseeing the district’s middle school behavioral program, working with students with emotional challenges. She also served as a liaison between the Norwalk Public Schools and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, a private learning center located in Darien.
Williams received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1997, with a minor concentration in African American studies. She completed her Master of Science degree in education one year later. She received her PhD in educational leadership from Bernelli University in Alexandria, Virginia in 2006, followed by the completion of her 092 certificate in educational administration from Southern Connecticut State University in 2012. She is also a member of the Fairfield County Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
“I believe the three most important characteristics that any administrator can have are strong communication skills, setting high expectations for all and having a strong level of compassion,” Williams said of her appointment. “I am ready to share my skills in these areas with my new school family and can’t wait to get started.”
“Dr. Williams comes to us with a passionate heart for co-creating an environment where relationships are prioritized in service to ensuring all students are provided every opportunity to reach their goals,” said Dr. Anna Cutaia, Milford’s superintendent. “I look forward to welcoming Dr. Williams to our school community.”