Students returning to McKay Campus School and Fitchburg Arts Academy in September will find a new principal already on the job.
Daniel J. Hanneken of Clinton, who will also serve as associate dean of education, is set to assume his new duties on July 1.
“I am thrilled to welcome an educator with Daniel Hanneken’s energy and experience to lead the McKay Campus School and Fitchburg Arts Academy,” Fitchburg State University President Robert V. Antonucci said in announcing the appointment. “This will be a transformative time for the schools and I look forward to their continued strong partnership with the Fitchburg State University campus.”
McKay, the teacher-education center at FSU, serves about 450 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 4. The Fitchburg Arts Academy, a pilot middle school also housed in McKay, serves about 230 students in grades 5 through 8.
Until now, each school has operated with its own administration, though the institutions have co-existed at 67 Rindge Road. Hanneken will be the first principal to oversee both institutions.
Hanneken comes to Fitchburg with experience serving urban school districts; according to his resume, he has experience as a principal, assistant principal and teacher in places including Marlboro, Lawrence, Chelsea, and Danvers.
Before entering academia, Hanneken served in the U.S. Air Force.
He earned his master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma in 2001.