A leader in implementing student focused curriculum and experienced in working with students of vast and varying needs, Elizabeth Santer is named the new Director of Special Services at Northville Public Schools. The Board of Education unanimously approved Mrs. Santer’s appointment at its June 18, 2019 meeting. She succeeds Nadine Harris who will retire at the end of June after 6 years with Northville Public Schools and 38 years in education.
As Director of Special Services for Northville Public Schools, Santer will be responsible for the school district’s preschool and K-12 special education programs, working in partnership with the district’s special education supervisors, teachers, learning consultants, building principals and the Office of Instructional Services. She will also oversee the district’s special education center program at Cooke School, serving students from ages 2 ½ through 26 who have significant cognitive, emotional and/or multiple impairments from across Western Wayne County. The special education center program is funded by the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency and operated by Northville Public Schools.
Elizabeth Santer comes to Northville Public Schools from Livonia Public Schools where she held a 27 year career as a Student Services Coordinator, Program Specialist for Moderately Cognitively Impaired and Autism Spectrum Disorder programs, Assistant Principal of Emerson Middle School and a Speech Pathologist. As the Student Services Coordinator, Santer oversaw three middle school and three high school resource rooms in a district with over 14,200 students. She is an innovator in creating unique learning opportunities at the secondary and post secondary levels as she has partnered with several businesses to provide students with workforce experience. Santer also dedicated her time implementing Essential Elements, an adaptive curriculum aligned with common core standards, at Livonia Public Schools and as a lead committee member at the Wayne County RESA. Santer served on several county committees and provided professional development for K-12 center programs and paraprofessionals.
“Beth brings depth of knowledge and experience, along with a commitment to partnering with students, families, staff and community to foster authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for all students,” said Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher. “We look forward to welcoming Beth to our Northville team, as we continue our journey to open a World of Possibilities for and with each of our students.”
“I am excited to serve the students and families of the Northville Schools community and to move the district forward in continuing Northville Public Schools’ tradition of excellence,” said Elizabeth Santer. “I am honored to maintain the legacy and leadership set forth by Nadine Harris.”