PEOPLE

Executive Director

Andrew Lachman became the Center's Executive Director in September 2000, after serving for 13 years as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Community School District Two in New York City. At District Two, Mr. Lachman served as one of the senior advisors on policy and program development and as director of external affairs. He played a key role in the district's implementation of standards-based education reform and assisted the superintendent in developing and managing innovative educational programs, professional development initiatives for improving teaching and learning, and strategies for enhancing school leadership. He has more than 25 years of experience as a program developer, fundraiser and administrator in non-profit and government agencies. Mr. Lachman has overall responsibility for the Center and its operations and programs.

The Center’s Staff

Steve Wlodarczyk, Education Program Officer

Steve Wlodarczyk comes to the Center after working for the South Windsor Public Schools as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction since 1985. Prior to moving to Connecticut, Dr. Wlodarczyk worked in District U46 Elgin, Illinois. There he was an elementary principal, director of the district’s gifted program, coordinator of professional learning and principal of an alternative high school. He also managed a district teacher/parent resource center. In addition, he has had preschool experience as director of Head Start and higher education experience as an associate professor. Steve was a founding member of the National Staff Development Council, served as its first president and on its board of trustees. He received a lifetime membership from NSDC for outstanding service. In 2003, he was recognized as Connecticut’s Educational Leader of the Year by the State Board of Education and the Connecticut Association for Supervision of Curriculum and Development. As education program officer, Steve will be working directly with selected school districts partnering with the Center on Systemic Instructional Improvement Programs. He will also be the point person for the Superintendents’ Network.

Patrice Nelson, Program Coordinator

Patrice Nelson joined the Center in September, 2003. Most recently, Ms. Nelson served as a facilitator to nine Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools throughout the state. She also worked half-time for the Suffield School district as a district-wide coordinator. Previously, she served as facilitator for the Understanding by Design curriculum for the Capitol Region Education Council. She began her teaching career in the Albuquerque public schools and worked for several school districts in Connecticut. Ms. Nelson provides technical assistance and coaching to districts receiving systemic instructional improvement grants.

Roberta Kurlantzick, Program Coordinator

Roberta Kurlantzick comes to the Center with over thirty years experience in school leadership and school improvement. Prior to joining the Center’s staff, she served as principal of two schools in Farmington. During her tenure there, she was selected as a Connecticut National Distinguished Principal. Since her retirement in June, Roberta has been consulting with school districts and the State Department of Education on aspects of school improvement. As program coordinator, Roberta will be working directly with school districts that are partnering with the Center on Systemic Instructional Improvement Programs.

Jack Botelho, Administrative Manager

John “Jack” Botelho is responsible for office operations. Mr. Botelho spent 13 years working for United Technologies Corporation where he served as volunteer coordinator, advance person for the CEO, and permanent administrative support substitute. He was responsible for overseeing production of communication and media projects and for coordinating dinners, events and meetings. Mr. Botelho provides assistance to the program staff and oversees all administrative functions connected to the work.

Board of Directors

Mally Cox-Chapman, Principal, Benefactory

Rev. Bonita Grubbs, Executive Director, Christian Community Action

John Rathgeber, President and CEO, CT Business and Industry Association

John Madigan, Executive Talent Search HR

James P. Horan, Executive Director, Connecticut Association for Human Services

David M. Nee, Executive Director, William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund

Mary Grace Reed, Project Management Consultant, Mary Grace Reed, LLC

Richard Sugarman, Founding President, The Connecticut Forum

Sandra Wood, Philanthropic Consultant

John Motley, Partner, MotleyBeup

Sheila Perrin, Perrin Family Foundation