It is with deep admiration and sorrow that we mark the passing of Andrew Lachman—former Executive Director of the Connecticut Center for School Change (now Partners for Educational Leadership); a visionary leader whose influence has rippled through classrooms, districts, and communities across Connecticut, New York, and the nation.
Andrew passed away on June 6, 2025, following several years of living with Alzheimer’s. Yet even in the face of this difficult illness, he remained committed to the work he believed in so fiercely. He continued to invest his time, intellect, and resources as a thought partner and supporter of Partners for Educational Leadership, always driven by a deep belief in the power of public schools to foster equity, excellence, and human potential.
Andrew’s leadership helped define a new chapter in the life of the Center. During his tenure, he sharpened the organization’s focus on large-scale systems improvement, with particular emphasis on districts as the unit of change. He recognized that to create a lasting impact, we had to work not only with teachers and schools—but with the ecosystems and leadership structures that surround them. It was under his guidance that LEADCT and Parents SEE were launched, two initiatives that embodied his belief in the power of leadership and family engagement to drive student success.
Steven Hernández, Chair of our Board of Directors, captured Andrew’s legacy beautifully, noting that “Andrew was a visionary whose leadership helped shape not only the foundation of Partners for Educational Leadership (‘The Center!’), but the spirit of public education in Connecticut and beyond. His work and investment touched the lives of students, educators, and families, and it continues to ripple through every initiative we carry forward.”
Andrew was more than an organizational leader—he was a culture builder. He nurtured an environment of high expectations, collaborative inquiry, and reflective practice. He invited people to think big and act with discipline. He modeled intellectual generosity and principled decision-making. And he believed in people—deeply. As a result, many of us who worked with Andrew not only grew professionally, but also came to see more clearly what leadership with heart and intellect can look like.
Robert Villanova, former superintendent, longtime friend, and trusted colleague:
Andrew was a unique and inspirational leader who earned the respect and loyalty of so many educational leaders across the State in his years as Executive Director of the CT Center for School Change. Andrew led from the middle. He didn’t need a spotlight or special recognition. He nurtured and developed my leadership skills, and I know the skills of many of my colleagues in subtle yet powerful ways. His legacy and commitment to creating the conditions for every child to receive a high-quality education now live on through the work of the Partners for Educational Leadership.
Patrice Nelson, long-time member of Partners (CT Center):
I was privileged to work with and learn from Andrew for 14 years. From my very first day, Andrew represented unflagging commitment and determination to improve educational achievement for each and every student and wholeheartedly promoted best strategies and practices to achieve this goal. Every day, as a matter of practice, he listened quietly, shared openly and honestly, maintained an always open door, engaged in and advanced personal and organizational learning, valued and modeled showing up, and attended to details. I carry these as essential commitments in the work I do and how I do it, and I recognize and value their impact on the quality and outcomes of that work. Andrew’s many actions have had significant consequences for which I am personally grateful and forever changed.
Steve Wlodarczyk, former Associate Director at The Center:
Although I had a successful life as an educator and was extremely fortunate to work with many competent and caring individuals, I can honestly say that no one will surpass my relationship with Andrew. When we worked together and shared hotel rooms and lunches, dinners, and car rides I always learned something new. While working with him at the Center, I came to know and love a little man with a big heart. He gave me a lot of leeway in my position and encouraged me to be patient. If there is indeed something like an afterlife, I am confident that Andrew and Richard Elmore at this very moment are debating how to approach solving problems related to instructional effectiveness and the importance of leadership. I remain eternally grateful for his influence and friendship.
Beyond Connecticut, Andrew’s legacy includes contributions to the development of Instructional Rounds, early support for deeper learning networks, and national efforts to strengthen teaching and learning through system-wide improvement strategies. He brought together a rare combination of moral clarity, analytical precision, and human warmth.
At Partners, we continue to be guided by the values Andrew championed: that systems matter, that leadership is teachable, and that public education—when done well and equitably—is one of democracy’s most essential institutions.
As the current Executive Director, I can say with full conviction that Andrew Lachman was one of the most significant mentors and friends I have known. Our relationship spanned decades, and I hold the highest respect for him as a leader—and the deepest love for him as a human being. He was unique. I am blessed to have been touched by his mind and his heart.
At a time when leadership is too often loud and shallow, Andrew reminded us what real depth looks like—he was smart without arrogance, confident without selfishness, inspiring without seeking the spotlight.
We mourn his passing. We honor his legacy. And we commit ourselves to carrying it forward.
Richard Lemons
Executive Director
Partners for Educational Leadership
rlemons@partnersforel.org
Twitter: Richard_Lemons
