Central High School's
School Governance Council
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Teachers
Carmen Marietta-Francisco
Chairperson
I have been a teacher at Central High School since 2002. I have taught English 9-12 and am currently teaching AP Literature and Composition/ UB ECE ENGL 102 Introduction to Literature and AP Capstone Seminar. I have also taught AP Language and Composition and AP Capstone Research at Central High School. I have served as the SGC Chairperson in the past and am happy to have been elected to the current position. I am also involved in Central High School’s extra-curricular club HOSA: Health Occupations Students of America / Future Health Professionals as the advisor and have served as the advisor of the program for 5 years.
It is my goal to serve the Central community as the SGC Chair for through 2022-23 school year and to work with faculty, students, parents, community members, and administration to help reach our goals for academic achievement as we pursue our Vision of the Graduate to develop students who are effective collaborators, communicators, critical and innovative thinkers, and culturally competent citizens.
Eric'Ka Lalanne
Secretary
My name is Eric'ka Lalanne and this is my 2nd year as a School Counselor. I am a product of Bridgeport Public Schools and am a graduate of Central High School (once a Hilltopper, always a Hilltopper!). I truly enjoy working and cultivating relationships with students in order to help them reach their maximum potential.
I am honored to serve as secretary for the Student Governance Council, and am looking forward to collaborating with everyone on strategies to improve student achievement and maintain student success.
Erin Reed
Vice Chairperson
Erin is in her eighth year teaching at Central High School. She began her teaching career here in 2014. Erin currently teaches in the Magnet program, teaching both UB ECE ENG 102: Intro. to Literature and UConn ECE ENGL 1011: Seminar in Writing through Literature in the fall semester. She also teaches Magnet English 10 during the Spring semester.
Erin has been a faculty advisor of many clubs and organizations at CHS, from The Criterion newspaper to the CHS Debate Team. She also has worked for the Friday Night Live Program at Central. Additionally, she works with the NEASC Chairpersons and the Guidance Department on various projects. She enjoys helping out her colleagues in any way she can.
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Erin wants to serve on the SGC at Central to bring awareness of current issues to the community at large. She hopes that by giving a voice to students, staff, and community members, she can effect positive change within the Central High School environment.
Dianne Nolan
Teacher
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Dianne is in her seventh year of teaching Physical Education at Central.
Ms. Nolan is one of the site coordinators for the Tue/Thu/Fri after school program, and the moderator for the Pnk Punk Dace Club. Dianne also serves on the SEL School Team and is a one of the union building delegates.
Dianne is pleased to serve on the governance council, working with a dedicated community group, on behalf of the entire the Hilltoppers Family.
Together Everyone Achieves More and our Team is working hard continuing to be a positive force for our School Community.
Aaron Newcome
Students
Thalia Gonzalez
Bio to come.
Ailani Aybar
Bio to come.
Parents and Community Members
Eva Canales - PTSO President
Julianna Aybar - PTSO Vice President
Veronica Kildare - PTSO Secretary
Jane Norgren - Community Member at Large
Sylma Vasconcellos - CHS Parent
Laura Funez - CHS Parent
Margaret Hiller
Community Member
Ms. Hiller was the Executive Director of the Bridgeport public Education Fund, Inc. (BPEF) from 1984 until her retirement in 2018. The BPEF is a local education fund that develops programs and mobilizes the community for quality public education in Bridgeport.
Under the leadership, and in partnership with a committed Board of Directors, Ms. Hiller led the organization in developing a college access program that was the first in the country to pair college students with high school students as mentors, and the first to develop a program that not only helps students enter college but provides support while matriculating ensuring a successful college graduation. Under the leadership of Ms. Hiller the BPEF has been nationally recognized for their groundbreaking work in community engagement by Public Agenda, The Graustein Memorial Foundation and The Kettering Foundation. The model developed by BPEF has been used throughout the city and state in over 300 public engagements.
Ms. Hiller serves on the Board of Directors of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, The Bridgeport Field of Dreams Foundation, The Burroughs Home Trust, The Burroughs Community Center, The Fitch Foundation, The Barden Corporation Scholarship Board, The School Governance Council for Central High School, and the Parent Leadership Training Institute. Ms. Hiller was a past president of the Center for Family Justice and is currently a co-chair of The Faces of Hope.
Awards Ms. Hiller has been honored with include:
Connecticut Education Association - Thomas P. Mondani Friend of Education
The International Reading Association and the Connecticut Reading Association - Literacy Award
RYASAP - Above and Beyond Award
Housatonic Girl Scout Council - The Women of Distinction Award
Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition - The Jan Park Civic Leadership Award
Bridgeport Regional Business Council – Regional Impact Educator Award
The Connecticut Post – Woman of Substance Award
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County – Community Engagement Award
CT Yankee Boy Scouts of America Council – Good Scout Award