Wu, Kotlarek Join Chelsea School District Staff

Two new faces will greet students at North Lake Elementary School in Chelsea for the 2012 academic year.

The Chelsea Board of Education unanimously approved a recommendation by Superintendent Andy Ingall to hire Charlotte Yu and Catherine Kotlarek at its meeting on Monday.

Yu was hired as an elementary social worker and Kotlarek as an elementary instructional specialist.

Yu received both her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan in 1992, and her Bachelors degree in Social Work in 1983. She previously served as a high school social worker at Forest School, Washtenaw County’s day treatment program, for 19 years.

"She comes highly recommended by everyone with whom we spoke, including many of our current staff, who have worked with Charlotte when transitioning students to Forest," Ingall said. "Charlotte will certainly be an asset to the Chelsea School District."

Kotlarek received her bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2001 and her master's degree in 2008. She previously served as an elementary teacher at Commonwealth Community Development Academy in Detroit, and most recently as a instructional coach for the Allen Academy.

"Catherine's experience as an instructional coach and knowledge of elementary curriculum and instruction make her an excellent choice for this position," Ingall said.

He said the new hires as well as a third person from within the district will begin their new jobs on or about Dec. 10.