From our very first days to the present moment, every achievement has been built on a foundation of collaboration, unity, and teamwork. Our progress is the result of dedicated educators, passionate families, and vibrant communities working hand-in-hand to build a brighter future for every student.
As you explore our shared history, you will see how every milestone answers our anniversary's question:
How did we get here? Together.
Browse the CREC timeline to see all the amazing milestones, breakthroughs, and memories that have shaped our community over the last six decades.
1966
As part of his doctoral studies, John Allison launches METRO (Metropolitan Effort Toward Regional Opportunity) using a federal grant through the Wethersfield Board of Education
1966
METRO is soon folded into CREC, a nonprofit created by area boards of education
1966
CREC holds its first meeting
1966
Project Concern (now the Open Choice Program) is established
1966
The Hearing Impaired Program (now CREC Soundbridge) begins
1969
John Allison becomes CREC’s first Executive Director
1971
CREC opens the Shanti School, a regional alternative high school located at Union Station in Hartford (operated until 1980)
1974
CREC’s Community Education Division is created, originally called the Connecticut Adult Basic Education Staff Development Project
1976
CREC starts the Center for Creative Youth, which grew to serve more than 120 children at Wesleyan University
1977
CREC opens the Polaris Center in East Hartford—a small, supportive school community to meet the educational and clinical needs of special education students referred by their home districts
The evolution of the Polaris logo
1982
The Technical Assistance and Brokering Services Division is created, strengthening CREC’s role as a statewide education partner
1985
CREC opens its first magnet school, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, marking a major expansion into innovative, choice-based education
1988
Launched EQUAL, a summer program that laid the foundation for CREC’s magnet schools
1990
CREC’s Central Offices move to the LP Wilson Center in Windsor
1990
River Street School moves into its permanent home, a state-of-the-art facility at 601 River Street in Windsor
1990
CREC awards its first-ever Teacher of the Year Award to Ann Percival, Teacher of the Deaf at CREC Soundbridge
1991
The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts moves to Hartford’s Learning Corridor to accommodate the quickly growing program
1993
CREC brings the world-renowned Reading Recovery program to Connecticut to improve literacy in young children and provide training for teachers, teacher leaders, and parents in a supportive environment
1995
Central Offices move to the current headquarters at 111 Charter Oak Ave
1997
State lawmakers pass legislation in response to the Sheff v. O’Neill decision; CREC works with the state to implement the voluntary integration system and to support desegregation efforts
1997
CREC.org goes live on the World Wide Web
1999
Marcia Yulo becomes CREC’s second Executive Director
2001
Bruce Douglas becomes CREC’s third Executive Director
2002
CREC’s Teaching and Learning Division is created, providing curriculum coaching, implementation, and professional learning to the region
2005
The CREC Foundation is established to support programs and innovation
2008
CREC opens four new magnet schools. In the years that follow, CREC opens eight additional schools to help the state meet the requirements of the Sheff v. O’Neill Settlement Agreement.
2009
CREC’s Construction Division is created
2012
CREC establishes an interscholastic athletics program by offering middle school track; the program has grown to include many middle and high school sports teams
2013
CREC opens the CREC Family Resource Center at the Wilson-Gray YMCA in Hartford
2014
CREC employs more than 2,000 employees
2015
CREC’s budget grows from federal funds in its early years to more than $474.5 million
2016
Greg Florio becomes the fourth Executive Director
2017
Launched Hurricane Maria relief center in Hartford
2018
Launched the CREC Resource Group, centralizing educational services and professional learning
2019
Piloted the Teacher Residency Program within CREC Magnet Schools
2021
Established Employee Network Groups to foster a more inclusive workplace climate
2025
Celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Back to School Block Party, serving 1,200+ students annually
2026
Desi Nesmith becomes the fifth Executive Director
2026
CREC manages 45+ facilities and 2,600+ staff, serving 12,000 students with 12 million miles of annual transport
Contact
CREC Central
111 Charter Oak Ave
Hartford, CT 06106
860-247-CREC
©2026 Capitol Region Education Council